As a follow up to last month’s blog, this blog will explain how Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve stress and tension.
2020 was a very stressful year for all of us, and we still have a way to go to conquer this global pandemic. We all know that chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body. Back pain, muscle tightness, tension headaches, fatigue, and neck pain are some of the symptoms people experience when under stress. Over time, stress lowers the immune system, which makes the body more vulnerable to disease. Chiropractic treatments help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of chronic stress. In addition, regular chiropractic adjustments can soothe the nervous system, and lessen the flight or fight response most people experience when stressed.
The spinal column serves as a control center for the nervous system. Messages from the brain make their way down the spinal cord held within and protected by our spinal column. These messages from the brain are sent to the entire body. Misalignments in the spine can prevent the natural flow of these messages to the body. Chiropractic adjustments and treatments work on and around the spinal column to help allow that natural flow of messages from the brain to the rest of the body.
When someone is under chronic stress, muscles tense and contract. Sometimes, people grip their muscles in an unnatural position. For example, someone experiencing chronic stress may unconsciously hold their neck to one side, or hold one hip higher than the other. This action creates pressure, which weighs on the bones. Eventually, the bones will cave under this unnatural pressure and become misaligned. When under stress, people often move their bodies in improper ways. These movements compound the problem.
In addition, chronic stress can also cause nerves to become dysfunctional. The result is shooting pain or numbness in various areas of the body.
Chiropractic adjustments help to relieve stress in several ways. The act of adjusting the spine can release the tension held in muscles, which relaxes the body and increases circulation of the blood. This action can help calm the flight or fight response of the body.
Adjustments to the neck and spine realign the vertebrae back into proper position. Proper alignment is important in removing the pressure placed on muscles and bones, and getting rid of nerve pain. For many patients, the relief of pain can immediately reduce emotional stress. Proper alignment can provide relief from tension headaches and other physical pains.
At Performance Health Center we utilize Active Release Technique (ART) to reduce muscle tension which helps the Chiropractic adjustments to be more effective.
Relaxation techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and mind. Many find meditation, yoga, and deep breathing go a long way in reducing stress.
As stated in previous blogs exercise can also help reduce stress, actually any movement can help relieve your stress and tension. Remember life is motion and we are here to help keep you moving and doing all the things you want to do in life.
If you have any questions about this blog or about your health in general you can reach me at [email protected]