Stress from our work and our personal lives is inevitable, and without the tools, living aids and techniques needed to reduce mental stress, it can manifest as pain in our bodies, especially back pain. While we often associate stress with mental and emotional strain, its effects on the body can be profound and often go unacknowledged.
One of the commonly overlooked consequences of stress is its potential to cause or exacerbate back pain. Stress can cause pain in other areas of the body, including headaches and muscle pain in the arms and legs. By addressing our stress, we can reduce pain across our bodies as well as our minds. Can stress cause back pain? Absolutely, and until the stress is addressed it will continue and get worse.
Stress affects our body in numerous ways, and the spine is no exception. When we experience stress, our body’s natural response can lead to tension in the muscles, particularly those surrounding the spine and the shoulders. Have you ever heard the expression “they are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders”? There is a lot of truth to this statement. When we carry stress, its weight can compress us – literally. This tension can manifest as pain in various regions of the back, from the neck to the lower back, and even to the hips and pelvis.
From the tip of the spine to the base of the back, stress can take a toll on all our back muscles and joints. The higher the level of physiological stress you are experiencing, the worse the pain can be. Here are some of the principal areas of the back people feel pain related to stress.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, stress may be causing them. Many stress-related pains can start small and are barely noticeable, but if the causes of the stress go unaddressed these symptoms will worsen and develop into larger and more debilitating back pain.
While stress is a significant contributor to back pain, other factors like obesity, poor workstation ergonomics and lack of exercise can also play a role. Lumbar support cushions can help you feel more comfortable when sitting for long periods and reduce or alleviate back pain. It is essential to consider all aspects of your health and seek professional advice if unsure about the root cause of the pain.
There are some simple techniques that anyone can use to alleviate their stress levels to relieve their back pain. Not only can these activities reduce stress levels, but they can also stretch and exercise the back muscles to offer relief to back pains while also addressing the causes of stress. They offer both psychological and physical relief.
Useful techniques to manage stress induced back pain include:
While stress is an inevitable part of life, understanding its connection to back pain and adopting strategies to manage it can lead to a healthier, pain free existence. Many of our tools and living aids can not only help people reduce back pain while remaining active, but also give them the short term pain relief they need so they can address the long term causes of their stress.
By signing up you consent to us using your email address in accordance with our privacy policy.