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Patient Questions  /  Stress and back or neck pain

Neck, Jaw & Headaches

Can Stress Make Back or Neck Pain Worse?

Yes. Stress doesn't mean your pain is “all in your head.” Stress can tighten muscles, disturb sleep and make your nervous system more sensitive, so the same body parts hurt more. Worry about pain can also lead to moving less, which can keep pain going. Managing stress alongside regular movement often helps.

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How stress turns up pain

  • Muscle tension. Many people hold stress in their neck, shoulders and jaw without noticing.
  • Poor sleep. Stress often affects sleep, and short or broken sleep makes pain feel stronger.
  • A more sensitive alarm system. Pain is produced by your nervous system. When you're under strain, it can act like a volume knob turned up, so normal movements feel more painful.
  • Fear of movement. Worrying that pain means damage can lead to avoiding activity, which leaves the body stiffer and weaker.

The pain is real either way. Stress is one of several things that can raise or lower it.

What can help

  • Regular movement, like walking, which helps both pain and stress.
  • Relaxation and breathing, even a few minutes a day.
  • Sleep habits, like a regular bedtime and less screen time before bed.
  • Understanding your pain, which can ease worry about every twinge.

The American College of Physicians lists approaches like exercise and mindfulness-based stress reduction among the non-drug treatments for long-lasting low back pain. If stress, anxiety or low mood feel heavy, talk to your doctor. A counselor can be a valuable part of care.

When to see a doctor

Get help right away if you have:

  • Neck, jaw or upper back pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating: call 911
  • Thoughts of harming yourself: call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time
  • Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs that is getting worse
  • Numbness in the groin or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels: get emergency care
  • Pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can explain what is driving your pain, build your activity back up at a steady pace, and teach exercises and relaxation strategies you can use at home. They can also work alongside your doctor or counselor when stress is a big part of the picture.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Chronic pain therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026