Are you stressed? The American Psychological Association reports that up to 75% of people or more report physical and cognitive symptoms of stress every month. At Back on Track Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Birmingham AL, our chiropractic care team is committed to helping our community combat the widespread effects of modern-day stress and help people heal from the inside out.
The Link Between Stress and Chronic Pain
According to professional organizations like the Institute for Chronic Pain, psychological stress has been linked to multiple types of chronic pain conditions (let alone other chronic conditions, including cancer, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease). There are several key theories to explain why this seems to be the case.
When we're chronically stressed (over money, relationships, work, politics, the economy, the environment, etc.) our bodies activate a variety of hormonal, endocrinological, and neurological responses. Continual exposure to these stress-related changes can increase inflammation and exacerbate pain. As a consequence, the experience of pain can lead to even more stress, thus initiating a vicious feed-forward cycle.
Please note that we're not talking about acute stress—such as the stress we feel before a big presentation or even a tough workout. An acute, short-term stress response is normal and often necessary. But when stress becomes chronic and continual, our bodies can start to get overwhelmed and inflamed.
Chronic Pain Conditions
Chronic pain conditions and other health problems that have been associated with stress include:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain syndrome
- Migraine headaches
- Tension headaches
- Temporomandibular jaw dysfunction (TMJ)
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cancer
- Back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain
- Depression
Research has shown that these and other conditions can either be worsened or even triggered by excessive stress and inefficient coping strategies. Unfortunately, chronic stress has also been shown to impair a person's sleep and immune system, which can disrupt healing and even further exacerbate a person's pain and dysfunction.
How Our Chiropractor in Birmingham Treats Chronic Pain
Time and again, we find that chiropractic care is an excellent holistic approach to providing natural mental and physical tension relief. Talk to our chiropractor in Birmingham, Dr. Scott Duca, if you'd like to see how our healing techniques alleviate both chronic pain and stress. Our services include:
- Corrective exercises and postural re-training
- Spinal readjustments (excellent for relaxing and resetting the central nervous system)
- Nutritional counseling and holistic lifestyle advice
Are You Affected by Chronic Pain and Stress?
For full body and mind tension relief, contact the Back on Track Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Schedule an appointment and experience the difference that chiropractic care can make for your holistic wellness.