Managing Stress with Chiropractic Care
Stress has, unfortunately, become a regular part of life for almost all of us. Although the causes, levels, and lengths of time we are under stress may vary, we all feel the harmful effects of it at one time or another. Our bodies are designed to react to stress by increasing adrenaline in order to protect us against threats from predators and other dangerous circumstances. This was invaluable to our ancestors, but in today’s world can lead to our bodies feeling as if they are constantly under threat. Luckily, there are a number of extremely effective steps anyone can take to begin to improve their body’s response to stress and reduce its negative effects.
Causes of Stress
Understanding the cause of your stress is an important first step. In today’s hectic world, the causes of stress can be incredibly diverse. There can be physical stressors such as lack of sleep, illness, or injury. Many people also face job-related stress due to long work hours and commute times, as well as deadlines and working conditions. In many cases, family responsibilities can also have a huge impact on stress levels. Caring for young children and managing the schedules of school-age children on top of your own can feel like a full-time job itself. Caring for the elderly, sick, or disabled family members have also been shown to increase levels of stress. Even changes such as moving or switching jobs can elevate stress levels in our bodies.
Effects of Stress
Having an increased stress level can negatively impact almost every aspect of our physical well-being. The higher levels of adrenaline caused by stress can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can ultimately lead to cardiovascular disease. It has been shown to cause headaches, weight gain, fatigue, and depression. Back and muscle pain are also common symptoms of elevated stress levels. Studies have even shown that suffering from stress can lead to a multitude of stomach problems. Although we may not be able to eliminate the causes of stress in our lives because its effects are so far-reaching it is incredibly important that we do what we can to reduce its impact on our bodies and our health.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
By targeting subluxations along the spine, professional chiropractic care can help you manage many of the symptoms caused by increased stress levels. Muscle tension caused by prolonged stress can lead to uneven pressure being applied to the vertebrae, resulting in misalignment. Correcting this misalignment can not only relieve back and muscle pain, but, because the spine is central to so many of our body systems, it can also improve the functioning of the immune and nervous systems, reduce nerve irritation, and improve blood circulation. When these physical symptoms are relieved, many patients report that it actually reduces the stress they feel, beginning to break the stress cycle altogether.
Other Tips For Reducing Stress
Chiropractic care goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle and your chiropractor may also recommend activities to supplement the progress made by correcting the misalignments along your spine. Exercising and having a balanced diet are essential elements of a healthy body that is effectively able to cope with stress. Meditation, yoga, and daily stretching can also help your body improve its reaction to stressors. Massage therapy often offered at your chiropractor’s office, is another excellent way to relieve the negative effects of stress.
Take control of the stress in your life and contact a professional chiropractor to discuss what he or she can do to help you achieve your goals and live your life to the fullest!
Related Care at Delaware Integrative Healthcare
An individualized evaluation helps determine the cause of symptoms and whether conservative care is appropriate.
Learn about chiropractic care at Delaware Integrative Healthcare, read about chiropractic care and emotional well-being, and explore our Delaware locations.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for individualized medical advice.
Additional Evidence-Based Resource
For additional evidence-based information, review NCCIH: Spinal Manipulation.
Related Care and Resources
Learn more about DIH's chiropractic care options and how care is tailored to each patient's needs.
Patients can request an evaluation at our Middletown location.
Related reading: 3 Winter Related Health Problems Helped By Chiropractic Care.
Stress Management Requires More Than Physical Treatment
Hands-on care may help selected muscle or joint discomfort, but it does not remove the source of stress or treat an anxiety disorder. Effective stress management may include sleep support, movement, counseling, social connection, workload changes, and medical care when appropriate.
Create a Small Daily Recovery Routine
A useful routine can be simple: a short walk, regular meals, a consistent bedtime, brief breathing practice, and breaks from prolonged sitting. Choose actions that fit real life. Consistency generally matters more than occasional intensive efforts.
Know When to Seek Additional Help
Contact a healthcare professional when stress contributes to persistent insomnia, panic, significant mood changes, substance use, or inability to manage daily responsibilities. Anyone thinking about self-harm should seek immediate crisis or emergency support.
Measure What Matters
Track sleep quality, headaches, muscle tension, activity, and ability to complete daily tasks. These measures help distinguish temporary relaxation from meaningful improvement and show when the plan needs to change.
Schedule Your Next Step
Learn more about Dr. Philip Brown or review care available at our Middletown office. New patients can request an appointment online, and current patients can use the existing-patient scheduling page.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individualized evaluation or medical advice.
Primary Chiropractic Resource
For a broader overview and more related patient guides, visit Answers to Your Top 10 Questions About Chiropractic Care.