Psychosocial Factors in Back Pain

Posted on Mar 19, 2018


“Psychosocial” is a term most people first hear in their college psychology class. For the layperson, lets just say it means something like this: your mind and your environment can affect how you feel. Take work, for example. You probably have some work-related stress. You deal with all sorts of “stuff” at work. Certain people cause your blood pressure to go up, and others make you want to run and hide. Obviously, depending on what kind of people you have to put up with at work, you might have the kind of mind games going on that cause you both psychological and physical problems.

Could back pain be a symptom of the stress you’ve got at work? Some studies suggest no, but in reality, yes, it could be… You might be so tense at work when you’re around certain co-workers that you’re tightening up muscles and feeling like you’re ready to burst with anger. The term “seething with rage” comes to mind. When that happens, not only are you psychologically annoyed, but that stress manifests itself in the form of things like low back pain.

Are you satisfied at work? How do you feel about the work you do and the people you work with? Do you have enthusiasm and enjoyment and pride?

For those who feel dismayed at work, whether it’s because of a terrible boss or some other factors, like time pressure, conflicting demands, work tempo/pace, or lack of social support at work… that back pain of yours might be caused, in part, by these psychosocial factors.

It wouldn’t hurt to talk to Dr. Gerard about your work experience and how it might be negatively affecting your overall health right now. As a chiropractor, the doctor can help your body relieve some of its stress. And the doctor can help guide you toward feeling better, naturally. Please call 651-464-0800 to make an appointment today. If and when work has been overwhelming you, to the point where you feel pains you normally wouldn’t feel, chiropractic care can lessen pain and help put you on a positive path toward feeling good again.

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