How does stress-induced back pain manifest?
In stressful situations, the back muscles tend to contract, because the brain sends messages through the nervous system to that part of the body.
Back pain is very common in people over 30 years of age. Although after this age the bones tend to be weaker and more susceptible, this condition translates to any ailment that occurs in the spine.
Even scientific studies have shown that eight out of ten people in the world will experience this type of torment at some point in their lives. In addition, it can be caused by hernias that are located mainly in mobile areas of the spine, such as the cervical and lumbar areas, according to the Hospital Universitario Clinic Barcelona.
On the other hand, stress could also interfere with the coordination of the different muscle groups involved in the functioning of the back.
Specifically, in stressful situations, the back muscles tend to contract, because the brain sends messages through the nervous system to that area of the body so that it can react and relax once the stressful situation has disappeared, according to Rekoveryclinic health portal.
Back pain can be one more nuisance for the stressed person, but the fact of suffering from it has no more negative consequences than the discomfort it brings, according to the CuidatePlus health portal.
What part of the back hurts from stress?
- Neck pain associated with stress is usually more intense at the end of the day, since as the work day progresses, tension in the neck area increases, shortening said muscles.
- If the contracture is important, symptoms of cramps and tingling may appear that slide down the arms and even to the hands.
Phases of stress and its relationship with back pain
Stress develops in three phases, and it is important to know how to manage back and spine problems that arise in each of them.
- First of all, during the alarm phase, stress appears as an immediate response to a nervous situation, thus increasing the heart rate, and causing some tension in the body muscles.
- In the second phase of resistance, you try to adapt to the new situation, so that the body begins to relax. It is important to know how to manage this situation and not reach the next stage.
- During the last stage, the exhaustion phase, stress is considered chronic, leading to symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, eating and digestive problems, and lack of concentration.
Causes of pain in the back
- To smoke.
- Discs that have slipped or herniated (slipped) and pinched nerves.
- Osteoporosis and compression fractures.
- Congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the vertebrae and bones.
- Abdominal problems, such as an aortic aneurysm.
- Overuse, strenuous activity, or misuse such as heavy or repetitive lifting.
- Traumatisms, injuries or fractures.
- Degeneration of the vertebrae, often as a result of stress on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging.
- Abnormal growth, such as a tumor or bone spur.
- Obesity, which causes excess weight on the spine and pressure on the discs.
- Lack of muscle tone.
- Muscle tension or spasms.
- Sprain or strain.
- Tears of muscles or ligaments.
- Joint problems, such as arthritis.
