Chiropractic Care Can Help Reduce Holiday Stress

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by: bsullivan
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 Time: 6:41 PM
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Stress is a daily part of life. And when compounded by the frenetic, hurried pace of the world today, we are constantly bombarded by stimuli - television, cell phones, e-mail and more. The line between the worlds of work and home has never been more blurred. It is no longer possible to leave work at the office - it follows you home on your blackberry. The holiday season can also bring increased stress along with social engagements, crowded shopping malls and long to-do lists.


Ways to Combat Stress

Precisely because we live in a time when we are flooded with obligations to answer e-mails, return phone calls and the like, we need to be very deliberate in taking steps to combat stress. It's a good idea to take time to engage in activities that are calming and relaxing.

Regular exercise is a great stress reducer. During moderate physical exertion, the brain releases an increased level of endorphins, the "feel good" neurotransmitters. Exercise can help decrease daily tension, lift mood and decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga are also good ways to counter stress. These activities help to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure and breathing rate. They are also effective in easing muscle tension and chronic pain, as well as increasing concentration and lowering frustration.

Another great way to help relieve stress is through chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustment focuses on the spine, which is the root of the nervous system. Chiropractic treatment of stress-induced muscle tension is a great non-invasive way to help fight stress.

The Unique Way Chiropractic Can Reduce the Impact of Stress

Chronic stress has a negative impact on the physical body. One way in which stress affects the body is by increasing muscle tension and nerve irritation. Tension in the muscles can cause misalignment of the spine. Chiropractic adjustment can help correct this misalignment.

Episodes of stress cause a chemical reaction in the body. When you encounter a stressor, whether environmental or emotional, your body's "fight or flight" response is activated. When this happens, the hypothalamus sets off an alarm system in your brain, causing the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol - the "stress hormone."

Even everyday stressors like traffic jams and packed schedules can cause the release of these chemicals. It is this release of chemicals that, when it happens on a regular basis, can put you at risk for health problems. During the "fight or flight" response, your blood pressure and glucose levels go up. When stress is a constant presence in your life, this alarm system remains activated, exposing you to high levels of cortisol and adrenaline over time. This increases your risk for health problems including heart disease, digestive problems, obesity, skin problems, and depression.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?



So, what can chiropractic treatment do to help mitigate these physical effects of stress? Dr. David Nygaard, of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, NC explains how spinal adjustments can help patients who are under chronic stress.

"The spine often shows signs of stress - the pressure caused by muscle tension can lead to misalignment. An adjustment can help release that muscle tension and improve circulation. This will help counter the "fight or flight" response which floods the system with stress hormones."
Dr. Nygaard stresses that it is not only through spinal adjustments that chiropractors can help patients manage stress. Chiropractors can provide nutritional counseling as well as training in relaxation techniques.


He also recommends taking breaks from sedentary work, and giving your muscles a chance to stretch.
Stress cannot be entirely avoidable. But there are steps you can take to help manage it. Your body may just thank you for it.

For more information on Atlas Family Chiropractic please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net

About the Author

Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He is the Feature Editor of Action Pursuit Games Magazine, Editor of Grilled Magazine. He also often writes for regional & national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie.

For more information on Atlas Family Chiropractic please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net