Stress-the cause of pain?

We are often asked if the source of a patient's problem could be stress related?

The word 'stress' is open to interpretation and is often assumed to be negative whereas in actual fact some stress is essential to daily life or we would have no urgency to complete any tasks. 

In this context assuming the word 'stress' means 'excessive pressure or worry' then how do you get physical problems as a result?

All emotional states are reflected in the position and posture we adopt.  Think of the classic Charlie Chaplin surprised face. 

When an individual is stressed the typical posture they adopt is elevation of the shoulders.  The jaw can get tighter overloading the muscles around the jaw joint and those that run along the side of the neck.
Because a lot of the muscles that move the shoulders come from the neck, the tension in the shoulders transfers into the neck. Muscles then become fatigued causing pain themselves.  The picture is further aggravated by compressing the vertebrae potentially irritating the facet joints.  Headaches can then develop.

As part of the stress picture, breathing patterns alter leading to upper rib breathing taking over from diaphragmatic breathing.  This overworks the muscles at the front and side of the neck.

If this pattern is maintained for a while the muscles can change and symptoms can continue even after the stressor has eased. 

Try taking deep breaths to help stretch the diaphragm and relax the muscles.