We all become stressed at some time or another and it’s only when your stress levels remain high that it can be damaging to your health and cause pain. Different circumstances affect different people so what stresses one person might not be the same for another. No matter where your stress arises from, the good news is your chiropractor can help.
So, what does stress look like?
If you cannot cope with stress it can have an adverse effect on the whole body: emotionally, physically and mentally. The more common stress symptoms are:
- muscle tension
- chest pain
- anxiety
- pain in the lower back
- lack of focus
- problems sleeping
- depression
- indigestion/reflux
- tiredness
- headaches
- irritability
- feeling overwhelmed
- lack of sex drive
- over or under-eating
Why am I so stressed?
To begin with, stress usually comes from three areas of life: work, relationships, money. But it can include health problems, pain and misalignment of the spine caused by injury or even the vicious cycle of stress itself. When we overthink and worry about things too much, a lot of tension is built up in the spinal area. Stress can also arise from excessive and long lasting mental or emotional strain, tension and pressure caused by life’s vagaries, adverse events, or very demanding life circumstances. And be assured, this stress doesn’t do your digestion, metabolism or heart any good at all, and it’s not good psychologically either.
How can my Chiro help me stop worrying?
Chiropractic treatment in itself can’t rid you of your stress but it can help to relieve the symptoms. As the body endures more stress it makes it a lot more sensitive to imbalances of a physical nature and to pain. Your Chiropractor can help to return the body’s balance, get the spine back into alignment, thus relieving pain. When tension builds exponentially in your body, the outcome is more often than not pain in a variety of places. The care given by your Chiropractor helps in the following ways:
- When your Chiro has made adjustments to your spine, it releases tension and the body can then relax since stress is reduced.
- After your Chiro has adjusted it and the spine is in alignment, it unblocks the central nervous system so it can function the way it should.
- This allows you to think more rationally and clearly; messages to your brain and nervous system are sent and received seamlessly, and your mental stress lessens as a result.
- Another benefit is the realignment of the spine by your Chiro helps with blood circulation,and it allows your body to turn off the fight/flight response which is integral to relieving your stress.
How often do I need to consult my Chiropractor?
It’s more beneficial to have a regular string of sessions with your Chiropractor, perhaps weekly or fortnightly or even monthly to maintain the alignment so your body and muscles get to know what is natural again. This helps eliminate stress and keeps it in check. Talk to your Chiropractor to find out what would be best for your particular stress levels and your body. Stress management through Chiropractic treatment can help you be healthier, happier, and enjoying life again in no time.
