Stress and Chronic Pain
Stress can worsen chronic pain. Although the exact relationship between stress and chronic pain is not known, several theories exist:
Muscle tension
Stress causes tension in the muscles, which can cause or increase pain, especially pain in the neck, shoulders and back. Studies show that thinking or talking about a stressful event increases tension in the back muscles of those with chronic back pain. When stress is chronic, muscles are often in a constant state of tension. This tension can lead to other pain, such as headaches and migraines.
![](https://i0.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/f3823200-6880-11ea-835d-4bb524880da2.jpg?w=727&ssl=1)
Pain signals
The brain is constantly trying to inhibit pain signals, especially if a chronic pain condition is present. However, when a person is stressed, the brain’s ability to hinder those signals is reduced, which increases pain.
![](https://i0.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/85a9a960-6881-11ea-835d-4bb524880da2.jpg?w=727&ssl=1)
Inflammatory response
When stress is experienced, the immune system’s inflammatory response is activated. This inflammation can cause pain, especially with chronic pain conditions sensitive to inflammation, such as arthritis.
![](https://i0.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/b989b0e0-6881-11ea-835d-4bb524880da2.png?w=727&ssl=1)
Perception
Stress can also increase the perception of pain. When dealing with stressors, the perception of pain may become more intense and overwhelming.
![](https://i0.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/e753f350-6881-11ea-835d-4bb524880da2.jpg?w=727&ssl=1)
Coping tools
Relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, etc.), practicing good sleep hygiene, or seeing a mental health professional, such as a pain psychologist or psychiatrist, can decrease stress, and therefore, reduce pain. These practices can boost mood and improve daily function in those with chronic pain conditions.
![](https://i0.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/2acff390-6882-11ea-835d-4bb524880da2.webp?w=727&ssl=1)
Article Provided By: PainScale
![Carolina Pain Scrambler Logo, Chronic Pain, Greenville, SC](https://i2.wp.com/carolinapainscrambler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/CarolinaPainScramblerLogo2-1.png?resize=300%2C103&ssl=1)