Stress gifts backache

Are You Aware of These Troubling Facts?

• 80% of workers feel stress on the job.
• 75% believe they have more job stress then a generation ago.
• 25% view their jobs as the #1stressor in their lives.
• 10% are concerned about an individual at work becoming violent.
• 14% said they have felt like striking a coworker, but didn't. *

Stress and back pain

Aches and pains in the head, neck and back are common symptoms of stress; these muscles experience the greatest tension during a stressful situation, resulting in ‘tension pains’. Confirms Mumbai based orthopedic surgeon Dr Darius Soonawalla, “Of all orthopedic conditions, neck and back pain have the most consistent correlation to stress.”

While the tensing ability of muscles is important for mobility, excessive and continuous tension such as caused by a stressful situation can lead to a misalignment of the vertebrae, or to a nerve becoming pinched. This results in back pain.

In some cases, back pain also results from psychological stress. Over time, mental tension may lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels, hampering supply of oxygen to the various muscles, including those in the back. Over time this leads to muscle tension and pain.

Dealing with stress

So what can you do about stress-related backache? First of all, do not self-diagnose your condition. Back pain can also be the result of serious medical conditions like a tumor or an infection. So consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.

Here’s what you can do:

• Identify people or situations that cause you stress so you can avoid being affected.
• Anticipate potentially stressful situations so that you can be prepared for them.
• How you view potentially stressful events, impacts the effect of stress. For example, a meeting with your boss is stressful for you. If you see a meeting with your boss – a routine occurrence – as taxing for your nerves, it will end up stressing you out. But if you develop a positive frame of mind instead, you will be more relaxed, physically and mentally.
• Engage in physical activity. Regular exercise such as a brisk 30-minute walk every day or yoga helps relieve stress, apart from making your muscles stronger and less prone to wear and tear.
• Breathing exercises and meditation are excellent techniques to help you relax.
• Listening to soothing music can calm frayed nerves.
• Adopt a nutritious, balanced diet

For further information contact: www.eehealthbook.com