Chronic Back Pain and Stress

The most common cause of chronic back pain is compression of the lumbar vertebrae. When this occurs, the intervertebral discs shrink the facet joints are jammed together and inflammation ensues, causing pain. Compression of vertebrae may be the result of muscular imbalances.

It may also be a consequence of weak muscles, especially those of the abdomen, which play a valuable supportive role. Or, it may occur because of habitual bad posture. Prolonged sitting can cause disc compression, as can wear shoes with high heels, which places unnatural stress on the spinal muscles and ligaments.

The ageing process, too, can take its toll on the spinal structures, with age, intervertebral discs lose some of their moisture content and their outer rings becomes more brittle and so vulnerable to cracks. Fluid can then escape and place pressure on surrounding structures, such as nerves. Pain will then follow.

In the 1970s, a professor remarked that the state of our mind is a reflection of the state of our back. This observation is not as far fetched as it may at first appear. Indeed, there are many documented cases to support it. The experience of pain is influenced not only by physical factors, such as pressure on nerves, but also by religious beliefs, ethnicity and personality.

Also playing a part in how we respond to pain stimuli are memory, attention, fear, depression and various causes of stress, such as job dissatisfaction. All these factors increase tension and so intensify and prolong back pain. The lower back is a common site of chronic pain. Compression of lumbar vertebrae is a frequent cause, often due to poor posture and weak muscles.

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