Many of us will experience some form of stress and anxiety throughout our lives. Sometimes stress can even be helpful: as a natural response to demanding situations in our lives, stress can help with focus and performance. However, experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety over a long period of time can have a negative impact on your mental and physical health.
According to a survey carried out by the Mental Health Foundation, in the past year 74% of people have felt so stressed that they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. With so many of us dealing with a significant amount of stress, it is important to recognise when it starts to affect our physical wellbeing. Stress puts a huge strain on the body and can lead to muscle tension, pain, headaches and poor sleep. In this instance, chiropractic therapy can massively help with the treatment of stress. While your chiropractor cannot cure the cause of your anxiety, they can certainly treat any symptoms you might be experiencing as a result.
What happens to our bodies when we are stressed?
Our bodies are trained to react to external threats through the fight or flight response - a healthy coping mechanism that helps us to endure difficult situations. When you encounter a perceived threat, your hypothalamus sets off an alarm system in your body. Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands to release a surge of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. Once the threat has passed, your hormone levels should return to normal. However, if you are experiencing chronic stress, it can be difficult for your body to regulate these levels.
How can chiropractors help with your stress or anxiety?
1. Muscle Pain and Tension
Chronic stress is a vicious cycle: it can result in pain, which in turn causes more anxiety. The pain might cause irritability or mood instability, and the inability to think clearly or focus. You may even feel incapable of performing everyday tasks or participating activities you once enjoyed (which also worked to help you relax). Muscle pain and tension are frequently felt in the following areas:
The jaw
Eyebrows and temples
The neck
Shoulder
Back
Regular chiropractic treatments work to ease muscles and decrease pain. This in turn will improve your quality of life by reducing anxiety and stress.
2. Central Nervous System
The Central Nervous System (CNS), which is actively responsible for your body’s response to stress, also benefits from chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic therapy improves the nervous system’s function by making adjustments to the spine. The adjustments open the pathways of the nervous system, allowing the information they pass on to flow without obstructions.
Are you suffering from stress or anxiety?
If you’re struggling with stress-related muscle pain, tension, headaches or a poor sleep, get in touch with Optimal Health Chiropractic. Based in Edinburgh, our team of professional chiropractic professionals will be happy to meet with you to discuss how chiropractic care can be of benefit to you. Fill out our online form or contact us on 0131 662 6999 for more information or to book an appointment
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