Stress is rampant in our busy lives. Unsurprisingly it is related to back pain in more ways than one.
Physiologically our bodies respond to the perception of many forms of stress the same way we would respond to danger. Our sympathetic nervous system kicks in the 'fight or flight' response through hormones that elevate heart rate, cause shortness of breath, increase sweating and tighten muscles. Our bodies put short term survival above long term health. Respectively, when we are relaxed, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in the 'rest and digest' response which promotes blood flow to the gut, decreases heart rate and lets our bodies heal.
Unfortunately our body doesn't distinguish between stress at work or at home from physical threats. Physical, mental and chemical stress all influence our levels of back pain. Cortisol is released with stress, increasing inflammation and all the associated negative effects. Tension in muscles hold on to poor postures which can even influence our emotions. Stress can drive us to eat unhealthy foods which add further chemical stress to the equation. Stress can also cause a normally careful person to be reckless in many ways as we think less and react more.
There are many ways to reduce stress that can also help with back pain: Laughter is the best medicine, especially for stress. Your social network can help you ease tension, relax and even vent. Meditate, breath deeply or practice mindfulness to bring an inner calm. Focus on the little things like your breathe, the small details of the world or even your own emotions and thoughts. Be grateful, focus on things that you have and love, not problems in the future or things you want. Exercise is a great way to burn off frustration and get your blood flowing, there are many other benefits at any intensity. If you notice you are stressed try these methods out, you might find some more effective than others. Remember which ones are the best for your body and make a habit of looking for and diffusing your stress
Dr. Nelson
Physiologically our bodies respond to the perception of many forms of stress the same way we would respond to danger. Our sympathetic nervous system kicks in the 'fight or flight' response through hormones that elevate heart rate, cause shortness of breath, increase sweating and tighten muscles. Our bodies put short term survival above long term health. Respectively, when we are relaxed, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in the 'rest and digest' response which promotes blood flow to the gut, decreases heart rate and lets our bodies heal.
Unfortunately our body doesn't distinguish between stress at work or at home from physical threats. Physical, mental and chemical stress all influence our levels of back pain. Cortisol is released with stress, increasing inflammation and all the associated negative effects. Tension in muscles hold on to poor postures which can even influence our emotions. Stress can drive us to eat unhealthy foods which add further chemical stress to the equation. Stress can also cause a normally careful person to be reckless in many ways as we think less and react more.
There are many ways to reduce stress that can also help with back pain: Laughter is the best medicine, especially for stress. Your social network can help you ease tension, relax and even vent. Meditate, breath deeply or practice mindfulness to bring an inner calm. Focus on the little things like your breathe, the small details of the world or even your own emotions and thoughts. Be grateful, focus on things that you have and love, not problems in the future or things you want. Exercise is a great way to burn off frustration and get your blood flowing, there are many other benefits at any intensity. If you notice you are stressed try these methods out, you might find some more effective than others. Remember which ones are the best for your body and make a habit of looking for and diffusing your stress
Dr. Nelson
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