Can Stress Cause Low Back, Mid Back and Neck Pain?

This question is asked of me at least once a day. The answer is yes, but indirectly. Let me explain. There have been multiple papers written on the effect of stress on the musculoskeletal system. What they have found is that stress slows down, or inhibits, a particular set of nerves called slow motor units. These nerves are responsible for "turning on" or firing the stabilizing muscles of the spine.

Many people have heard the term "core" training. Core can be broken down into different sub sets but one of them is inner and outer core. Now the muscles responsible for preparing our joints to move before we move them are the inner core muscles. These muscles are muscles of intention meaning that before you do any movement or think about doing a movement they tighten down the joint and put it in the correct position so you can do what ever it is you want to do.

Researchers have been able to show that when we are under stress the nerve units that supply these inner core muscles (the slow motor units) don't work as efficiently and often times are inhibited. So the inner core muscles are not activated. Instead the outer core muscles take over instead. These muscles are designed to move the joints, not stabilize the joints. Under normal circumstances this is not a problem but if you stay in this state for long periods of time the compensations occur. The joints will start to move abnormally and can be predisposed to injury.

Symptoms and Cures

What you would feel is muscle and joint stiffness. Or you might feel like if you could just get a good massage you would be great. So you stretch or get a massage and you feel wonderful but it doesn't last. A few days later the stiffness returns. What you are feeling is the outer core muscles tightening trying to do the work of the inner core as well as their own job. The longer that the inner core muscles are inhibited or turned off the more vulnerable the joints they protect. If the joints begin to become restricted or irritated due to this abnormal control the nerves are further inhibited. The cycle continues until people have pain.

The research has also shown that if you restore normal motion back to the joint this stimulates those same slow motor unit to activate the inner core muscles. Now the joints are being protected again. So with normal movement and innervation you ready for the next stressful event. Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most effective ways to return motion back to a joint.

If you are experiencing this condition around any of your joints, schedule an appointment with a qualified Chiropractor. They will be able to address your condition, help correct the issue and give you exercises to help rehab the area to help avoid the injury reoccurring.