by Ryan Rivera of CalmClinic
Anxiety is a normal human response. The “fight or flight” instinct is hardwired in the human mind. A person in this state will experience increasing blood pressure and tightening of the muscles. The brain simulates the body to react faster and work harder to overcome the perceived obstacle. This reaction can inadvertently lead to physical pain and soreness especially if there are too many stressors involved. This is why patients who are suffering from muscle and back pains are often evaluated for anxiety disorders to make a better diagnosis.
The Relationship between Stress and Back Pains
Traditionally, people associate back pains with old age and hard labor. These days though there are many cases of young people who are already suffering from back pains. Most of them are working casual office jobs, yet they also suffer the same chronic back pains that afflict heavy laborers.
There have been many studies conducted to prove the connection between stress and back pains. The results of these studies have been very helpful to correctly diagnose people suffering from muscle pains. Understanding the real source of the pain helps in providing an effective treatment.
Symptoms of Stress Induced Back Pains
Here are few of the symptoms associated with stress induced back pains.
- Muscle pain
- Stiffness
- Tension
- Pressure
- Soreness
- Spasms
- Immobility of the back muscles
There could be more than one muscle group affected when the pain attacks. The pain lasts variably, some lasts for a long time while others in less than a minute. The attack can happen without warning and persists even when there is no particular stressor around.
Debilitating Effects of Stress Induced Back Pains
These back pains can cause great distress and discomfort to a person. In some cases, a person can be totally immobilized because of the intensity of the pain. Other parts of the body can also be affected. This creates a heavy toll towards the body which may be irreversible. Early diagnosis is vital in treating the person. It also prevents complications.
Treatments for Stress Induced Back Pains
There have been many treatments developed to treat people with stress induced back pains. Because of the nature of the source, different methods are followed to make sure that the treatment is effective. For short term relief, pain relievers and antidepressants are given to patients. Some may need to undergo therapy to overcome stress. Doctors strongly advise exercise and lifestyle change to improve the body’s immune system.
Fighting Stress Induced Back Pains
It is impossible to avoid stress, but there are ways to reduce it or defend oneself against it. It all starts with pumping the body with the right nutrition and care to withstand such pressures. Eating healthy foods will strengthen the body against external stressors. Exercise will also keep the body tempered against the physical demands from the job. These measures will make sure that the body can keep up with the different pressures and stressors.
Aside from the body, it is also important to fortify the mind against stress. The roots of stress can be traced back to the person’s mental disposition. Work and personal time should also be balanced to avoid strain. Back pains and stress go hand in hand. Managing of the latter will surely help in the prevention of the former.