How Stress, Back Pain, and Vancouver Chiropractic Care Interact

April 15, 2025

With back pain incidence bothering about 40% of people with 10% of those going on to have chronic pain, it’s important to consider causes of Vancouver back pain. (1) One consideration that Vancouver Disc Centers does not overlook is stress, emotional and cognitive aspects. We look at the whole ‘you’! That's our flavor of chiropractic care.

STRESS AND ITS PHYSICAL TOLL ON THE BODY

Mental stress does not just affect your mind; it comes out in the body, too. When you are stressed, your muscles naturally stiffen as part of the fight-or-flight response. If stress grows chronic, this prolonged muscle tension can lead to discomfort and, in due course, persistent pain. Studies support this. Research published by Brenner-Fliesser et al. (2) found a notable correlation between work-related stress and increased incidence of low back pain amidst office workers, particularly those in sedentary roles. Too many demands of work and social tensions were identified as significant contributors to both the severity and duration of pain. Repeated or sustained stress initiates a cascade of physical effects including muscle imbalance, spinal misalignment, inflammation. The message is evident: treating Vancouver back pain requires attending to not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying stressors.

B VITAMINS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

A lesser-known means in combating stress is making sure there is an adequate intake of B vitamins. These water-soluble vitamins have a critical role in keeping a healthy nervous system and brain function, which is directly linked to stress regulation. Transthyretin, a protein related to vitamin B12, has been shown to "orchestrate stress resilience," according to a study by Stein et al. (3). This suggests that proper vitamin B levels can significantly improve how your body copes with stress. Key B vitamins for stress management are Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) which improves mood by changing carbs into energy, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which supports serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) production, and Vitamin B12 which is needed for nerve health and red blood cell production really essential when stressed. By controlling stress, B vitamins indirectly decrease stress-related muscle tension and its detrimental effects on the spine. Supplementing with B vitamins may also boost energy levels, making it simpler to stay active, which is crucial for Vancouver back pain relief.

HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE RELIEF: START NOW!

Chiropractic care at Vancouver Disc Centers does not just treat the symptom of back pain; it works to figure out the root. Chiropractors adopt a holistic approach to address both spinal health and contributing factors like stress by utilizing gentle spinal manipulation like Cox® Technic, stress reduction and lifestyle advice (like office set up and office chair choice), and nutritional ideas for diet and supplementation. When it comes to working on stress-related back pain, a multi-faceted path is your best bet. By addressing your mind, body, and nutrition all at the same time, you give yourself the best chance to find more lasting relief. Incorporate B vitamins, do some stress-decreasing activities like yoga and breathing, and (first!) talk with your chiropractor at Vancouver Disc Centers!

CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Lee Hazen, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates how the “whole person” approach to back pain relief and incorporation of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management can help.

Now is the time to take control of your back pain and associated stress and boost your quality of life. Schedule your Vancouver chiropractic appointment soon.