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Kingston & Teddington Osteopathy

Kingston & Teddington Osteopathy – November 2025

November 2025 Newsletter

 

November 2025 – Can Mental Stress Cause Back Pain?

This month we’re exploring the powerful connection between psychological stress, anxiety, and musculoskeletal health — and how modern habits, work styles, and lifestyle pressures can increase the risk of persistent back pain.
Many of us can relate to the moment an acute episode of back pain appears “at the worst possible time”: a demanding work project, caring responsibilities, financial concerns, or general life overload. In reality, this timing is often no coincidence. Stress affects the body as much as the mind, and pain can act as a natural signal telling us to pause, rest, and restore before we push ourselves too far.
The simple truth is this: yes, mental stress can contribute to back pain.
That does not make the pain “psychological” or “imagined” — it is entirely real, valid, and worthy of proper care.Read on for more information……

Kind regards,


Why Does Stress-Related Back Pain Happen?

Back pain remains one of the most common health complaints worldwide. If you are prone to stress or anxiety, you may have noticed more frequent or recurring episodes of back pain over the years. While anxiety is not the only cause, it can be a significant contributing factor.

Here are some of the key mechanisms:


The Stress Response

When we’re anxious, the body activates its natural “fight-or-flight” response.
This triggers muscle tension — particularly around the neck, shoulders, and back — to protect us from potential danger.

Chronic stress can lead to:

  • Persistent muscle tightness
  • Reduced mobility
  • Stiffness and fatigue
  • Ongoing pain even without physical injury

Over time, this constant tension can create a cycle where stress fuels pain, and pain fuels more stress.


Changes in Posture (and Screens)

Modern lifestyle shifts have amplified the impact of posture on musculoskeletal health.
Long hours on laptops, tablets, and phones — especially working from home — can lead to:

  • Slouching or rounding forward
  • Perching on unsuitable chairs
  • Poor desk ergonomics
  • Holding tension in the upper back and jaw

When combined with stress, this magnifies discomfort and can trigger or prolong back pain


Reduced Physical Activity

Anxiety often leads to inactivity — especially when people feel overwhelmed, fatigued, or unmotivated.

Movement is essential for spinal health. Regular activity:

  • Improves circulation
  • Reduces stiffness
  • Enhances mobility
  • Supports long-term resilience

When activity levels drop, the back becomes more sensitive and less adaptable to everyday strain


Increased Sensitivity to Pain

People experiencing anxiety may become more aware of normal physical sensations.
This doesn’t mean the pain is imagined — rather, the nervous system becomes more alert and reactive.

This sensitisation may cause:

  • Mild aches to feel sharper
  • Twinges to feel alarming
  • Normal stiffness to feel like injury

This can influence how you move, which may unintentionally increase tension or strain.


How to Look After Yourself

We routinely service our cars, boilers, and appliances — often at significant cost — yet many of us overlook the maintenance of our own bodies.

Regular osteopathic check-ups, even when you have no pain, can:

  • Identify areas becoming tight or overloaded
  • Prevent minor issues from becoming acute problems
  • Improve mobility
  • Support healthy posture
  • Reduce the impact of stress on the body

A preventative approach is central to staying active, comfortable, and well-balanced throughout the year

Treatment for back pain varies depending on whether the issue is acute, chronic, or stress-related, but when tension and anxiety are the main triggers, a balanced, proactive approach is highly effective.

Here’s what can help:

Routine Osteopathic Check-Ups

You don’t need to wait for pain. Early detection and gentle intervention can stop problems from escalating.

Massage and Manual Therapy

These techniques help release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce stress — benefitting both physical and mental wellbeing.

Relaxation and Breathing Techniques

Supported by current pain science, these approaches help regulate the nervous system and reduce muscle tension.

Movement & Mobility Guidance

Targeted exercises can restore flexibility, build resilience, and support better posture.

Stress Management Tools

Sleep hygiene, pacing, mindfulness, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage stress levels and reduce physical symptoms

 


 

 

Mental stress and anxiety are very real contributors to back pain, particularly in today’s demanding and fast-moving world. By taking a proactive approach — combining regular osteopathic care, movement, and stress-management strategies — you can reduce the likelihood of injury, improve your posture, and support your long-term health.

If you have questions or would like to book a check-up, we’re always here to help.

Please Call:  02089776396 or

Email: info@osteopathuk.co.uk

 

If you have aches and pains, don’t wait, just call the clinic, come in and we will be able to diagnose the problem.

You can email info@osteopathuk.co.uk or call 02089776396

Click the link for our website:  
http://www.osteopathuk.co.uk/

 


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