Stress isn’t something
you simply feel emotionally. Stress has definitive physical manifestations as
well. Back pain and neck pain, in
particular, are both associated with stress. Why does stress lead to an aching
back and stiff neck? Doctors aren’t sure about the precise reasons why stress
causes physical symptoms, but there some clues to help explain the
relationship. Consider these links between stress and back pain:
Muscle Tension
When you’re stressed, you have a tendency to tense your muscles. You may not even realize that you’re doing it, but chances are that if you’re coping with stress, you’re squeezing your muscles. Your back muscles and neck muscles tend to take the brunt of most of this tension. When you tighten your muscles and hold them that way for an extended period, carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other muscle waste chemicals build up, causing inflammation and pain. The tension also increases your nerve activity, which makes your back muscles more sensitive.
When you’re stressed, you have a tendency to tense your muscles. You may not even realize that you’re doing it, but chances are that if you’re coping with stress, you’re squeezing your muscles. Your back muscles and neck muscles tend to take the brunt of most of this tension. When you tighten your muscles and hold them that way for an extended period, carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other muscle waste chemicals build up, causing inflammation and pain. The tension also increases your nerve activity, which makes your back muscles more sensitive.
Brain Reaction
Your brain also plays a significant role in neck and back pain you feel when you’re stressed. Under normal conditions, your brain’s pain receptors release chemicals to control pain sensations. When you’re feeling stressed, your brain can increase certain neuro-chemicals that can activate pain-processing pathways that make pain perception more intense.
Your brain also plays a significant role in neck and back pain you feel when you’re stressed. Under normal conditions, your brain’s pain receptors release chemicals to control pain sensations. When you’re feeling stressed, your brain can increase certain neuro-chemicals that can activate pain-processing pathways that make pain perception more intense.
Treatment Options
Stress-coping mechanisms and reducing stress in your life can help you cope with stress-induced back pain. However, these techniques may not be enough to alleviate your pain. A spine specialist, such as a physician who specializes in back and neck pain, can offer treatments to help you manage or eliminate your pain.
Stress-coping mechanisms and reducing stress in your life can help you cope with stress-induced back pain. However, these techniques may not be enough to alleviate your pain. A spine specialist, such as a physician who specializes in back and neck pain, can offer treatments to help you manage or eliminate your pain.
At SpineOne, our back specialists
can help you overcome stress-related back and neck pain, as well as a number of
other spinal issues. We offer minimally invasive treatments with quick recovery
times and fast results. Call us today at 303.800.5611 or visit www.spineone.com and let us help you get
past your back pain.
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