Stress is a word we hear all the time. But what is it actually doing to our bodies?
Stress isn’t just a feeling of being overwhelmed. It is a primitive physical response that can affect everything from our mood to our muscles and joints.
Luckily your body has a built-in system for handling stress.
This system is designed to help you navigate demanding situations. And – understanding how it works is the key to managing its effects on your physical health.
Your central stress response system is called the HPA axis. The letters stand for the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. These three parts of your body work together in a coordinated way.
When you encounter a stressor, your hypothalamus sends a signal to your pituitary gland. The pituitary gland then signals your adrenal glands to release cortisol, our primary stress hormone. This chain reaction is designed to prepare your body for a “fight or flight” response.
This system is brilliant for short-term threats, and part of the reason we have survived as a species. The rush of cortisol provides a burst of energy and sharpens focus. But problems can arise when the stress does not go away.
The thing is – our HPA axis is not meant to be active all the time. In fact, constant physical or emotional stress disrupts cortisol regulation, keeping levels elevated for extended periods.
This has various effects on the body. For example, chronic high cortisol levels:
When you’re stressed, you tend to hold tension in your body. This often shows up as tight shoulders, a stiff neck, or lower back pain. These physical patterns are a direct result of your body’s stress response.
Chiropractic care can help address these issues.
By using specific adjustments, a chiropractor can help to release stored tension in the muscles and joints. This can provide relief from the physical symptoms of stress.
The benefits can go deeper than just easing muscle tension. Chiropractic adjustments can influence your nervous system. A well-regulated nervous system can help to calm the HPA axis, encouraging a more balanced stress response.
You can also support your nervous system through simple daily habits.
Your posture, for example, sends constant feedback to your brain. Slouching can signal stress, while sitting or standing tall can promote a sense of calm.
Gentle movement is another powerful tool. Activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can help to release physical tension. They also encourage a state of relaxation, which helps to down-regulate your stress response.
These practices help your nervous system recover from the demands of stress. They support the HPA axis in returning to its natural rhythm. This helps your body move out of “fight or flight” and into a state of “rest and digest.”
Your body’s response to stress is deeply connected to your musculoskeletal health.
The HPA axis and cortisol play a central role in this relationship. When this system is out of balance, it can lead to chronic aches and pains.
You can build resilience by taking proactive steps to manage stress.
Chiropractic care can help address the physical patterns of tension. And simple lifestyle changes, like improving your posture and moving your body, can support your nervous system’s recovery.
By understanding how stress affects you physically, you can take meaningful action. You can help your body navigate challenges more effectively. This leads to better health for your muscles, joints, and your whole body.
Branding & website design by theshapingbay.com