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Skeletal spine

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Vertebral column

Backaches

 

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Backaches and stress

Alternative Names

Stress and backaches

Information

Question:

Can stress cause backaches?

Answer:

Stress can make you more likely to get a backache. Also, reducing stress can help you recover more quickly from a back injury. But, be careful not to blame back pain on stress, because you may be overlooking a serious cause.

It is important to see a doctor right away if:

• Your back pain extends to the buttocks, arms, or legs
• You have weakness or numbness in your arms or legs
• You have any loss of bladder or bowel control
• The pain wakes you up from sleep

References

Aminoff MJ. Mechanical and other lesions of the spine, nerve roots, and spinal cord. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 423.

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Review Date: 8/10/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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