If you’ve ever experienced back pain during stressful times, you’re not alone. Stress is more than just a mental burden; it has real, physical consequences on your body. One common way stress manifests physically is through back pain.
But, can stress cause back pain? Yes, stress can set off physiological responses, leading to muscle tension, elevated cortisol levels, and even chronic pain.
At Align Health & Wellness, we understand how stress affects your spine and overall well-being. As leading chiropractors in West Windsor, NJ, we help patients manage stress-induced back pain through targeted chiropractic care.
How Stress Impacts Your Spine and Muscles
Can stress cause back pain? Yes, stress affects your nervous system, triggering muscle tension as a protective response. This is your body’s way of guarding itself against potential injury.
When this tension becomes chronic, it can lead to discomfort, stiffness, and even long-term misalignments in your spine. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of people experience stress-related physical symptoms, such as muscle pain and tension. Research from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) also indicates that prolonged stress can contribute to conditions like psychosomatic pain, where emotional distress manifests as real, physical pain in the body.
Stress-induced inflammation can also exacerbate existing pain conditions, making recovery more difficult.
The Role of Stress-Induced Inflammation in Chronic Pain
Chronic stress triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals in your body, which can make existing back pain worse. When stress-related inflammation affects your spine and muscles, it heightens pain sensitivity and delays healing. This is why people with high stress levels often find themselves stuck in a cycle of pain that doesn’t seem to go away.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that chronic pain affects nearly 50 million U.S. adults. When stress is prolonged, your body stays in a heightened state of tension, leading to ongoing discomfort and a greater risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractic Care as a Solution for Stress-Related Back Pain
Can stress cause back pain? Yes, so what can you do about it?
Chiropractic care is a highly effective solution for stress-related back pain. It focuses on spinal adjustments to restore alignment, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension.
The benefits of chiropractic care include the following:
- Low-impact spinal adjustments: Correct misalignments that contribute to muscle tension and pain.
- Reduced cortisol levels: Manage stress by balancing hormone levels.
- Improved mobility: Enhance flexibility and movement by relieving tension in the spine and muscles.
- Pain reduction: Reduce chronic pain through non-invasive methods without relying on prescription medications or surgeries.
- Nervous system regulation: Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to counteract stress effects and promote relaxation.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), 11% of adults in the U.S. received spinal manipulation adjustments in 2022, representing significant growth in popularity in the last decade. Chiropractic adjustments can improve circulation, helping to reduce inflammation while targeting the common causes of stress-related pain.
Finding Long-Term Relief With Align Health & Wellness
Can stress cause back pain? Yes, so managing stress is key to reducing discomfort.
At Align Health & Wellness, we understand how overwhelming stress-related back pain can be. Through targeted chiropractic adjustments, we help patients find relief and restore their quality of life.
If you’re struggling with stress-related back pain, don’t wait for the discomfort to worsen. Understanding poor posture and back pain can help pinpoint stress-related triggers.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Call Align Health & Wellness today at (609) 799-8444 to start your journey to better health.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions about stress-related back pain and how chiropractic care can help
How Do I Know if My Back Pain Is Related to Stress?
Stress may be the underlying factor if your back pain worsens during periods of high stress, is accompanied by muscle stiffness, or occurs without a clear physical cause. If you’re wondering “Can stress cause back pain?” schedule an evaluation with our team today.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Stress-Related Back Pain?
Yes, chiropractic care can relieve stress-related back pain by realigning the spine, reducing muscle tension, and improving nervous system function. Schedule a consultation today by calling Align Health & Wellness at (609) 799-8444.
Does Stress Cause Back Pain Even if I Don’t Have an Injury?
Yes, even if you haven’t sustained an injury, stress can lead to back pain through muscle tension, heightened cortisol levels, and poor nervous system responses.