Chronic Stress
In this fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of our lives. From family and work demands to picking up the habit of ‘doomscrolling’, many people are chronically stressed. But unlike our devices, we don’t have a power-off button.
The Fight or Flight Response: Is it Always On?
Our brain and nervous system are primarily wired for survival. They operate in two states: the relaxed or ‘parasympathetic’ state, and the stressed ‘fight or flight’ or ‘sympathetic’ state. However, in the era of constant notifications and unending task lists, the latter dominates more often – leading us into the chronic stress territory.
The Impact of Chronic Stress on the Body
Long periods of sustained stress result in elevated cortisol levels – the stress hormone – which has various physiological effects such as decreased blood supply to vital organs and increased supply to large muscle groups, leading to symptoms that include the following:
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Jaw tension
- Headaches and migraines
- IBS
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Reflux and heartburn
- Hormonal issues
- Infertility challenges
According to a study by the World Health Organization, being stressed is one of the number one risk factors for 95% of all health conditions, underscoring the magnitude of its impact.
The Role of Chiropractic
Chiropractic aims to restore balance to the nervous system because it’s normal for your nervous system to go from rest to fight or flight when you have an important test or are running late for an appointment.
However, it’s crucial that your body can return to the rest or the parasympathetic response. Chiropractic helps restore balance so that your nervous system can go between fight or flight and rest efficiently, and it doesn’t get stuck in fight or flight, which is what we call sympathetic dominance.
Aligning Health: Solutions for Stress
Tackling chronic stress is crucial for our wellbeing. Simple strategies like improving posture, setting a consistent sleep routine, and switching off electronic devices two hours before bed may help manage stress levels. Regular chiropractic visits may also play a key role in restoring balance to your nervous system, bringing you back to the much-needed state of rest and relaxation.
Don’t Be Dominated by Stress
Chronic stress is more common than you may think, but it doesn’t mean you must let it dominate your life. Contact us today to start your journey towards a stress-free life.
