Does stress cause back pain?

So does stress cause back pain? Is there a connection between the tensions of daily life you might be experiencing, and symptoms like low back pain or back pain? The statistics don't lie: 80% of Australians will experience disabling low back pain at some point. More concerning are the 30% of Australian who suffer chronic back pain.

Stress and back pain are related

An interesting study by internationally renowned "Roy Morgan Research" shows us the type of jobs that are more likely to cause stress for anyone in those roles.

The bottom line: Sales support and hospitality are the most stressful jobs. Legal, social and health related jobs are still high up the stress list. Clerks, cleaners and admin assistants are at the lower end of the stress scale, according to this study. Of course you'd have to check in with your own stress levels to verify if the study feels accurate to you.

Another recent survey on Stress and Wellbeing in Australia helps you identify the top 5 causes of stress.

49% - personal finances
45% - family issues
44% - personal health
40% - trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle
38% - health issues of others close to us

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So in your life...does stress cause back pain and other inconveniences?

How many of these issues apply to you? There is a good chance that work and lifestyle stress is having a negative effect on your physical and mental health. If you suffer from back and neck pain there are things you do to relieve pain, manage stress and improve your health.The current guidelines for the effective management of back pain are:

See a health professional to determine the nature of your back pain
Start a program of exercise tailored to your needs
Stay active - get up, move, and go for a walk!
Consider a course of manual therapy which includes spinal manipulation
A course of acupuncture (laser or needle)

We always recommend that you see a health practitioner to ascertain the nature of your problem. And it is very important that you know what you need to do on a daily basis to manage your health.

Sources:
Study on most stressed professions by Roymorgan.com
Study on psychology.org.au detailing the causes of stress.