Life is stressful, we all know that. But are chronic pain and stress linked? Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers explains:

While we don’t know for sure why or how stress and pain are related, people who are chronically stressed out also tend to experience chronic pain. The pain is most often located in the neck, shoulder, and back area. While not completely clear what the cause is, some theories note that the pain is caused by constantly tensed muscles. Other theories seem to point toward chemicals in the brain. While we may not know exactly how it works, we do have a few things you can try to reduce and eliminate stress-related pain.

Chill Out: It doesn’t have to be yoga or meditation (though they can certainly help), but just taking the time to relax and unwind is one of the most effective ways you can reduce stress. It’s easy to get caught up in life and lose track of time in today’s stressful world. Sometimes we can go for a long period of time without really stopping to relax, and this can lead to increased stress levels and possibly chronic pain.

Exercise: Being active is one of the best ways to reduce your stress levels. Even just 30 minutes on the treadmill or walking at a brisk pace can make a world of difference. In addition, increased exercise will also promote many other benefits, including increased energy, weight management, and more motivation.

Talk: Seeking support from a mental health professional can also be a very effective way to manage stress. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to take some pill with a million side-effects; in all likelihood, that won’t happen. Oftentimes, just talking to someone who’s been trained to help you deal with stress is enough to reduce stress in your life.

If you still experience pain after reducing stress, give us a call at Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers today!