Your Spine and Stress
By Sara Butler
When people think of stress and the spine, they tend to think of the mechanical stresses placed on the joints each day. While this is indeed one source of stress on the spine, there are more stressors to be aware of than simply the physical. Here's what you need to know about stress, how it can impact your spine, and how the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic can help.
Different Types of Stress
There isn't simply one type of stress that your body endures each day. In fact, there are three identified sources that stress can manifest. These include:
- Physical stress - This is the type of stress many people think about when they consider stress. It's the physical stressors put on your body from injuries or simply everyday activities. Even the earth's gravity is a source of physical stress.
- Chemical stress - This is the type of stress that can be caused by poor nutrition such as too much sugar or refined carbohydrates, alcohol, or preservatives. These chemicals place stress on the central nervous system and can have an impact on the functioning of your entire body.
- Emotional stress - Anger, fear, and frustration are all emotions that impact the whole body. These emotional stressors can tax the body.
What You Can Do
You must find ways to deal with the stress you experience daily. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Some of the most popular are:
- A healthy diet - Eating right can help your body to deal more effectively with stress and keeping certain things out of your diet won't add to the stress you experience.
- Exercise - One way to help reduce the amount of stress you feel is by using exercise as an outlet for stress. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and help you to stay healthy and strong in the process.
- Sleep - Make sure you're getting the required amount of sleep each night for your body to rest and rejuvenate.
- Meditation - Try working meditation or yoga into your daily routine to help keep a handle on daily stress levels.
How the Chiropractor Can Help
The chiropractor can help your body deal with stress by removing joint restrictions that may add to the physical stress your body deals with. Make sure to visit the chiropractor regularly so they can help keep your body free from joint dysfunctions, which can help reduce overall stress and keep you healthy.
If you have questions about spinal health and stress, then ask the chiropractors at The Joint!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Jose, Calif.