There is an influential relationship between your state of mind and your physical condition. When you’re feeling stressed, your body releases cortisol and adrenalin. Both hormones generate the “fight or flight” response that can cause muscle tension, nausea and rapid breathing. You may also experience an increase in pain, which can make your pre-existing back pain much worse.
Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine is expertly trained in minimally invasive spine surgery and other spine-related treatments; he has witnessed firsthand what emotional distress can do to the body. If you’re feeling stressed, consider these pointers to reduce back pain.
Seek The Advice Of A Medical Professional
First and foremost, it’s important to see a medical professional about your back pain. Dr. Giovanini encourages patients to ask all of their spine-related questions and express the concerns they may have about their symptoms before leaving his office. Understanding your pain and what may be causing it could help decrease your anxiety and feelings of uncertainty.
Address Your Fears And Concerns
It’s also important patients use Dr. Giovanini as a resource to address all of their fears or misconceptions about back pain. We wrote a blog on the topic of back pain myths and misconceptions, which you can find by clicking “here.” If your pain is severe and caused by a specific spine-related condition, Dr. Giovanini may suggest physical therapy combined with a pain-relieving, minimally invasive procedure to alleviate back pain.
Start Moving!
Getting involved in some sort of physical activity may help relieve stress and muscle tension in your back. 
Yoga, relaxation movements, walking and swimming can increase blood circulation, reduce stress and loosen up tight muscles. You could also try sitting in a sauna or steam room!
Try Relaxation Techniques
You should also be taking 5-10 minutes of each day to stretch out and relax. Grab a good book or try meditating. You could also apply hot or cold compresses to areas of the back or neck to ease pain. Aromatherapy and massage can also work wonders for stress-induced back pain.
Dr. Giovanini performs spine surgery at several locations and is a clinical instructor and speaker. He has a passion for teaching other physicians how to help their patients with minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. Dr. Giovanini is a spine expert and enjoys helping patients become pain-free. If you’re feeling moderate to severe back pain, schedule an appointment at NeuroMicroSpine today!
For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery or to make an appointment with Dr. Giovanini, please call (850) 934-7545 or visit http://www.neuromicrospine.com/request-appointment.
We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©NeuroMicroSpine, 2018
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