Stress
We are all bombarded by different forms and amounts of stress every day. Not all stress is bad, however. Stressing the body and mind is what creates growth and development. It is when we experience acute stress beyond our ability to adapt (lifting something too heavy) or chronic stress for extended periods of time (poor nutrition) that we see our body start to breakdown and exhibit symptoms.
Your current state of health may allow you to adapt or manage specific stressful event differently than someone else. A 20-minute workout at the gym for a fit 25-year old is good stress. The same workout for your 75-year old grandmother would likely be bad stress!
Stress can be broken down into 3 main forms.
Physical Stress
Repetitive motions (painting the ceiling), postural distortions (slouching while reading this post), poor sleeping habits, sports injuries, and whiplash injuries from a car accident are physical stresses. So are slips and falls. Even being born!
Mental/Emotional Stress
Mental or emotional stress comes in multiple forms. We have emotional stress from work, family, bills/finances, health concerns, etc. Ever faced an impossible deadline at work? Or grieved the loss of a loved one? An even more powerful emotional stress is the commentary that goes on within your head, the words you speak to yourself on a daily basis. It has been said that the person you talk most to on a daily basis is yourself. If your self talk is negative, that is a major stress you self impose each day. Did you ever notice the posture of someone who is depressed or upset? Did you ever notice your posture when you are depressed or upset?
Chemical Stress
Today’s environment constantly assaults us with chemicals. Drugs, preservatives, tobacco, alcohol, pollen, medications and a host of other substances can affect our nervous system and muscle tone. The chemical stress on our system sets the stage for blood sugar problems, sleeping problems, chronic inflammation, immune and auto-immune disorders.
When your body is exposed to an acute stress or chronic stress situation the physiology of the body changes to adapt and manage the situation. If the stressor is removed quickly the body often returns back to normal. If the stressor is not removed the body goes into a defensive mode changing how our normal chemistry and structure works. It is these changes and alterations that create abnormal wear and break the body down. When body posture changes as a result of stress, Chiropractic care can be extremely helpful.
How do you know if your body is not adapting well to life’s stressor?
The seven most common signs of poor stress managment are:
1. Headaches
2. Sleeping problems
3. Sinus & allergy problems
4. Fatigue
5. Aches, pains, numbness & tingling
6. Digestive problems
7. Inability to lose weight
Stress can’t be eliminated, but regular chiropractic care may help you better accommodate and adapt to it. Give us a Call. (Mike make this link to our contact page)
