STRESS

Stress and back pain: What's the connection?

We all have stress from everyday life, and it's not always harmful. It can give us a burst of energy or help us focus on important tasks. But, poorly managed stress can cause problems such as back pain.

"When you're tense, anxious, fearful or angry, your back, shoulder and neck muscles contract," says Norman Marcus, M.D., director of muscle pain research at the NYU School of Medicine. Eventually, that can lead to pain severe enough to affect daily activities.

You can't escape stress as easily as you can avoid other back pain risks, such as heavy lifting. But, there are steps you can take to help cope with - or avoid - the pain.

Move away from pain
One strategy for relieving stress and back pain is regular exercise. Check with your doctor first, and then try activities that make you break a sweat. Exercise - such as jogging, swimming and bicycling - can release muscular tension and lower your stress level.

Eating right (see the sidebar "Avoid the pitfalls of stress") and regularly getting enough sleep can help reduce stress and may help to prevent back problems, too.

If you have to sit for long periods, keep your head and shoulders erect. Also, take breaks by standing, moving around and stretching. Your workstation should be comfortable. Make sure your chair supports your lower back and that your working surface is at the proper height so you don't have to lean forward.

Remember to take time for yourself as much as possible. Read a good book, listen to your favorite music or watch a funny show - laughter can be good medicine.

Be kind to your back
Back pain also can come from muscle strain or a variety of other disorders. Discover more at myuhc.com. Click "Health & Wellness," then "Conditions AtoZ." Choose a topic under "Back Pain."