Stress and the body

Part 2: Psychological stress on the body

Psychological stressors influence our bodies in many ways, including alterations to our immune system, cardio-vascular system, metabolic system and musculoskeletal system. But the main thing I want to discuss in this article is the effect of psychological stressors on our bodies pain response.
We have long known that pain is created by the brain which takes input from the nervous system about potential injuries or dangers. This information is thoroughly assessed by the brain which decides what response to create.

There are many factors that will change a potential pain response by your brain. This might include memory of a similar stimulus (the danger level may be perceived as higher if you have had a similar pain in the past) or the environment you are in (a potentially dangerous or hazardous environment might amplify a pain response).

Cognitive and psychological factors can also have a huge impact on the pain response that you feel and because of this are primary predictors of having issues like lower back pain. Your belief system around pain and your condition has a big effect on your pain. Negative beliefs about your pain, fear of movement and decreased self-efficacy are great predictors of pain and disability.

Feelings of anxiety, worry, depression and stress can also amplify your pain response.
All of these extra factors can have a huge impact on whether your body turns the pain response volume knob up or down. If you want more information on what impact various stresses are having on your pain book in to see one of our friendly and experienced physiotherapists.