Money troubles hurting more than just the British wallet

As the economic downturn loosens its grip on the UK, the long term effect of its associated stresses and strains has begun to manifest itself on the physical and mental health of the nation. A new phenomenon - Recession Strain Injury - has been identified by Experian’s CreditExpert.co.uk and Chartered Physiotherapist Sammy Margo following a 25% increase in stress related injuries seen in her clinic - suggesting that many people are suffering physically as a result of increased financial strain.

Some of the key symptoms of Recession Strain Injury that have been identified include neck, shoulder and arm pain, pins and needles, middle and lower back pain. Research from CreditExpert reveals the potential source as millions of Britons admit they are under enormous financial pressure.  6.8 million1 Britons feel that they owe more money than they can manage and 9.7million2 feeling they are at the limit of what they can cope with. Using a range of measures  including income, long term employment prospects, assets and savings, the research shows the biggest financial stress ‘hotspots’, and therefore those potentially most at risk, are scattered across Wales, Scotland and the Midlands.

Sammy Margo says: “A normal response to stress is that muscles tighten and go into spasm. With prolonged stress this worsens and as a result, aches and pains are experienced.  With Britons becoming increasingly tense as they worry about their financial future, the physical ailments worsen leading ultimately to Recession Strain Injury.”

In light of these findings, CreditExpert and Sammy Margo have come up with practical advice to help alleviate the symptoms of Recession Strain Injury and enable Britons to get back in control. Key tips include drinking plenty of water and taking time out of a working day to rebalance your body with a short walk or massage.  When it comes to your finances, top tips include using a budget to plan and manage your outgoings, and  checking your credit report regularly to see what you owe and how you’re coping.

Do you have Recession Strain Injury?  Spot the symptoms:

- Neck, shoulder, arm pain
- Pins and needles in the hand
- Middle / lower back and buttock pain
- Poor posture
- High stress levels
- Low energy levels
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty sleeping
- General feelings of malaise

How to avoid Recession Strain Injury:

- Breathe deeply. It will calm you down and increase your concentration levels.
- Adopt a good posture. Make sure you are adopting good posture whilst at your workstation. Check your computer monitor is the correct height, your chair is supportive and your back and knees are resting comfortably at a 90° angle and your feet are flat on the floor. This will minimise the risk of neck and back pain.
- Take time to do gentle exercise each day. Exercise in the daylight every day. A 15-20 minute walk at lunchtime will help clear your mind and aid digestion.
- Keep hydrated. This will help flush out toxins and keep all systems including your muscles, digestion and nervous system in order.
- Loosen up. Whilst sitting at your workstation, roll your shoulders backwards 10 times every hour to minimise tightness in your shoulder/neck area. When walking interlink your fingers behind your back and when standing pull your navel into your spine fully and release by 50% and try to hold this for as long as you can.
- Take control of your finances. Review your spending, set a budget and stick to it. Check your credit report online regularly to keep on top of your finances. Review your credit report before applying for new credit to make sure it’s in good shape, and improve it if you can – it could help towards getting a better deal.

How to combat Recession Strain Injury:

1. Carry out your own massage. If you are experiencing tension in your neck, place your hands at the base of your skull and, using small circular movements, massage along the neck and up onto the scalp. Place your right hand over the left shoulder and work in towards the spine. Repeat on the other side. If you find a particularly tender area, apply pressure and breathe deeply until the pain goes. If your lower back is tight then use gently clenched fists to rub along the top of the pelvis to reduce the tension. Kneading the buttocks may also help.

2. Take active steps by trying to identify your ‘stressors’ and developing strategies to overcome them.

For more information, visit creditexpert.co.uk.