How Stress Triggers Back Pain: Dr. Sudberg Explains

Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explores the Connection Between Stress and Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. While physical injury or degenerative conditions are often the obvious culprits, there’s growing recognition of an often overlooked contributor: stress. Can stress cause lower back pain? According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a pain management specialist, the answer is a resounding yes. In this post, Dr. Sudberg explains how stress impacts the body, why it can trigger or worsen lower back pain, and what you can do to break the cycle.

Understanding the Link Between Stress and Lower Back Pain

Stress is your body’s natural response to perceived threats—whether emotional, mental, or physical. While short-term stress can be beneficial by sharpening focus or improving performance, chronic stress triggers a cascade of physiological changes that can negatively affect your musculoskeletal system.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains:

“When you’re stressed, your muscles tend to tense up, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. This prolonged muscle tightness can lead to pain, stiffness, and even spasms in the back.”

Stress also activates the “fight or flight” response, increasing the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can contribute to inflammation and reduce blood flow to muscles and tissues, impairing their ability to heal and function properly.

How Stress Contributes to Lower Back Pain

Here are several ways stress may cause or worsen lower back pain, as explained by Dr. Sudberg:

1. Muscle Tension and Spasms

Chronic stress keeps muscles in a state of constant contraction, particularly in the lower back. Over time, this tension can cause muscle fatigue, trigger points, and painful spasms.

2. Altered Posture

Stress can affect your posture—whether through slouching at your desk or clenching your shoulders. Poor posture puts additional strain on the spine and supporting muscles, leading to discomfort and injury.

3. Reduced Pain Threshold

Stress can heighten your perception of pain by sensitizing your nervous system. This means that pain signals from the lower back feel more intense and harder to tolerate.

4. Impact on Sleep Quality

Stress often disrupts sleep, and lack of restful sleep interferes with tissue repair and pain regulation. When your body doesn’t fully recover overnight, back pain can become more persistent.

5. Behavioral Factors

Stress sometimes leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms like decreased physical activity, poor nutrition, or smoking. These behaviors can contribute to weight gain, muscle weakness, and spine degeneration, all of which increase back pain risk.

How Dr. Jordan Sudberg Approaches Stress-Related Back Pain

Treating stress-related lower back pain requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and emotional factors. Dr. Sudberg shares some of the strategies he uses with his patients:

– Physical Therapy and Exercise

Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises help release muscle tension and improve posture. Exercise also boosts mood by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

– Mind-Body Techniques

Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress hormones and relax muscles. Dr. Sudberg often recommends incorporating these practices into daily routines.

– Pain Management Interventions

In cases where pain is severe or persistent, Dr. Sudberg may utilize treatments like nerve blocks, muscle relaxants, or other interventional therapies to provide relief while patients work on managing stress.

– Lifestyle and Behavioral Counseling

Addressing sleep hygiene, nutrition, and smoking cessation are important components of overall pain management. Psychological support or counseling can help patients develop healthier coping strategies.

Tips to Manage Stress and Protect Your Back

If you suspect your lower back pain is linked to stress, here are some practical tips from Dr. Jordan Sudberg:

• Regular Movement: Avoid sitting for long periods. Take breaks to stretch and walk. 
• Practice Relaxation: Spend a few minutes each day practicing deep breathing or meditation. 
• Maintain Good Posture: Be mindful of your posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping. 
• Exercise: Incorporate low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or yoga. 
• Seek Support: Talk to a healthcare provider if stress or pain feels overwhelming. 

When to Seek Professional Help

While occasional stress and mild back pain are common, persistent or worsening symptoms deserve medical attention. Dr. Jordan Sudberg advises:

“If your back pain lasts longer than a few weeks, or if it’s accompanied by numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control, it’s important to see a specialist promptly.”

Conclusion: A Holistic View of Back Pain

Lower back pain isn’t just a physical problem—it’s often intertwined with emotional and psychological factors like stress. Understanding this connection is key to effective treatment. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a pain management specialist, addressing both stress and physical health is essential to breaking the cycle of pain.

If you’re struggling with stress and back pain, consider consulting a specialist who can help tailor a treatment plan that targets the root causes. With the right approach, you can find relief and regain control over your life.