How to Relieve Neck Pain Caused by Stress
Lacey Psychosocial Factors That Cause Neck Pain
Stress. Anxiety. Low moral support. All of these and other psychosocial factors have been linked as potential causes of neck pain. When tension and stress build in the neck, muscles may feel tight or ache. Neck pain may also spread to the shoulder or be accompanied by a headache.
The Science & Research Linking Stress To Pain
Physiological and psychological studies have been proposed to link stress and musculoskeletal pain, and a number of stress biomarkers in patients with chronic pain have shown to be associated with stress-related disorders. The study also challenged if similar results might be found in a working population, in stress and computer-intensive occupations with a noticeable pain in neck, shoulder, and back.
Stress has been shown to be associated with chronic pain. Now, researchers are interested in how it may affect people who work frequently on their computers or engage in other tasks that require high levels of stress for long periods throughout the day – might these findings also hold true when looking at workplace employees?
The study finds that individuals in sedentary working life with a high level of regenerative or anabolic activity have less pain than others tested and that decreased regenerative or anabolic activity is associated with increased pain. This means your body can endure stress in moderation without it getting to chronic pain levels. The study also includes many factors like age, health, bio-markers, and work habits that all contribute to the study with a common contributor that directly influenced pain receptors to fire.
Now how do we undo the stress causing pain from everyday work life?
Stress Management Techniques
There are many different techniques that can be helpful in managing stress. Two popular options are yoga and meditation. Consider taking a yoga class at your local gym or community center, or download a meditation app on your phone. Another option is to journal about your stressors and how you are feeling—this can help you to identify patterns and triggers so that you can avoid them in the future.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise has been shown to be beneficial for both physical and mental health, so it’s no surprise that it can also help to reduce stress levels. Taking some time out for a brisk walk or run, shooting hoops at the park, or even playing with your pets are all great ways to get active while reducing stress at the same time. Just make sure not to overexert yourself; too much exercise can actually increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Getting Enough Sleep
When we’re stressed, our bodies need more rest in order to recover and repair. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep by setting a regular bedtime and sticking to it as much as possible. Consider disconnecting from electronics an hour before you turn in for the night, as the light from screens can interfere with our natural sleep cycles. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also help—a warm bath or cup of herbal tea before bed can work wonders.