Backaches and stress

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Backaches	Skeletal spine	Vertebra, lumbar (low back)	Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)
Vertebral column

Stress and backaches

Question:

Can stress cause backaches?

Answer:

Stress can make you more susceptible to getting a backache. Similarly, reducing stress can help you recovery 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 radiates 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.

Review Date: 10/20/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.