Stress and backaches

Question:

Can stress cause backaches?

Answer:

Stress can make you more likely to get a backache. Also, reducing stress can help you recover 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 extends 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

Aminoff MJ. Mechanical and other lesions of the spine, nerve roots, and spinal cord. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 423.