Does Stress Cause Neck Pain?
Does stress cause neck pain? The short answer is no! At Amber Hill Therapy Centers, we like to say “contributes to” instead of “causes.” The casual way healthcare professionals throw around terms can lead to confusion and, worse still, ineffective treatment. Fortunately, our highly skilled therapists know how to dig deep and find the root cause of your neck pain, and this information helps you find relief!
Let’s discuss Nicole, a 40-something-year-old working mother of three. Nicole was used to being very active, balancing her work schedule with getting her kids to all the various activities and school functions that come with being a mom nowadays.
Her neck pain first started as a crick in the neck when she woke up one morning. As the day progressed from driving her kids around to sitting at her desk, she noticed that turning her head became more difficult and painful, making focusing on work nearly impossible.
Nicole struggled to figure out why her neck started hurting and came to the conclusion that stress “must be” the culprit. The more pain and difficulty moving she had, the more convinced she was that stress was to blame.
Understanding Nicole’s Neck Pain
One of the most common things we hear from our patients is that their pain started for “no apparent reason.” Like Nicole, people will wake up with a crick in their neck or notice a stiffness turning when driving in the car. It is also common for people to notice tightness in their upper back and neck after a long day.
So, what is actually the source of the pain? In most cases, there is an issue with the neck joints or the neck muscles due to prolonged positions. Our neck joints don’t like remaining in any position for extended periods. In Nicole’s case, she first noticed her pain in the morning, which may have been related to her neck position while sleeping. It is also important to note that in Nicole’s case, the first sign of any issue was in the morning when she woke up, unrelated to stress.
As Nicole’s day progressed, her pain got worse. But this also was more likely related to how she held her neck while driving or sitting at her computer. In both cases, her posture, specifically how she held her neck, seems to have contributed to her pain. Prolonged sitting can lead to a forward head position, resulting in tension to soft tissue (i.e., muscles, tendons, and ligaments) or negative changes to our blood flow.
The muscles of our neck function best when we move them. So, holding her head in one position likely led to irritation of the muscles and affected her ability to move her neck, which in turn caused stress.
Stress “contributes” to neck pain because, when we experience stress, our bodies naturally respond by tensing up as a protective measure. This tension can lead to discomfort, particularly in the neck and upper back region. Research studies have found that individuals with higher stress levels reported increased neck pain as compared to those with lower stress levels. This is why we say “contributes” to, but not the cause of, neck pain.
Exercise of the Month
Neck Glide
(Neck)
The neck glide is a gentle exercise that helps improve posture and reduce tension in the neck muscles. Start in a comfortable seated or standing position with your spine neutral. Gently draw your chin back, as if creating a “double chin,” while keeping your eyes level and looking straight ahead. Hold this position for a few seconds, feeling a gentle stretch at the base of your skull. Return to the starting position and repeat. This exercise helps counteract forward head posture and can provide relief from neck tension. 3 Sets, 10 Reps.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Alleviate Neck Pain
We will target the source of your pain by performing a thorough examination, starting with your medical history and details about how, when, and where your symptoms began. As we saw with Nicole, determining how, when, and why the pain started helps us eliminate possibilities and get to the actual root cause(s).
Our therapists will also analyze your posture and movement to identify any limitations or restrictions contributing to your condition. We’ll use this information to design a program that addresses your specific needs.
Our treatment plans focus on relieving your pain and improving your posture, mobility, strength, etc., and educating you about managing your symptoms. Your program will likely include manual therapy (i.e., soft tissue work and/or joint mobilizations), targeted stretches, exercises, activity modification, or posture recommendations.
We’ll listen to your unique situation and specific issues and then work to help you find relief and get back to your normal routine.
Omega-3 Rich Baked Salmon with Walnuts
This nutrient-packed dish features salmon and walnuts, both excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation naturally. Combined with fresh herbs and lemon, this simple recipe supports nerve health and can help manage symptoms associated with neck pain.
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried), 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together walnuts, olive oil, dill, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and pat dry. Spread the walnut mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving. Pair with roasted asparagus or a mixed green salad.
Book Your Appointment Today!
If you’re dealing with neck pain or looking for someone to help you figure out what is causing your issues, call us today and set up a consultation!
Dive into Spring Gardening Without the Back Pain
As flowers start blooming and southern gardens come alive, don’t let back pain hinder your green thumb efforts this spring. At Amber Hill Therapy Centers, we’re committed to helping you get back in your garden by addressing your back pain concerns.
Our expert assistance ensures you:
- Find relief from pain, preparing you for those gardening sessions.
- Restore your mobility and strength to plant, prune, and pick with ease.
- Share gardening tips and fresh produce with friends and family without the shadow of back pain.
Our treatments are crafted for your distinct needs. This spring, turn a new leaf without pain—connect with us today and let your wellness blossom alongside your garden!
Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955320301417?via%3Dihub, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36180150/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2270377/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28972599/
