The Connection Between Stress and Musculoskeletal
Article featured on Focus Physiotherapy
Stress is a normal part of life, and it can take many forms, including emotional, physical, and psychological stress. While stress can have a wide range of effects on the body, one of the most common is musculoskeletal pain. This type of pain is caused by tension in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and it can manifest in different areas of the body, such as the back, neck, and shoulders.
The connection between stress and musculoskeletal pain is well-established. Stress can cause the muscles to tense up, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and soreness. When the body is under stress, the nervous system releases a hormone called cortisol, which can increase inflammation and cause pain. Stress can also lead to poor posture and inactivity, which can further contribute to muscle pain.
One of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain from stress is tension headaches. Tension headaches are caused by a tightening of the muscles in the head, face, and neck, and they can be triggered by emotional stress, such as anxiety or depression. Other common stress-related musculoskeletal pain includes: fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
There are a few ways to help alleviate stress-related musculoskeletal pain. Regular exercise can help to release tension in the muscles and improve overall physical and emotional well-being. Yoga, tai chi, and other mind-body practices can also be effective in reducing stress and pain. Additionally, stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial in reducing pain and stress.
It is also important to have good sleep hygiene and maintain a balanced diet can help to manage stress and reduce pain.
In conclusion, the connection between stress and musculoskeletal pain is well-established. Stress can cause the muscles to tense up, leading to pain, stiffness, and soreness. Regular exercise, stress management techniques, good sleep hygiene, and a balanced diet can help to alleviate stress-related musculoskeletal pain. If pain is persistent or chronic, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
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