Stressed worker carrying the weight of burnout and back pain in a chaotic office.

Burnout and Back Pain: Are Interpersonal Issues at Work to Blame?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research highlights how strained relationships and workplace stress can significantly contribute to chronic low-back pain and burnout, especially among women."

In today's fast-paced work environments, the growing awareness of psychosocial risks (PSR) is undeniable. Among these risks, stress emerges as a frequent concern, affecting a significant portion of workers. This widespread stress is not only costly in economic terms but also takes a considerable toll on individual well-being. It is now widely accepted that prolonged exposure to workplace stress can have detrimental effects on both the physical and mental health of professionals.

The physical manifestations of workplace stress often include musculoskeletal disorders, such as lower back pain, which affects a considerable percentage of the population. Alarmingly, a significant number of these cases transition into chronic conditions, leading to long-term disability. However, research has revealed that traditional biomedical variables alone cannot fully explain the development of disability. Instead, psychological factors play a central role in the perception of pain.

On the mental health front, burnout stands out as a notable consequence of workplace stress. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, disengagement from others, and a sense of personal and professional inadequacy. It typically develops in response to recurring stressful events. Understanding the potential connection between burnout and the development and persistence of pain is essential. Chronic lower back pain frequently arises in the professional sphere, underscoring the need to consider the impact of workplace dynamics on overall well-being.

Unpacking the Link: How Workplace Dynamics Impact Your Back and Well-being

Stressed worker carrying the weight of burnout and back pain in a chaotic office.

Recent research explores the connections between burnout, pain, and disability among workers with chronic lower back pain. The study involved 256 participants who completed questionnaires to assess pain intensity, functional repercussions, burnout levels, fear-avoidance beliefs, and catastrophic thinking.

The findings revealed significant insights into the factors contributing to chronic lower back pain and its impact on workers. Here’s a breakdown:

Fear-Avoidance Beliefs: Work-related fear-avoidance beliefs strongly predict outcomes.
Burnout Dimensions: Different aspects of burnout are linked to pain and disability variables, with emotional exhaustion explaining a notable percentage of the variance in pain intensity and functional repercussions.
Beliefs Matter: The study reinforces the role of beliefs in the development and maintenance of chronic lower back pain.

The study highlights the importance of beliefs in understanding chronic lower back pain. It also suggests that burnout may be a significant risk factor for increased pain and disability. Addressing interpersonal dimensions related to work is vital for a comprehensive understanding of chronic pain.

Taking Action: Creating a Healthier Work Environment

The findings underscore the need to address workplace stress and its impact on employees' physical and mental health. By understanding the interconnectedness of burnout, beliefs, and chronic pain, employers and employees can work together to create healthier, more supportive work environments. Fostering positive interpersonal relationships, reducing workplace stressors, and promoting open communication can significantly improve well-being and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are psychosocial risks and why are they important in the workplace?

Psychosocial risks refer to workplace stressors that can impact both mental and physical health. These risks are significant because they contribute to conditions like chronic lower back pain and burnout, affecting a large portion of the workforce. Addressing psychosocial risks is essential for creating a healthier work environment and reducing the economic and personal costs associated with stress-related illnesses. Ignoring these risks can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and long-term disability among employees.

What exactly is burnout and why should employers be concerned about it?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, disengagement from others, and feelings of reduced accomplishment. Burnout is important because it not only affects mental health but also contributes to physical ailments such as chronic lower back pain. Addressing burnout involves reducing workplace stressors, fostering positive relationships, and promoting open communication to improve overall well-being and prevent long-term health issues.

What are fear-avoidance beliefs and how do they impact chronic lower back pain?

Fear-avoidance beliefs are thoughts and feelings that lead individuals to avoid activities due to the fear of pain or injury. These beliefs are significant because they can strongly predict outcomes related to chronic lower back pain and disability. When individuals believe that movement or work will exacerbate their pain, they may avoid these activities, leading to muscle weakness, stiffness, and increased disability. Addressing fear-avoidance beliefs through cognitive and behavioral strategies can help individuals manage their pain and improve their functional abilities.

What does the research say about how workplace dynamics relate to burnout and chronic lower back pain?

The research indicates a strong connection between workplace dynamics, burnout, and chronic lower back pain. Specifically, emotional exhaustion, a dimension of burnout, is linked to pain intensity and functional repercussions. The study also reinforces the significant role of beliefs in the development and maintenance of chronic lower back pain. Workplace stressors and negative interpersonal relationships can contribute to burnout, which in turn exacerbates pain and disability. Therefore, addressing these interpersonal dimensions and promoting healthier work environments are crucial for managing chronic pain.

What steps can be taken to create a healthier work environment and reduce the risk of chronic pain and burnout?

To create a healthier work environment, it's crucial to foster positive interpersonal relationships, reduce workplace stressors, and promote open communication. This involves implementing strategies to manage psychosocial risks, such as providing stress management programs, encouraging teamwork, and ensuring fair and supportive leadership. Addressing fear-avoidance beliefs through education and cognitive behavioral therapy can also help employees manage their pain and improve their functional abilities. Furthermore, addressing catastrophic thinking, another cognitive factor, can aid in reducing the perception of pain and disability.