It is a well-known fact that back pain is among the most common health issues faced by millions of people around the globe. But did you know that stress is said to be one of the leading causes of back pain? A number of studies indicate that stress and back pain are closely related and can easily aggravate each other, leading to a great deal of pain and suffering.
The Pain & Stress Can Create a Vicious Cycle
While poor posture and strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting, are known to be the most common causes of back pain, stress can also be a major contributing factor. Excessive stress can result in the release of hormones that can make the muscles in the back tense up. Prolonged tensing up of these muscles can lead to stiffness, soreness and even acute spasms. In fact, stress can make you indulge in behaviour that can worsen the pain. When stressed, people are bound to neglect exercise, sit for long periods of time, and slouch. Stress also tends to interfere with your sleep, which is essential for healing and reducing back pain.
On the other hand, living with chronic back pain can be highly frustrating, which further adds to the stress. The elevated stress levels can also lead to anxiety, depression and other such mental health issues. It can also result in isolation and helplessness, as the stress tends to interfere with your work as well as social activities.
Ways To Manage Stress & Back Pain
There are a number of things that one can do to effectively manage both chronic back pain and stress. Here’s a look at some of them:
- Regular Exercise: Even low-impact exercises, like swimming, walking, or yoga, can release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers and even help reduce stress hormones.
- Improved Posture: Being mindful of your posture and making necessary adjustments can help take away the strain on your back muscles, alleviating pain and stiffness.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is not only important for your overall well-being but can also play a vital role in reducing inflammation, which results in less pain.
- Peaceful Sleep: Establishing a consistent routine of seven to eight hours of quality sleep is essential for both your mental and physical health.
- Relaxation: Incorporating relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and meditation, in your daily routine can help reduce stress and tension in your body.
Stop It Before It Gets Out of Hand!
Understanding the intricate connection between stress and back pain allows you to take the necessary steps to ensure you do not get stuck in the brutal cycle created by the two. By including certain relaxation methods in your routine, you can take care of both your mental and physical health. Opting for a good massage chair is one of the easiest steps you can take to improve the overall quality of your life. Family Inada, a leading massage chair manufacturer, offers a range of advanced massage chairs, such as Inada Calabo, that not only help alleviate pain, muscle soreness and tension but also reduce stress by increasing relaxation.