Can Stress Cause Back Pain?
Lacey Stress & Anxiety May Be Causing Your Back Pain
Back pain is a very common problem that can have a multitude of causes. The causes of back pain aren’t always physical or external. Yes, you can strain your back from an uncomfortable chair, heavy lifting, or spending the whole day on your feet. Though these can cause discomfort, back pain can also be caused by mental or internal problems like stress.
Can Stress Cause Back Pain?
The short answer is yes, it most definitely can be the cause of your back pain. While most people might mentally manifest their stress, others can also manifest their stress physically.
Physically manifesting stress means that your muscles tighten, especially around the shoulders, neck, and down the spine. This tension is what makes you feel pain in your back. This pain can easily turn into a cycle of pain and moodiness.
You feel stressed, so you’ll feel sore or in pain, which will affect your mood and make you less active, and the less active you are the more your muscles will weaken and tighten more. It’s a vicious cycle that can be fixed.
How can I Treat Back Pain Caused by Stress?
Stretching and physical activity are always good for you, so try to dedicate some time to doing some stretches or taking a walk. Two good stretches to help with back pain are the pelvic twist and the seat forward bend.
Pelvic Tilt
The pelvic tilt stretch will have you lying on your back with knees bent, and feet flat on the ground. You’ll then want to arch your lower back and push your stomach out and hold that pose for 10 seconds, then relax.
Seated Forward Bend
The seated forward bend stretch will have you sitting on the floor with your legs straight in front of you, you’ll also want a bath towel around the bottom of your feet at the heels. Then you gently bend forward at your hips and bring your belly down as close to your legs as you can, using the bath towel to help pull you closer. While keeping your back straight throughout this you should feel mild tension in the back of your legs and lower back, hold the position for 30 seconds, then rest.
Dropping Some Weight
Losing weight can help take the weight off your spine, which can help reduce back pain. Your back carries a lot of weight and that means pressure on nerves in the back and legs. With being one of the largest muscle groups in your body it can literally carry all the weight all day. Tense muscles caused by stress and a heavyweight can result in pain to your back.
Eating Healthy Foods
Eating healthy is also good overall and can help with losing weight or keeping you at a healthy weight. Fruits, nuts, olive oil, fish, poultry, and vegetables are all really healthy options, just be sure to eat them in moderation.
Find Time for Happiness
It’s also really important to give yourself some free time to do what you enjoy. If you’re constantly bombarded with work, family, or social commitments then you’ll get stressed and repeat the cycle of pain. Always make some time for yourself, maybe do a hobby you enjoy, read a book, watch your favorite show, maybe even learn some mindful meditation.
If you’re still having trouble managing stress or you’re still in pain, it might be a good idea to give us a call so we can see able to help you from the instead out. Contact Us Today!