It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on our mental health, but did you know it can also cause physical pain? Stress can manifest in many ways, like headaches, stomach aches, and neck pain. Neck pain caused by stress is widespread and can range from mild to extremely debilitating.
We will discuss the connection between stress and neck pain, so you can be better prepared to manage it.
Potential Causes of Neck Pain Due to Stress
There is a strong correlation between stress and neck pain. It’s easy to ignore the connection, but it is essential to understand how the two are related to preventing or reducing neck pain caused by stress.
Here are some potential causes of neck pain due to stress:
Muscle Tension
Muscle tension is one of the most common causes of neck pain due to stress. When exposed to excessive stress, our muscles tense and contract in response. This can lead to stiffness along the neck and shoulders, which can cause acute or chronic neck pain.
Posture
Poor posture when sitting or standing, such as hunching or slouching, can put extra strain on the neck and shoulders. Over time, this can cause chronic neck pain.
Emotional Stress
Research suggests that emotional stress is linked to physical tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. It’s believed that when stressed, our body instinctively tightens the muscles in the neck and shoulders to protect us from harm.
Treatments To Manage Stress-related Neck Pain
Whether you’ve experienced neck pain or not, it is essential to be mindful of your stress levels and how they affect your body. Here are some ideas to alleviate and manage stress-related neck pain:
Stay Active
Physical activity is an excellent method to relieve tension in the body, which can help reduce neck pain caused by stress. Regular exercise helps release endorphins to help improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress levels. Relaxation techniques can be used anywhere and anytime to relieve tension in the body from emotions such as anger or guilt that may be causing neck pain.
Get a Massage
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline while increasing serotonin, which helps regulate moods. Massages can help relax tight neck and shoulder muscles that may be causing neck pain.
Practice Good Posture
How you sit or stand can affect your neck health. Good posture helps to keep the spine in an ideal position, reducing stress on the joints and muscles of the neck. For example, ensure the spine is straight when sitting and the shoulders are rolled back.
Strengthening Exercises
When the neck muscles are strong, it can help reduce pain and stiffness. Neck exercises should focus on stretching tight muscles while strengthening weak ones. You may try the following:
- Neck tilts and rolls
- Head turns
- Shoulder shrugs and rotations
Call LifeGiving Chiropractor for the best neck pain treatment in Roswell. Our chiropractors have the experience and skill to help you find long-term relief from neck pain. Our services are available online, so call us today to start your journey toward a healthier life.