Chiropractic therapy may help relieve the effects of stress. Stress is a condition that can make you feel mentally or emotionally strained. It is our body’s reaction to pressure which can be mental, emotional, or physical depending upon the individual. Causes of stress include varying factors such as poor financial conditions, work, family matters, school, loss, and more.

Stress can also have adverse effects on our bodies. Acute stress is when a person feels stressed for a short time, which is not as worrisome. Symptoms of acute stress may include butterflies in the stomach or palms getting sweaty. Chronic stress is a type that occurs over a longer period and can have a greater impact on the body. Symptoms of chronic stress include, but are not limited to, headaches, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and muscle tension pain.

Chiropractic therapy can help address the physical effects of stress such as muscle tension and joint pain. Pain in the muscle, joints, and connective tissues like cartilage, ligaments, and tendons can be relieved with the help of chiropractic therapy. This type of therapy is used for the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine, joints, and soft tissues. It also includes some physical exercises. These conditions are best treated by a team so your treatment plan may also include referral to a counseling professional, physiotherapist, or dietician.

Sometimes the reason behind your stress is physical, such as injury or dysfunction. This can lead to a cycle effect. Stress can cause physical tension or pain, and pain can lead to increased stress! Chiropractic therapy tries to break this cycle by addressing your physican concerns and bring your body and mind back at ease.

Below are some sources of physical stress and how they can be treated using chiropractic therapy:

1. Certain dysfunctions of the spine such as stiffness can cause the nearby muscles to ache. Chiropractic treatment can work on caring for your spine and your muscle tension which helps ease pain. You may find it easier to relax when your muscle tension is eased, your spinal mobility is restored, and your pain is reduced.

 2. Poor sleep posture can contribute to a less than ideal sleep. You may also be waking up in the morning feeling stiff and sore. Lack of sleep may lead to higher levels of irritability and stress. Your chiropractor can review comfortable sleeping postures with you to help you get comfortable at night and get soem better rest. Feeling well rested may help reduce sensations of stress.

3. Posture can play a very important role in stress management. We often become so busy with our daily lives that we forget to pay attention to our posture. Sitting in the same position for extended periods of time, working on a computer with the neck flexed downwards, or driving a car for long periods are examples of where poor posture can prevail. This can result in back and neck stiffness and pain. Correcting our postures may help reduce feelings of physical stress and tension in our muscles.

4. Your chiropractic doctor may teach you breathing exercises, stretching, or meditation to help relieve tension and pain caused by stress.

In conclusion, symptoms of stress such as muscle tension, headaches, and pain can be relieved with chiropractic care. We can use chiropractic treatment to reduce muscle tension, reduce pain, correct posture, stretch, and learn to relax our bodies.