Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

All injuries are annoying, but some injuries are more than just painful – they are physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Oftentimes we talk with patients who describe their back pain in this way. If it was only physical discomfort, they could find a way to overcome it easily enough, but it’s the exhausting nature of back pain that makes it extremely difficult to fully treat the issue and get back to some semblance of normalcy in their life. But why exactly is back pain typically so exhausting compared to other types of injuries? In today’s blog, we explain why back pain can be so exhausting to deal with.

Why Back Injuries Are Exhausting

There’s no one specific reason as to why back injuries and back pain can be so exhausting. Instead, a collection of factors play into these feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Here’s a look at some of the factors that can leave you feeling exhausted when working to manage back pain:

• Stress On The Spine – If you injure your ankle or your shoulder, it’s pretty easy to protect these areas and limit additional stress on them. That’s not true for the spine. Even when you’re seated or laying down, your spine is forced to handle the stress of gravity and your body weight. There’s very little reprieve for patients with back pain, and when discomfort is near constant, it can feel exhausting.
• Inhibited Sleep – Chronic back pain can also get in the way of restorative sleep. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, your spine and your brain can’t recharge and recover from the stress of the day. You may feel physically and mentally tired as a result of poor sleep, and your inability to achieve restful sleep is tied directly to your back pain.
• Pain Is A Constant Energy Thief – Chronic back pain is like a hole in a bucket full of water. No matter how much you put in the bucket, the water is continuously lost as a result of the hole. Your body is constantly expending resources to calm painful nerve relays and heal injured or damaged tissue. This constant state of immune and injury response drains your personal energy reserves for the day, leaving you fatigued even if you haven’t been all that active.
• Limited Movement – Despite the fact that you expend energy when exercising, many people feel more alert and awake after a short workout. That’s because exercise triggers the release of chemicals and endorphins in the brain that impact our mood. Moreover, exercise gets your heart rate up and healthy oxygenated blood pumping through your system. If back pain is making it difficult to get regular exercise, you won’t be able to use exercise and activity as a way to boost your mental state.
• Side Effects Of Medications – A common side effect of many over-the-counter and prescription medications is drowsiness and feelings of fatigue. If you take medication as part of your treatment regimen, don’t be surprised if these medications further exacerbate feelings of fatigue, which is why you’ll want to be smart about how you take these pills throughout the day.

Minnesota Spine Surgeon – Dr. Stefano Sinicropi

Because so many different factors can contribute to physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, it’s imperative that you connect with a physician who can develop a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan. Don’t just assume that you’ll be able to take a pill or rest for a week and your spine will be good as new. Chronic back pain oftentimes requires a multifaceted approach to effectively treat, and we’re confident we can find the right solution for you. For more information, about overcoming exhausting back pain, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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