3. Fear and Anxiety
Worrying about pain can actually exacerbate it. When you’re anxious about movement, your body braces itself, increasing tension. After an injury, I was hesitant to lift weights, and that fear only intensified my back pain, trapping me in avoidance.
Breaking the Cycle
1. Practice Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can help you manage pain. Mindfulness meditation teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings, reducing stress and tension. Just a few minutes of meditation each day made a significant difference in my back pain.