“Is my back pain psychological?”
Every time I am thinking too much or have stress, I also have terrible back pain. I went to the doctor who did my scans and he said there are no spinal abnormalities. Could my pain be psychological?
7 Answers
Pain is perceived in the brain which is a very complicated organ with different levers that can amplify or diminish sensations. Even with pain that comes from an identifiable source, it can be helpful to learn ways to manage or cope with pain. Anxiety can also release hormones and neurotransmitters that cause muscles to tighten and feel painful.
C Marlo Baird
Psychiatrist
Back pain is aggravated by many psychological factors, however, physical therapy , strength training, back ergonomics & core strengthening all may assist restoration from Lumbar pain. However, there are other conditions; a missed fracture which occurred in an accident or a mechanical or neuropathic pain condition exists that prevents improvement with muscle mass increase alone. This is why training in the water is often a first step, to avoid stress or greater harm.
Back pain is frequently psychological, often caused by unexpressed anger, thus the expressions "pain in the neck", or "pain in the ass". I refer you to the books by Dr. John Sarno who was an orthopedist who recognized the connection between the psyche and back pain.
Anxiety can cause muscle spasms, which can result in back pain.
Stress could exacerbate any physical symptoms. Best to have an evaluation by a psychiatrist and PCP.
Best,
Pamela Siller, MD
Best,
Pamela Siller, MD
Douglas Geenens
Leawood, Kansas
Yes. Pain often has a psychological component. Even when people have spinal abnormalities, pain fluctuates with the level of stress. The goal would be to manage your stress and hopefully your pain will diminish or disappear!
The mind and body are one. Worries can cause body pains and body pains can cause worries. There are expressions like: "he or she is a pain in the neck" or "my job is a pain". Your back pain at least is causing you distress.
