Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Stress and Back Pain We often think of the mental strain caused by stress or physical ills such as headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia. But it can also cause back pain Guide Magazine Not only does stress increase the production of hormones (such as cortisol) that can up your pain sensitivity and inflammation, but it can cause you to tense up throughout your head, jaw, neck, shoulders, and spine. That prolonged tightness can lead to back pain, particularly in the lower back. Studies show that people under severe stress are almost three times more likely to experience low back pain than those who aren’t stressed. And it becomes a vicious cycle, as the pain becomes an added stressor. 6 Steps to Release and Relieve the Pain Apply heat. Apply a heating pad or heating ointment to draw blood to the area. This relaxes your muscles and draws more oxygen and nutrients to the area. Move around. If your job requires you to sit a lot, take breaks every hour to get up and move around. If you stand in one place, shift your feet, use a stress mat, and change positions often. Exercise. This produces short and long term benefits. In the short term, exercise helps to relieve stress, increase blood flow, and relax tight muscles. Over the long term, as you focus on conditioning the muscles in your core, your body will become more resilient. Even daily walks are incredibly beneficial. Seek paramedical treatment. Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy, massage, and acupuncture can all help to get you moving again. Find healthy coping mechanisms. This can include deep breathing, a hobby, prayer or meditation, screen-free time, or a standing coffee date with a friend. Look for things that bring joy in your life, and try to spend more time doing them. Address the root of your stress. We all have stressors in our lives, and we all react differently to those stressors. Some stressors are short lived (navigating a new job), while others may be long term (dealing with difficult in-laws). In either case, a therapist can be very beneficial. They can help you work through the sources of your stress and teach you coping strategies. You can also find lots of resources online or in print that provide practical tips for mitigating stress. Sources: myhealth.alberta.ca, spine-health.com, wellandgood.com You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026