The Body Under Tension: How Stress Takes Its Toll
Stress. We all experience it, from daily deadlines to major life changes. While a little stress can be motivating, chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. Let's delve into how stress disrupts our well-being.
Our body's response to stress is a primal one, controlled by our Central Nervous System. When faced with a threat, the nervous system triggers the "fight-or-flight" response. Hormones like adrenaline surge, raising our heart rate and breathing, increasing muscle tension, and sending more blood to vital organs. This prepares us to face danger.
However, in today's world, stressors are often constant – work pressures, financial worries, relationship issues. The problem is, our bodies weren't designed for this prolonged stress response. When it doesn't switch off, the consequences can be widespread.
Physically, stress can manifest in numerous ways. Headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues are common. Stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. It can also disrupt sleep patterns, leaving us feeling exhausted and foggy.
Chronic stress can even contribute to more serious health problems. High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes are all linked to chronic stress. It can worsen existing conditions like asthma and skin problems.
The mental and emotional stressors are significant too. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can cloud our judgment and make it harder to concentrate.
The good news is, we're not powerless. By choosing how we respond to stress, we can protect our health and well-being. Exercise, relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, and spending time in nature are all effective stress-busters.
Chiropractors focus on clearing the stress in the nervous system. Atlas Orthogonal, gentle upper cervical technique begins with C1 or the Atlas. When this vertebra, the most moveable bone in the spine, is out of alignment, all messaging to and from the brain throughout the entire body can be affected. Amazing how our bodies function! Since the central nervous system controls everything in the body, is the body’s messaging system, it makes sense to keep the spine aligned and added stress off the nervous system.
If you're struggling to cope with stress, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Remember, prioritizing your well-being is an investment in your overall health. Call 480-325-6977 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Keith Lavender, Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal upper cervical specialist and Certified Advanced Muscle Integration Technique practitioner serving athletes and families for over 25 years. Don’t continue to suffer with poor health, muscle pain, back pain, weakness, migraines, anything that degrades your life. Bemer Blood Flow Therapy, therapeutic massage, and low level cold laser also available.
