Neck pain and stress are often connected, making it difficult to determine which came first. Treating stress-related pain with analgesics isn't always the best option, with relaxation often able to help both symptoms. Where pain is causing stress, simply addressing the stress may help the pain but could ignore an easily treatable physical ailment. Find out more about the relationship between neck pain and stress and what you can do to feel better, courtesy of Painneck.com, part of the Healthy Body Network.

1. Neck Pain and....

2. Chicken or Egg?
● Neck pain can be stressful in itself,
particularly when severe or chronic, so it
may be that pain in the neck is causing your
stress.
● Conversely, neck pain can be due to muscle
cramps and tension, often brought on by
stress, poor sleep due to anxiety, or poor
general health linked to depression.

3. What Can You Do?
● Work out the origin of your symptoms
● Treat the underlying issue, i.e. work-stress, anxiety,
cervical spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, etc.
● Get help from your physician, family, and friends
● Reconsider your lifestyle, medications for pain and other
conditions, diet, and other possible neck pain triggers.

4. Questions to Expect
Don't be surprised if you are asked about your lifestyle,
stress, or depression when getting a neck pain diagnosis:
● Pain is often made worse by worry, stress, and
depression and can even be a direct result of
psychological distress
● Your doctor isn't just dismissing your neck pain as 'all in
your head' - it's important to factor in all possible
causes, including things like fibromyalgia, poor posture,
and even a thyroid disorder.

5. The Vicious Cycle of Stress and Neck Pain

6. But What if it's Physical?
● Even if a physical cause of neck pain is found,
relaxation exercises, and psychological interventions,
can help you manage your pain and condition more
easily.
● In a happier state of mind you're better able to cope with
any setbacks, physical or otherwise, so dealing with any
deep-seated emotional issues or stress can make a
huge difference to your experience of neck pain.
● Pain is made worse by lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and
unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking, so look
after all aspects of your health, mental and physical.

7. Coping with Stress and Neck Pain
If you're suffering from stress-induced neck pain, or your
neck pain is causing you stress consider:
● Removing common neck pain triggers
● Medication for pain relief (NSAIDs etc.)
● Medications for anxiety and depression
● Talking cures, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
● Physical therapy
● Acupuncture of acupressure
● Neck pain pillows for a good night's sleep!

8. Ask your doctor about your
options to treat both stress
and neck pain and you
might find that by relieving
one you also address the
other!
Find out more at PainNeck.com