Stress and Your Spine

Feeling a little more stressed these days? Here’s how stress can affect your body–and what you can do about it.   

Many of the problems that show up in the spine are the result of our attempts at accommodating stress.

Stress is part of everyday living, and the COVID-19 global pandemic is the biggest crisis to happen in our lifetime. Long story short–it’s understandable if you’re feeling extra stressed out these days.

The 3 Different Types of Stress

Emotional Stress

Fear, grief, anger and other emotions affect our entire body. Frustration, and a sense of powerlessness, both widely held emotions at this time of global uncertainty, are common forms of emotional stress.

Chemical Stress

Common causes of chemical stress include poor nutrition, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. Drugs, preservatives, tobacco, alcohol, pollen and a host of other substances can affect our nervous system, muscle tone and spine.

Physical Stress

A whiplash injury from a car accident is an obvious source of physical stress. As is a slip and fall, lack of sleep or overdoing it in the garden. Early on, learning to walk, ride a bike and the birth process itself can be sources of physical stress.

A Relentless, Unseen Stress

Among the most prevalent stress we encounter is something you probably haven’t considered.

Our bodies are subjected to it 24/7. Even when we sleep.

It’s gravity.

Which most of us are equipped to handle with ease. When every joint is in proper alignment and functioning properly, we can turn, bend and move painlessly. In spite of gravity.

But when there is a misalignment, even something subtle, things can change!

The Effects of Gravity on Your Spine

When we evaluate spinal X-rays from the side, we confirm that the four spinal curves are present. Then we notice spinal bones, which may have lost their integrity in relation to the ones above or below it. These “less-than-a-dislocations” or “subluxations” are often implicated in a host of health issues.

Subluxations are accompanied by inflammation. Your body, sensing the instability, begins transporting calcium salts to the area. Almost as if mending a broken bone, the calcium is used to splint the unstable area.

When Gravity Disappears

Clearly, gravity plays a role in spinal decay.

Would the weightlessness of space be the answer? Based on extended stays at the International Space Station, microgravity can produce a host of other health issues. Even with regular exercise (up to 2 hours a day), a loss of bone and muscle mass have been reported.

The solution? A thorough chiropractic examination to assess the spine. Followed by a care plan designed to reduce misalignments and restore structural integrity. Have you had one?

Call us today to schedule an appointment for your chiropractic examination at 910.246.0606!