Stress and backaches

Question:

Can stress cause backaches?

Answer:

Stress can make you more likely to get a backache. Also, reducing stress can help you recover more quickly from a back injury. But, be careful not to blame back pain on stress, because you may be overlooking a serious cause.

It is important to see a doctor right away if:

• Your back pain extends to the buttocks, arms, or legs
• You have weakness or numbness in your arms or legs
• You have any loss of bladder or bowel control
• The pain wakes you up from sleep

Images

Vertebral column

Backaches

Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)

Vertebra, lumbar (low back)

Bones of the spine

Next Section

Backaches and stress Prevention

Review Date: 08/10/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)