There’s always a certain level of stress that’s present in most of our lives. No one lives with zero stress in his or her life. Even mega-billionaires stress out about their investments and inheritances. Celebrities are stressed about how the public perceives them. Athletes are normally stressed out because of the competition they are involved in every single day. It is unrealistic to think that we can eliminate stress completely from our lives. However, you can take steps to reduce the level of stress you’re exposed to. Not only is this great for your mental health, but it will also alleviate your back and neck pain.
Yes, back and neck pain is caused by stress. You can go to a chiro therapy clinic and confirm it. One of the advice that you’ll usually get from a doctor is to reduce stress in your life. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. How can you reduce the level of stress you face every day? It’s difficult and sometimes, almost impossible, but your productivity level will decrease as you continue to ignore the numbing feeling on your neck and back.
Survey results on Statista showed that 29% of respondents believed stress was the cause of their neck and back pain. Some 26% said it was caused by not enough exercise or weak muscles while another 26% added it was because of the nature of their work. Other causes of neck and back pain are weight (25%), spinal disc herniation (21%), and sitting for long hours at work (20%).
Neck Pain
Since your neck is close to your head, neck pain also causes headaches and muscle pain. You’ll most likely feel fatigue, irritability, and depression. When there’s a part of your body that’s constantly in pain, aren’t you a bit irritable, too? Other things you need to watch out for concerning your neck is the way you hunch over the computer at work. Be mindful of your posture because poor posture can strain the neck muscles, too.
Back Pain
Mid-back and low-back pain are the most common types of back problems. Over time, they will affect your posture, as well as the way you walk, sit, and stand. These types of back pain may even lead to pain in the knees, feet, and hips.
Back pain is usually caused by a prolonged stay in one position. If you’re sitting down for eight hours straight, never even getting on your feet for a lunch break, it is likely that you will experience lower back pain. Sedentary periods of stress will strain the muscles on your back. Why is sitting on your desk for prolonged periods considered stress? The human body isn’t made to stay still for a long time. If you don’t move around your work station, it’s probably because you have too much work to do.
Exercise and Stretch
Physical activity can do a lot for your health, both physical and mental. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which are also referred to as the happy hormones. The presence of endorphins in the body will make you feel more energetic and lessen the pain on your back and neck. They will also improve your general well-being.
Make sure you have time to go to the gym or walk in the park. Take time out from your busy schedule to do some laps in the pool. Stretching is also considered a physical activity. Learn what stretching exercises you can do while sitting on your desk.
Eat a Balanced Diet
How do you feel after eating sugary foods? Don’t you feel lethargic? That’s the kind of effect food can have on your body. When you eat a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, and meat), you will be more energetic. Your general health will likely improve, too. Eating healthy will also help you reduce weight. If you are overweight, you will most likely suffer from physical problems such as back and neck pain.
Relax
Take time to relax. Give your body time to destress. Even with a busy schedule at work and family commitments, you should still have time to get a Remedial Massage or attend a yoga class. Do things that will help you get out of the grind of daily life. You owe yourself that.
The more you pressure yourself, the more likely you will be stressed. And the more stressed you are, the more you’ll suffer from neck and back pain. Managing stress isn’t about eliminating it completely from your life. It’s about learning to live with it and thrive despite it.
