From juggling the demands of parenthood and career to unsettling current events, it’s no surprise that so many people’s stress levels are in the stratosphere. As April is Stress Awareness Month, it’s a good time to talk about how stress physically manifests in the spine.
How Tension Takes a Toll on Your Body
According to Dr. Lila, “Stress triggers the body’s fight or flight response, causing muscles to tighten. This often results in postural changes, increased inflammation, and symptoms like headaches, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and reduced range of motion.”
Over time, chronic stress can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and even mobility issues. Poor posture caused by prolonged stress further aggravates spinal misalignments, making it harder for the body to function optimally.
Chiropractic Care for Stress Relief
Chiropractic adjustments can help counteract the physical effects of stress by restoring movement and alleviating tension. We offer many effective techniques, including spinal manipulation to improve joint mobility, acupuncture to relieve stress and promote relaxation, soft tissue therapy such as cupping and instrument-assisted techniques, and massage therapy to ease muscle tension. These therapies work together to bring balance back to the body, allowing for better movement, posture, and overall well-being.
The Importance of Posture
“When we’re stressed, we’re not thinking about how we look when we’re sitting or how we’re standing. We have millions of other things going on in our minds,” says Dr. Lila. Poor posture can sometimes lead to spinal dysfunction, overall stiffness, and even chronic pain over time.
Dr. Lila emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper posture, especially when you’re stressed.
Lifestyle Tips for Taming Tension
In addition to chiropractic care and practicing good posture, incorporating some simple lifestyle changes can help manage stress effectively:
- Engage in regular movement like yoga or taking a short walk around the block
- Disconnect from electronics and take breaks from social media
- Maintain a healthy diet to support overall well-being
If you’re still feeling overly stressed, Dr. Lila recommends adding a practitioner to your mental health therapy team for vital support.
Get Started today
Taking proactive steps to manage stress can improve both your spinal health and overall quality of life. If stress-related tension is affecting you, we’re here to help. Contact Wolf Willow Wellness today to book an appointment.
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