Stress has a physical effect on the muscles in your neck & can bring out symptoms of underlying neck pain. As you tense up, the tightness in your neck muscles contributes to neck pain. Chronic neck pain can also be the cause of the irritability, tiredness, & even depression, that can add a lot of stress to your life [1]. So this is why it is so important to de-stress as much as possible, & make an appointment with a Pain Specialist, who can ascertain the root cause of your neck pain
The Physical & Mental Impacts of Stress
Headaches brought on by emotional stress, are a common occurrence for many. – And these types of headaches are referred to as tension headaches.- But there can also be substantial physiological stress, which brings on the neck pain [1].
The journal, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, published a study which showed that: “psychosocial disorders (those caused by stressful life experiences) are closely associated with chronic neck pain. The study looked at 448 patients with neck pain and found that those patients with depression and anxiety tended to have the highest levels of neck pain” [1].
So Does Stress Actually Create Neck Pain?
While it is not likely to be the root cause of neck pain per se, stress can advance the symptoms of underlying neck pain. In fact, studies have indicated that the way people feel pain can be influenced by stress; and if they are in stress mode, then their pain can actually feel worse.
The Importance of Keeping Your Neck Muscles in Optimum Health
“Studies show that the longer your neck pain lasts, the less chance you will return to full activity” [1]
The way we feel affects every facet of our lives, and not taking appropriate action to remedy the situation can lead to more issues. – This is the case with neglecting neck pain. As we fast approach the mid 2020s, a huge percentage of the population are spending countless hours sitting awkwardly in front of a computer, or staring down at their mobile phone. – And this often runs from morning to evening. – This not only creates tight neck muscles and stress, it also exacerbates any medical issues such as muscle spasms, muscle strains, sprains and tears, facet joint pain, nerve pain, bone pain, and more. – So in order to get an accurate medical diagnosis, and suitable treatment, book an online or in-person consultation with a Pain Specialist as soon as you can.
Reference
[1]. Lliades. C. (2009). “Stress Management and Neck Pain.” Everyday Health.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/neck-pain/neck-pain-reduce-stress.aspx#:~:text=Stress%20also%20has%20a%20physical,of%20stress%20to%20your%20life.
