December is thought to be one of the most stressful months of the year. Making end of the year quotas, holiday planning and travel all equate to increased stress. Stress can lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, muscles tension, increased blood pressure and sleep problems. Emotional symptoms include anxiety, depression, lack of focus, and can lead to negative changes in behavior.
While some stress is healthy, it’s important to manage the stress in your life in order to keep negative side effects at bay. There are several ways to manage stress, including components of chiropractic care. Let’s take a closer look at 3 ways chiropractic can reduce stress.
Improve Body Function with Chiropractic Adjustments
Misalignments in the spine, also referred to as subluxations, can effect with the nervous system and cause decreased nervous system function. By correcting these misalignments through chiropractic adjustments, you can see improved posture, reduce pressure on the nerves and muscles, and improve overall health.
Chiropractic care involves a range of techniques, with the specific approach varying depending on the patient’s condition. Common chiropractic adjustments that can reduce stress include spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, flexion-distraction, and drop techniques.
When the spine is in proper alignment and the nervous system can function at it’s best, the brain and organs can communicate effectively to manage the daily physical and emotional stresses place on the body.
Relax Muscle Tension
Chiropractic Care uses several different types of modalities that can relax muscle tension. Once spinal alignment is restored, these non-invasive treatments help relieve the tension placed on muscles and articulating tissues. Some of these modalities include:
- Massage Therapy– massage affects the circulation of blood and the flow of blood and lymph, reduce muscular tension or flaccidity, affect the nervous system through stimulation or sedation, and enhance tissue healing.
- Electrical Stimulation- electrical stimulation at appropriate levels typically feels good and can decrease muscles tension and spasms.
- Heat Therapy- Heat can improve the circulation in your body, relieve back pain, repair damaged muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve stiffness.
- Ultrasound- Ultrasound can help relax tight, sore muscles and soft tissues, and increase circulation to helps healing.
Wellness Counseling
Chiropractors can counsel patients on certain activities they should avoid or do differently to help manage stress. This includes nutritional counseling, exercise prescriptions, ways to improve posture, breathing techniques and relaxation techniques. Chiropractors take a holistic approach to treating patients, meaning they look to treat all components of a patient’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. The goal is to help every patient reach a fulfilling and happy lifestyle, full of the activities they enjoy most.
Dr. Shane Silver can guide you through your stress management and help you live a healthier life. Contact Silver Chiropractic and Wellness to find a healthy ways to manage your stress today.
