How Stress Is A Literal Pain In The Neck (And What You Can Do About It)

Knots are for neckties and ropes, not muscle tissue. Because of our hectic lifestyle, many of us face constant stress. As a result, we feel stress both emotionally—which can heighten our pain perception—and physically. And when chronic stress is not managed, it manifests as muscle tension and painful trigger points. 

 

Have you ever felt like the muscles between your shoulder and neck (the trapezius muscles) felt like bricks? Then you can relate.

This article will explore the proven, scientific connection between stress and neck and back pain. By the end, you will learn an easy, research-backed, effective solution for managing chronic neck and back pain. You’ll also learn practical tips and strategies for managing stress-induced pain. 

6 Ways Stress Leads To Chronic Neck & Back Pain

According to BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, in 2016, low back and neck pain contributed to the single highest cost of healthcare spending in the United States: $134.5 billion.

In light of these statistics, what’s needed is an easy at-home solution that can manage chronic back and neck pain. Thankfully, there is one, which you’ll learn more about shortly. 

But first, why do we often feel the effects of prolonged stress in our neck and back? What’s the connection between stress and muscle tension in the body? The answer is multifaceted, but here are six factors that explain the link. 

Increased Muscle Contraction

When we experience stress, our bodies tend to hold tension in the neck and shoulders. This causes the muscles like those rock-hard, knotted-up trapezii (plural of trapezius) to contract. Overly-contracted muscles result in tightness, stiffness, fatigue, and chronic muscle tension. And because our muscles are not isolated but are connected via a web-like matrix of fascia, the pain felt in the neck or back can also radiate to distal parts of the body. 

Posture and Alignment

When you’re stressed out to the max, do you stand and walk upright, full of confidence? Or do you tend to hunch your shoulders and slump forward? For most people, it’s the latter. As if increased muscle contraction wasn’t pervasive enough of a problem, poor posture puts additional strain on the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the back and neck. Several research studies (like this one in Scientific Reports) prove that spinal misalignment from poor posture can greatly contribute to neck and low-back pain. 

Increased Sensitivity to Pain

It’s not all in your head. Studies, like this one in the aptly-named journal, Pain,  show that chronic stress can increase our sensitivity to pain. In other words, stress can lower your pain threshold. 

Reduced Blood Circulation 

Research shows that stress stimulates the body's sympathetic nervous system, which is the "fight-or-flight" response. This, in turn, causes blood vessels to constrict and reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles—including those in the back and neck. Like a kink in a garden hose, this reduced blood flow through the vasculature causes painful trigger points and decreased mobility in the neck.

Emotional Factors

Negative psychological states such as anxiety and depression have been associated with increased pain levels in research studies (such as another study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders). 

Experiencing emotional stress and muscle tension is often a vicious cycle, much like anxiety and insomnia are tied together. When you experience emotional upheaval and your muscles tense up, the pain tends to amplify the perception of stress. 

Ergonomics

Although this factor is closely tied to posture and alignment, it deserves its own category. That’s because even if you’re conscious of your posture when you’re walking or standing up, you may not be aware that your posture, while you’re working away at your desktop, laptop, or smartphone, may be harmful. 

Poor ergonomics can lead to chronic excessive forward head posture, which strains the cervical spine. So make sure you position your monitor at eye level, sit in an upright posture, and take frequent breaks. 

A Proven, Easy Solution For Stress-Induced Neck and Back Pain

In addition to being mindful of your posture and ergonomic hygiene, there’s a simple solution for managing neck and back pain, and it’s something that yields positive results in as little as 5-15 minutes. 

The Posture Pump® Deluxe Full Spine (Model 4100-S) comfortably decompresses and realigns your cervical (neck) curve to reshape/decompress your sagittal spine. Your sagittal spine includes not only your neck but also your thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal spine. In other words, the entire length of your vertebrae is lengthened, your spinal discs are hydrated, your core is strengthened and your range of motion and flexibility are supported.

All these benefits while lying down and letting the clinically-proven Posture Pump® do all the work for you. 

“The Posture Pump® stops that burning, bee-sting sensation and the twitching of aggravated and overworked nerves and muscles. After having used it about 3 times a week for 3 months, I feel like I have better range of motion and that keeping better posture is easier.”

—Ricky Adams, Verified Customer Review

—-> Read and watch how Posture Pump® has helped countless individuals  manage neck and back pain. We’re confident that Posture Pump® will offer you relief, just as it has for thousands of others. We offer a 60-day money back guarantee, so there’s no risk involved. 

Practical Tips For Managing Chronic Stress

Research studies prove that the technology behind Posture Pump® helps support optimal spinal alignment and thereby manage chronic pain. But there are also other ways to mitigate your pain and muscular tension, and these tips all have to do with stress management. 

• Maintain a daily breathwork practice (there are dozens of free videos on YouTube)

• If possible, engage in moderate-intensity physical activity 5-6 days a week. 

• Take a stretching class at your local community center or follow along to a video. 

• Learn a moving, meditative activity such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong or yoga.

• Immerse yourself in nature as much as possible. 

• Eliminate added sugars from your diet and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. 

• On long drives or flights, take frequent stretching breaks. 

And don’t forget to bring your Posture Pump® with you on vacation.