Wellness
Stress and Chronic Pain
![](https://cdn.painscale.com/cms/imgs/e2a502b0-4bb9-11eb-87d5-15e76591973e.jpg)
Stress can worsen chronic pain. Although the exact relationship between stress and pain is not known, several theories exist:
Muscle tension
Stress causes tension in the muscles, which can cause or increase pain, especially pain in the neck, shoulders and back. Studies show that thinking or talking about a stressful event increases tension in the back muscles of those with chronic back pain. When stress is chronic, muscles are often in a constant state of tension. This tension can lead to other pain, such as headaches and migraines.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/b7a32480-4bb8-11eb-87d5-15e76591973e.jpg)
Pain signals
The brain is constantly trying to inhibit pain signals, especially if a chronic pain condition is present. However, when a person is stressed, the brain’s ability to hinder those signals is reduced, which increases pain.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/e885a370-4bb8-11eb-87d5-15e76591973e.jpg)
Inflammatory response
When stress is experienced, the immune system’s inflammatory response is activated. This inflammation can cause pain, especially with chronic pain conditions sensitive to inflammation, such as arthritis.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/38013bd0-4bb9-11eb-87d5-15e76591973e.jpg)
Perception
Stress can also increase the perception of pain. When dealing with stressors, the perception of pain may become more intense and overwhelming.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/67f5ff60-4bb9-11eb-87d5-15e76591973e.jpg)
Coping tools
Relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, etc.), practicing good sleep hygiene, or seeing a mental health professional, such as a pain psychologist or psychiatrist, can decrease stress, and therefore, reduce pain. These stress-relieving practices can boost mood and improve daily function in those with chronic pain conditions
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/painscale-prod/cms/imgs/d13c6040-4bb9-11eb-87d5-15e76591973e.jpg)