Headaches, jaw pain, soreness: How the pandemic has taken a toll on our bodies

Lifestyle changes, isolation and increased stress during the past year have taken a toll on our physical health. Some health care practitioners say people are reporting more neck and back pain, jaw tension, vision problems and other health issues.

Improper work-from-home setups, a more sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and stress are some of the many reasons people could be feeling more pain during the pandemic. One study found that 70 percent of people with chronic pain said their condition had worsened over the past year. 

Host Angela Davis spoke with a pain specialist, a music therapist and a holistic health practitioner about how the pandemic has increased our pains and aches — and what to do about it. 

Guests:

• Dr. James Fricton is a pain specialist at the Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic and a professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota. 

• Rebeka Ndosi is a holistic health practitioner, licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and a yoga and meditation teacher. 

• Annie Heiderscheit is a board-certified music therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist. She is also the director of the music therapy programs at Augsburg University.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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