How Chiropractic Techniques help manage Stress

Negative news, high-pressure jobs, family responsibility and other situations lead to stress and anxiety. According to an emotional intelligence scale used by psychologists and healers, stress is a low to mid-level emotion, lying between numbers 13 and 17 on the emotional scale.

Stress arises from external pressures, physically impacting the body by activating the body's sympathetic nervous system, or fight or flight response. It triggers an increased heart rate, muscle tension and cortisol levels to spike, giving rise to chronic health issues.

Fortunately, chiropractic care offers relief from these stressful issues in the form of a natural, holistic cure. By focusing on the spine, the seat of the central nervous system, trusted chiropractors can restore balance and provide relief to the physical manifestations of stress.

Before treatment, always ensure the chiropractor is registered with AHPRA, has an accredited degree and follow AHPRA standards.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Restore Nervous System Balance

The spine encases the central nervous system, which controls our bodies' functions, including our stress response.  Misalignments, medically known as subluxations, occur when the vertebrae shift out of position. The causes run from spinal injury, incorrect posture or stress, which can compress the nerves, disrupt communication between the brain and body, contributing to pain, tension or dysfunction.

Patients feel stress related muscle tension and pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, eyebrows and temples and back regions. They can feel debilitating pain in these areas, mood changes and thought patterns.

Ultimately, this disrupts the patient's daily routine and affects their ability to participate in regular activities.

Chiropractors can restore balance and regular spinal function to the spinal by realigning the vertebrae. Research shows that realignment can reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, helping with stress management.

Techniques Chiropractors Use for Realignment

Trusted chiropractors use spinal adjustments to correct subluxations and restore natural spinal alignment.

By means of the following complementary techniques, chiropractors aim to manage a patient's stress and anxiety.

Spinal Manipulation

Relieves pressure on nerves, reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Chronic stress leads to muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders and back. Soft tissue therapy releases tight muscles and improves circulation, reducing stress-related stiffness.

Postural Correction

When a person is under stress, it takes a physical toll on the body. The spine hunches, slouched shoulders and droopy head. A chiropractor addresses this stress-induced poor posture, preventing long-term spinal damage.

Flexion-Distraction Technique

Chiropractors gently manipulate the spine for realignment. It's a hands on technique that chiropractors use, a rhythmic pumping motion on the intervertebral discs, instead of applying direct force.

Holistic Stress Management

By addressing the underlying causes of stress, chiropractors employ a holistic approach to chiropractic care, instead of focusing primarily on the symptoms. It restores the body's balance by addressing the body's physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Trusted chiropractors suggest patients incorporate lifestyle changes, exercise programs and relaxation techniques to restore balance and help with realignment.

Patients can try the following stress-relief techniques to manage their stress and anxiety:

They can try various breathing exercises which reduce stress-induced breathing patterns. The easiest breathing exercise is the box breathing technique, where patients breathe in to the count of four, hold the breath for four seconds, and breathe out again to four. This technique is quick, easy and efficient when the person is having a stress-related panic attack. It also works very well with children.

In addition to breathing exercises, chiropractors may suggest gentle exercises, like yoga or Tai chi to reduce stress. Yoga and Tai Chi improves the body's response to stress and anxiety, making it resilient to handle stress.

Chiropractors can assist patients with ergonomically designed furniture or ergonomic actions around the home and office. Their advice will prevent workplace-related stress and posture issues.

Any medical practitioner advises patients on changing their diet to manage stress and so it is with chiropractors too. Foods rich in vitamin C, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are known to help lower stress levels. These include,

• Vitamin C rich foods like oranges, kiwi and bell peppers.
• Magnesium-rich foods such as those contained in green leafy vegetables like spinach, almonds and dark chocolate.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, mackerel, walnuts and chia seeds.

Additionally, chiropractors may suggest counselling or therapy to patients dealing with debilitating stress and anxiety. Mental health professionals provide strategies for patients to manage stress. If there are underlying issues causing the stress, the therapist or counsellor can provide more assistance.

Stress impacts sleep patterns, leading to mood changes, irregular eating habits and contributing to fatigue. Poor sleep posture, for example, stomach sleeping or an unsupported neck, strains the spine.

Chiropractors assist patients with realignment to improve sleep.  They may suggest ergonomic pillow recommendations and posture tips to promote relaxation and deeper, restorative sleep.

A licensed professional is available to assist with all stress and anxiety related issues. Patients can discuss any specific issues they may have, and the medical professional can develop the best treatment plan to help the patient.  

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care goes directly to the cause of stress related issues, not focusing on the symptoms alone.

It is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment not only for stress related issues but also a great alternative to other issues related to the spine and central nervous system.

With chiropractic care, patients can enjoy improved mobility, better sleep and reduced pain.  

Conclusion

Chiropractic care is a powerful technique to reduce stress and anxiety, offering long term relief and instant benefits. It goes directly to the cause of the issue and not treats primarily the symptoms as regular medicine does.

By realigning the spine, improving nervous system function and incorporating holistic wellness strategies, a trusted chiropractor assists patients to break free from the cycle of stress and pain.

Australians struggling with stress related symptoms should consider Regenerate Chiropractic, to explore how chiropractic techniques can support their journey to better health. Look for registered chiropractors with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and who offer personalized treatment plans.