Stress is a physical or mental reaction to pressure or threat. Muscle contraction caused by stress and anxiety may cause nerve pain in the neck or shoulder. Neck pain is one of the most common problems people visit the doctor for. This article examines the relationship between stress and neck pain and how its diagnosis and treatment interact. Stay with us until the end of the article.
The relationship between stress and neck pain
Neck pain has various causes, one of which is stress. People often contract muscles such as neck muscles when they are stressed. This problem causes pain and stiffness in the neck and other body parts. Stress may also affect how pain is processed. Researchers believe that anxiety may be involved in a condition called remote hyperalgesia. In this situation, the person becomes more sensitive to pain.
When you experience something stressful, your muscles contract. This kind of spontaneous reaction or reflex is called a stress or fight or flight reaction. During this muscle tension, you may have other symptoms, including:
- Increase in heart rate;
- Short and quick breaths;
- coldness of the skin;
- Sweating.
Although these reactions are designed to deal with physical threats, you may experience them in other situations, such as being stuck in traffic or watching the news. These muscle contractions only relax when the danger is removed. The muscle contraction will last longer than usual if the stress is progressive.
Other underlying factors of neck pain
Although stress is the most common psychological cause of neck pain, factors such as anxiety, poor social support, and depression also play a role. Of course, other factors may increase the likelihood of neck pain in people under stress, including:
- Improper posture while using a computer or smartphone;
- Grinding teeth ;
- car accident or injury;
- Other diseases, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.
Other side effects of stress
In addition to neck pain, stress can cause other health problems, such as:
- obesity ;
- diabetes ;
- high blood pressure ;
- Cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, stress can worsen the condition and complicate the treatment process. For example, pressure can increase muscle contraction and affect the effectiveness of drugs or other treatments. Also, a stressed person may not follow the doctor’s orders, it may be difficult for him to relax, and he may experience more pain due to muscle contraction.
Tension, headaches, fatigue, and sleep problems are neck pain complications. In severe cases, neck pain causes tingling or weakness in the arm, changes in vision, and balance problems.
Time to see a doctor
If you have neck pain, you should see a doctor. The pain may be caused by stress or another problem. Also, if you have symptoms such as tingling and arm weakness, vision or balance,ce issues, be sure to see a doctor. Maybe these symptoms are due to neck pain or a more severe problem.
Diagnosis of neuralgic neck pain
Neck pain is diagnosed by clinical examination and examination of the person’s medical history. The doctor may ask you about the intensity and duration of the pain and other symptoms. The doctor may also prescribe a CT scan or MRI to determine the cause of the neck pain. These tests identify any structural problems or injuries in the neck.
If you have problems controlling stress, you should discuss it with your doctor. Stress is not a mental condition but is sometimes associated with other issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Self-assessment of stress
If you’re under a lot of stress, you’re likely to see clear signs of it in yourself, including:
- constant feeling of pressure and stress;
- trouble sleeping or feeling constantly tired;
- chest pain, fast heartbeat, or confusion;
- I am feeling irritable or anxious most of the time.
Treatment of neuralgic neck pain
Fortunately, there are various ways to reduce stress and improve neck pain. For some people, it is helpful to use relaxation methods such as yoga or meditation. Other people may use counseling to manage stress. If the neck pain is severe, it is necessary to use the medicine.
There is no one-size-fits-all method for treating stress and neck pain, but there are general measures that we will examine below.
1. taking medication
If the neck pain is severe, the doctor may prescribe medicine to relieve the pain. These drugs may be over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen or prescription drugs such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and muscle relaxants. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking medications. Using more amount of medicine can cause serious problems.
2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy and counseling are helpful for people struggling to manage stress. These treatments teach a person how to deal with stress and improve overall health properly.
Types of psychotherapy include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: identifying and replacing the negative thought pattern that causes stress with positive thoughts.
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction: treatment using relaxation exercises such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
- Exposure therapy: gradual exposure to stressors mainly used to treat phobias and anxiety.
Dealing with stress and neck pain
1. changing lifestyle
- Regular exercise improves mood, reduces stress, and strengthens neck muscles.
- Using relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing reduce stress and muscle contraction.
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet improves overall health and reduces stress.
- Adequate sleep: Lack of sleep may be the primary source of stress. Therefore, good rest reduces muscle contraction and increases the ability to solve daily life problems.
If you do not get better by following these tips, see your doctor. Your doctor may use additional treatments and medications to relieve neck pain.
2. Support groups
Support groups are valuable resources for dealing with stress. These groups provide a safe space for people to share their experiences and are very helpful for people who feel lonely.
Also, these groups can provide advice and support to people. People in support groups share helpful tips for managing stress, dealing with difficult situations, and coping with emotions. This work is helpful for people who feel helpless.
Support groups also create a sense of community and connection, which can be important for people who feel lonely. It is nice to know that others understand your thoughts and support you.
If stress and neck pain has affected your quality of life, you should take care of it.
Some activities to get rid of nerve pain in the neck
Preventing stress-related neck pain isn’t easy, especially in today’s busy world, but there are a few ways to reduce pain and anxiety. In the following, we have written some stretching movements and body positions useful for removing neck and shoulder stiffness.
1. neck stretch
A neck stretch is a deep stretch that relieves neck spasms and improves your range of motion:
- Stand with your left arm at your side.
- Place your right palm on your head, with your fingers pointing to the left. (Place your palms on your ears.)
- Gently push your head to the right so that you feel the stretch on the left side of your neck.
- Pause for 20 to 30 seconds, and then release your hand.
- Repeat with the left side.
- Do this 2-3 times for each side.
2. Neck relaxation
Neck relaxation is a gentle way to reduce neck and shoulder stiffness.
- Stand up and put your hands at your sides.
- Lower your head and bring your chin close to your chest.
- Slowly tilt your head to the right and pause for 30 seconds. You should feel a stretch on the left side of your neck.
- Bring your head to the center and place it in the starting position.
- Do this 3 to 5 times for each side.
3. The child’s condition
Child’s pose or Balasana is one of the yoga poses helpful in removing neck and back pain. Also, this position is a gentle stretch that causes relaxation.
- Place your palms and knees on the floor so that your wrists are in line with your shoulders and your knees are in line with your hips.
- Sit on your heels, straighten your back, and stretch your arms forward.
- Wait 60 to 90 seconds. Focus on your breathing to eliminate neck and shoulder tension.
- Return to the starting position and repeat.
- Do this 2 to 3 times.
4. Cat-cow situation
Cat-cow pose, or Chakravakasana, is a yoga pose that allows you to stretch your back, upper body, and neck and release tension.
- Place your palms and knees on the floor so that your wrists are in line with your shoulders and your knees are in line with your hips.
- Inhale and go into cow pose. Move your stomach towards the mat and lift your chin and chest. Look at the ceiling. Open your chest and shoulders. Pause for a few seconds.
- Exhale and do the cat pose. Pull your stomach towards your lumbar spine and arch your back towards the ceiling. You have to look at the mattress. Pause for a few seconds.
- Inhale, return to cow pose, and repeat several times.
- Do this 10 to 12 times.
5. movement of the threading needle
Soren threading is stretching that causes the back, neck, and shoulder contractions to disappear.
- Place your palms and knees on the floor so that your wrists are in line with your shoulders and your knees are in line with your hips.
- Put your right hand on the floor (palm up) and move it to the left side of the body. Your body should rotate with this movement, and your shoulder should touch the floor as you look to the left. Use your left hand to support your body weight.
- Stay in this position for 20 to 30 seconds and return to the first position.
- Repeat with the left side.
- Do this 2 to 3 times for each side.
Other methods
Yoga is a great activity to eliminate shoulder and neck tension caused by stress. Doing nine weeks of yoga can curb pain and improve performance in people with neck pain. Of course, you can get help from other methods to reduce neck contraction, including:
- Using a warm compress in tight areas;
- A few minutes of the gentle massage;
- sleeping in a warm bath containing a few drops of aromatherapy oil for more relaxation;
- improving working conditions, such as placing the computer in line with the eyes to reduce neck pain;
- paying attention to the body position during work (your ear, shoulder, and thigh joint should be in the same line);
- Getting up every few hours and resting for a few minutes;
- Using the right pillow while sleeping and placing the head and neck in the same line.
you say
How much stress or neck pain do you have these days? What do you do to fix these problems? You can write us your experience and opinion in the comments section and share this article with your friends through social networks.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
