When we experience sudden or prolonged stress, our body sends out a physiological danger warning signal, commonly known as the fight or flight response. These stressors can come from various sources such as an acute injury, chronic prolonged stress, a traumatic experience, or even sitting too much. The accumulation of these stresses can cause the small muscles attached to the spine to shut down, leading to symptoms like headaches, neck and back pain and tight shoulder muscles.
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“Sympathetic” When you’re stressed, your nervous system activates its fight or-flight response. This is a natural reaction designed to protect you in emergencies. But, if repetitive or prolonged, the accumulation tips the balance towards “sympathetic” dominance which can lead to problems like muscle tension, neck & back pain, headaches, problems with digestion and disrupted sleep. |
“Parasympathetic” Chiropractic care helps by adjusting the spine - which exercises the small muscles attached to the spine and skull. This is important because stress de-activates these small muscles, affecting the messages between the brain and body, and perpetuating the “fight-flight” response. Keeping your spine healthy and functioning at its best promotes the “parasympathetic” response - allowing you to heal and adapt better to stress.
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How does chiropractic help? Chiropractic adjustments apply a gentle stretch to the small muscles that have shut down. This improves the messages between the brain and the body as well as the brain's perception of it's environment, allowing you to adapt better to a variety of life's stressors. To maintain good spinal function - consider regular chiropractic care.
