MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Backaches and stress

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Backaches and stress

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Skeletal spine

Vertebra, lumbar (low back)

Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)

Vertebral column

Backaches

Alternative Names Return to top

Stress and backaches

Information Return to top

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

See also: Low back pain

Update Date: 8/6/2007

Updated by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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