Mind-Body Connection: How Stress and Anxiety Affect Back Pain

An elderly man sitting on an exam table while a chiropractor is adjusting his back in El Paso.

Back pain is one of the most common medical issues affecting people all over the world. However, apart from physical injury like pulling a muscle or falling, stress can also play a role in back pain. In this article, we will discuss the relationship between stress and back pain. 

At Southwest Chiropractic, we offer well-rounded back pain treatment in El Paso, TX. Our doctors will take the proper time and care to get to the source of your pain and provide the appropriate relief. If you’re interested in our services, call us today at (915)-581-9619

Stress Leads to Pain

Stress and anxiety can lead to chronic pain, which in most cases results in back pain. The severity of pain differs from person to person and can look like a variety of different symptoms. Stress-related pain can be felt in both the lower and the upper back. When going through back pain treatment, the doctor will typically look at the common links between stress and pain. Those are:

  • Reduced Blood Flow
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle Tension
  • Poor Posture
  • Increased Pain Sensitivity

Because back pain is a common medical condition, it can be difficult to tell if your pain is stress-related. However, there are certain signifiers that may tell you your back pain is from stress. 

  • Gradual Development—If the pain develops gradually over time, it could be a sign of stress causing muscle tension. In other instances, back pain comes on suddenly. 
  • Pain Comes and Goes– Depending on your stress levels, the pain will come and go; some days are less overbearing than others. Regular back pain will be consistent and won’t go away on its own. 
  • Physical and Emotional Strain– Physical or emotional strain from a difficult relationship or a challenging job can lead to back pain. 
  • Lack of Additional Symptoms– Back pain is typically paired with other symptoms, like weakness, numbness, or tingling. If you’re not experiencing any of these symptoms, nor is your pain severe, the pain is likely stress-related.
  • The Pain Improves– If you’ve recently joined a gym, went on vacation, spent time with loved ones, or anything that typically reduces stress, and your pain improved, that suggests it was stress-related. 

Back Pain Treatment in El Paso

At Southwest Chiropractic, located in El Paso, our back pain treatment can get rid of your symptoms in no time. If you’re interested in our treatment plans, give us a call at 915-581-9619!

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