How Stress Affects Your Body

Tuesday, 04 October 2022 09:57
How Stress Affects Your Body

Everyone experiences stress. In fact, our bodies are exceptionally good at handling it, provided the stress is in small doses. However, when stress continues for long periods of time, it begins to have significant negative impacts on our mental and physical health.

 

How Stress Affects Your Body

In its simplest form, stress is a condition that causes muscles throughout the body to tense up. Short-term, that is fine, but when it becomes constant, that tension triggers a cascade of effects throughout the musculoskeletal, immune, and nervous systems.

As stress builds on your body, you may begin to notice some of the following symptoms:

  • Frequent headaches
  • Irritability or depression
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Back, spinal pain, or poor posture
  • Fatigue and problems sleeping

These are just the more apparent symptoms that you are stressed out. If left unmanaged, high stress is a severe medical issue that can contribute to a lot of health problems like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

Focus on Managing Stress

Stress in our lives ebbs and flows throughout the year, but as we enter the final stretch, many people start to feel extra pressure from the upcoming holidays. The good news is there are a number of steps everyone can take in addition to chiropractic care that can help manage stress symptoms. Try any of the following if you start to feel overwhelmed throughout the year:

  • Try to get some form of physical activity regularly
  • Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or massage into your routine
  • Maintain a sense of humor, and engage with things that make you laugh
  • Spend time with friends and family who make you feel good
  • Dedicate time for yourself, whether to self-pamper or to keep up with hobbies you enjoy

You may have noticed a number of the items that can lower stress require movement and mobility. If stress has already impacted your posture, trying to get into the habit of being active again can leave you feeling sore and disheartened at the prospect. 

When you feel like your body is fighting you, it may be time to seek a little medical support to get back on track. 

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Tensions in the musculoskeletal system, especially around the shoulders, neck, and back, can be a vital component of a chronic stress response. When the body is subject to this chronic stress and tension, it not only over-stimulates specific nerve pathways but puts the body in a constant state of alertness, creating a feedback loop.

The longer you remain stressed, the greater the effects it has on your body. Eventually, your back and spine may begin to feel and show signs of stress. This cascade of effects is why stress is one of the leading causes of episodic back pain.

Scheduling treatment with a Dr Monitto can help you find relief from these symptoms and provide some stress relief itself. Working with a chiropractor can provide stress relief by:

  • Releasing physical manifestations of tension; alleviating pain, and improving posture
  • Increase mobility to help you get back to things you enjoy
  • Pain relief improves sleep which overall reduces stress levels in the body
  • Providing wellness advice for diet and exercise to lower stress creation 

Chiropractors work with the nervous system by aligning the spine to relieve any physical stress on nerves. And as your nerves relax, your body sends signals to lower the production of cortisol and adrenaline.

Tips for Treatment

Chiropractic treatment isn’t a magic pill solution that will solve stress by itself. To truly benefit from care, look at the habits or situations causing your stress in the first place. Prepare yourself for the adjustments and to maintain them with a healthier lifestyle.

Come prepared for any chiropractic visit well hydrated, and if you have the time after a light walk, to help make adjustments easier. Be ready to discuss why you are there, as well as your medical history. Chiropractic is a holistic approach to health. The more information you provide, the better your diagnosis and treatment will be. 

Chiropractic adjustments can cause the release of toxic build-ups in your joints and muscles. You might feel a little under the weather as your body flushes them out of your system. Drink plenty of water prior to and after an adjustment. These symptoms only affect about 20% of patients, but don’t be alarmed. Most symptoms pass within a day and can be helped with rest.

To get the most out of treatments, make sure to stay active at home with regular stretching or exercise. It doesn’t matter what your fitness level is or if you have a condition that affects mobility. Getting active helps your mind and body get and stay healthy.

Let Us Help Relieve Your Stress

Over the last few decades, chiropractic care has become an accepted and vital component in maintaining healthy lifestyles and treating injuries or chronic conditions. If you live in the Asheville area or you are visiting western North Carolina for a well-deserved break or holiday, you need a chiropractor you can trust. 

With over 40 years of experience providing quality and professional care to patients of all ages, Monitto Chiropractic is the trusted source for chiropractic therapy in Asheville, NC. We offer a range of therapy options, with treatment plans and appointments available every day of the week. Chiropractic care is a holistic way of looking at health and wellness. 

Sometimes, your spine wears your stress, and you need help getting relief. We are here to help. Start yourself on the road to stress relief. Contact us to schedule your visit, so you can begin enjoying the world the way you could.