Stress and lower back pain
And what you can do about it
According to the World Health Organization, 619 million people worldwide experience low back pain with that number expected to increase up to 843 million by 2050. Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. According to the American Psychological Association, stress affects all systems of the body.
When you experience stress, the muscles in the body become more tense and guarded. It can affect headaches, migraines and lower back pain. Long-term stress affects the cardiovascular system by increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. With the nervous system, continued stress affects the bodies ability to regulate the autonomic system related to sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.
It’s pretty common for us to experience stress, but how can we help our bodies response to stress and reduce lower back pain?
Develop a social support network of family and friends-1-3 people that you enjoy spending time with can be plenty for helping you feel connected and supported
Participate in regular exercise- daily movement for 20-30 minutes is sufficient
Develop good sleep habits- limit screen time at the end of the day, develop a ritual that you do each night before bed to help your body transition from being awake to sleeping
Seek help for addressing mental health concerns-reach out to someone in person or online for virtual care
Meditate- practice mindfulness, breathing techniques, and/or develop a gratitude practice
Practice yoga- connecting your breath with your body’s movement can be helpful in reducing stress
What are some ways you reduce your stress?
Take good care,
Sharon