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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can stress cause back and neck pain?

    Related Topics
    Back & Neck Pain Pain
    I get easily stressed and depressed - could this be causing the stiffness/pain in my neck and back?
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    Dr Greg Sher

    Chiropractor

    I am the Clinic Director of the Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic.At our clinic, we see an equal mix of city office workers and elite … View Profile

    Yes, as when we are stressed, we release more cortisol (which is a fight or flight hormone).
    High levels of cortisol prevent us from entering as deep a sleep as we should (as it supresses a hormone called melatonin). 
    When we are continuously tired, we dont hold our posture as well as we should, which can lead to neck pain. 
    Many people who are chronically tired and stressed also clench their teeth while sleeping, causing mechanical jaw and neck joint dysfunctions, leeading to back pain, neck pain and/or headaches. 

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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    In practice we often see that when people are particularly stressed there is an increase in specific muscle activation and tone, particuarly through the neck, shoulders and hip flexors. This may lead to painful symptoms beyon just tight muscles.

    This can be explained through complex mechanisms between emotional and postural centres within the brain. This is well established in the research literature and as an example, take a look at the Lunig character and you can presume his mood. 

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    fierymars

    HealthShare Member

    Why should an L5/S1 operation not work…I have had pain since the operation…burning, searing pain and now my Neuro says there is nothing more he can do!!!!

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  • Dr Greg Sher

    Chiropractor

    I am the Clinic Director of the Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic.At our clinic, we see an equal mix of city office workers and elite … View Profile

    Hi


    Sorry to hear you are experiencing this problem. Unfortunately without more information, that is a difficult question to answer.
     
    I’ll give you a couple of points below, but if you want a more specific answer, contact me at the clinic (sydneyspine@gmail.com).
    The most obvious thing that comes to mind is that you have pain and issues from the actual surgery. Scar tissue forms, new nerves and blood vessels form, which can leave post-surgical patients with remaining pain.
     
    Another potential  issue is that you could have had an actual problem that was operated on, but the pain was caused by a problem from another structure or even another part of the body.
     
    I do mention in all my answers that a proper history and assessment leading to a complete diagnosis is the best way to achieve the highest outcomes.
     
    Good luck

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  • Dr Julie Russell-Clark

    Chiropractor

    low force chiropractor for 27 years experienced in SOT AK diversified activator proficient and Neural organizaiton techniqu proficient. seminars given in perth auckland and sydney … View Profile

    Stress depletes your body very rapidly of vitamin c and b complex these vitamins are required to help stabilize the function of the adrenals. stress in creases cortisol and  when we are stressed the body tends to become very acidic and this builds up in the muscles and joints and creates swelling and inflamation. neck and back spinal subluxation is the result of physical emotional and or chemical stress this impacts on the nervous system and radiates to the extremities and can interfere with all survival systems of the body fight flight, immune system, digestive system and endocrine glands ,,,, the first thing that needs regulating is your fight flight system. To turn it off so you are not always in a semi state of  wanting to run or fight this is adrenal stress. The depression follows Vit c is a natural anti depressant and chiropractic adjustments will help regulate your nervous system. I suggest a chiropractic technique called  Neural Organization technique to help you regain balance in your body and your  life.

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    Dr Julie Russell-Clark

    Chiropractor

    low force chiropractor for 27 years experienced in SOT AK diversified activator proficient and Neural organizaiton techniqu proficient. seminars given in perth auckland and sydney … View Profile

    yes

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