Ask the Experts- October 2023

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

This might be an unusual question, but I am 54 and have been in menopause for 3 years. I have been having aches and back pain. I have been under unusual stress at work, and I wanted to ask you if stress and emotions can be causing my back pain? Thank you for providing me with an answer.

Ann

Dear Ann,

Stress and emotions can actually cause back pain. Although the mechanism is not often clear, doctors think that unconscious stress may cause muscle tightness in the lower back. The resulting pain is like having a tension headache in your back. So, your thoughts and emotions have a great power over the way you perceive pain, and they may also make your back pain worse. It might be a good idea for you to talk to your doctor about ways to address your emotional stress.