Frazzled and Unraveled in Chaosville
By: Angie Case MAMFT, LPC
“Embrace the glorious mess that you are.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert
Welcome to Chaosville, where the daily race against the clock begins every morning. In an effort to get out the door on time, I, like many of you, am juggling my coffee, my kid, and my keys. Once in the car, I'm dodging traffic jams and coffee spills while playing an impromptu "Red Light, Green Light" game with my fellow commuters. I arrive at the office to a hectic day of ringing phones, hundreds of emails, never-ending paperwork, and coworkers to cope with, and that's all before 9:00 a.m. There have been days I've gotten to work only to find I'm wearing two different shoes, only one earring, and my underwear is on inside out. Regardless of your city, stress has become the unofficial mayor, and we all seem to reside in Chaosville. Is it any wonder stress negatively affects 49% of adults in the U.S. alone? Honestly, how much can one human take?
In the whirlwind of our increasingly frazzled lives, we all yearn for alternative respite from the turmoil life's challenges often bring. So, why not consider the incredible impact of chiropractic care? While primarily known for addressing physical issues, chiropractic care can offer surprising benefits to improve emotional health. So, hold on and brace yourself; you're about to discover some unexpected ways chiropractic care can help reduce troubling symptoms of stress and help all of us function better in Chaosville.
Spinal Bliss
Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed, distraught, or frustrated. We all experience stress to some degree, but when it becomes a chronic condition, it often devastatesphysical and mental health.
In a 2020 study, American Chiropractic Association members cited stress as contributing to patients' musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractic treatment focuses on maintaining the health and alignment of the musculoskeletal including the spine.
Misalignments or subluxations in the spine can affect the nervous system's ability to regulate stress. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, enabling the nervous system to function optimally. An optimally functioning nervous system may help patients feel more relaxed, reducing stress levels. The body is better equipped to handle stressors and less likely to experience heightened feelings of being overwhelmed and unraveled.
Regulate those Hormones
Let's talk for a moment about the effects of stress on the body. When you experience a threat, real or perceived, like a deadline at work or an argument with your spouse, the body releases stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. This fight or flight
response elevates the heart rate, tightens muscles, and prepares the body to tackle the threat.
This response is great if you're trying to outrun a saber-toothed tiger or hunt a wooly mammoth for food. But over time, this chronic stress response can wear on a body, causing symptoms like headaches, muscle aches and pains, high blood pressure,
heart disease, digestive issues, mental health disorders, and sleep problems, just to name a few.
A well-functioning spine plays a vital role in reducing the stress response and regulating these fight-or-flight hormones. Along with reduced pain, a well-aligned spine means the body can release "feel-good" hormones like serotonin and dopamine more
efficiently. This hormone release can lead to improved mood and decrease the likelihood of experiencing negative symptoms of stress.
Whole Body Well-being
Chronic pain and discomfort can be devastating to physical and mental health. Physical movement calms the brain and reduces stress. A calmer brain means a more relaxed mind, less worry, and fewer frazzled thoughts.
However, pain often limits physical activity, leading to a more agitated brain. Consistent chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain, allowing the body to move more comfortably. Regular activity can make a significant difference in total body wellness.
This improvement in physical mobility can help keep the brain and body calm and relaxed.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care presents a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical and emotional aspects. By reducing stress through spinal alignment, improving hormone regulation, and enhancing overall physical comfort, chiropractic care can be a
valuable complementary therapy for those dealing with negative symptoms of stress.
While chiropractic care is not a replacement for conventional treatments or therapies, it can provide support, manage symptoms, and enhance quality of life. If you struggle with feeling frazzled and unraveled due to living in Chaosville, consider consulting a
chiropractor as part of your comprehensive approach to better health. +
Remember: Information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare professional for treatment and guidance if you have specific physical or mental health concerns or conditions.
Contact Family Wellness Chiropractic today and schedule an appointment with one of their dedicated and knowledgeable doctors. Family Wellness prioritizes your overall health and well-being with various services to keep your whole family in tip-top health.
Sources:
Quality Care Chiropractic. (2023, January 18). Breathing Better with Chiropractic Care.
Quality Care Chiropractic. https://www.qualitycarechiro.com
Wells, B. (2020, August 23). 9 Ways Chiropractic Care Can Help Anxiety and
Depression. Ayni Neuroscience Institute. Scott Carroll, MD. https://
www.scottcarrollmd.com
Deep, A. (2023). 6 Proven Benefits of Chiropractic Care For Anxiety (Research).
ChiropractorMag. https://Chiropractormag.com/Blog/6 Proven Benefits of Chiropractic
Care For Anxiety (Research)
Single Care Team (2023, February 3). Stress Statistics 2023: How common is stress
and who’s most affected? Single Care Team. https://www.singlecare.com
Genesis Medical. (2023, August 3). How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Manage Your
Stress. Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. https://www.genesismedical.org
Ross, S. (2023, September 9). 7 Reasons Why You Need a Chiropractor.
ChiropractorMag. https://passionateaboutfood.net/category/health-care-medical/
