By: Dr. Diego Bignone, DC | https://www.beachcitieschiropractor.com/
Stress is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it's due to
work, relationships, finances, or other factors, stress can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce stress, and chiropractic care is one of them. In this blog post, we'll explore how chiropractic care can help reduce stress and improve overall health, based on evidence from peer-reviewed studies.
What is Stress?
Stress is the body's response to a perceived threat or challenge. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. In small doses, stress can be helpful, as it can motivate us to take action and solve problems. However, chronic stress can have negative effects on our health, including:
Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions
Weakened immune system
Poor sleep quality
Depression and anxiety
Digestive problems
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Reduce Stress
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health that focuses on the relationship between the spine and nervous system. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and improve alignment, which can help reduce nerve interference and promote the body's natural healing abilities. Here are some ways chiropractic care can help reduce stress, based on evidence from peer-reviewed studies:
1. Alleviate Physical Tension
When we experience stress, we tend to hold tension in our muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate this tension by restoring proper alignment to the spine and reducing muscle spasms. This can help improve range of motion, reduce pain, and promote relaxation.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments can help reduce muscle tension and improve spinal mobility in patients with chronic neck pain. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve function in patients with low back pain.
2. Improve Sleep Quality
Stress can interfere with sleep quality, which can make it harder to cope with stress during the day. Chiropractic care can help improve sleep quality by reducing pain, tension, and other factors that can disrupt sleep. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can improve sleep quality in patients with chronic pain and other conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can improve sleep quality in patients with chronic pain. Another study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic care can help improve sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
3. Boost Immune System Function
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness and infection. Chiropractic care can help boost immune system function by reducing nerve interference and promoting proper spinal alignment. This can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of illness and infection.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can help boost immune system function in patients with HIV. Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can help boost immune system function in healthy adults.
4. Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Chiropractic care can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common side effects of chronic stress. By improving nervous system function and reducing pain and tension, chiropractic care can help improve mood and promote relaxation.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chiropractic care can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain. Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with low back pain.
Conclusion:
Stress is a common problem that can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce stress, including chiropractic care. By alleviating physical tension, improving sleep quality, boosting immune system function, and reducing anxiety and depression, chiropractic care can help improve overall health and well-being. If you're interested in learning more about how chiropractic care can help reduce stress, contact a chiropractor today.
Sources:
- "Stress and Your Health." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021, medlineplus.gov/stress.html.
- Gliedt, Jordan A., et al. "Chiropractic and Spinal Manipulation Therapy on Chronic Low Back Pain." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 23, no. 7, 2017, pp. 525–536., doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0268.
- Gross, Anita, et al. "Manipulation or Mobilisation for Neck Pain: A Cochrane Review." Manual Therapy, vol. 15, no. 4, 2010, pp. 315–333., doi:10.1016/j.math.2010.04.002.
- Hawk, Cheryl, et al. "Best Practices for Chiropractic Care for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Consensus Update." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 42, no. 4, 2019, pp. 241–248., doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2018.10.007.
- Teodorczyk-Injeyan, Julita A., et al. "Spinal Manipulative Therapy Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines but Not Substance P Production in Normal Subjects." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 33, no. 2, 2010, pp. 168–176., doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.12.012.
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