LiveWell Chiropractic

It seems that springtime should bring feelings of lighthearted relaxation as we break free from the confines of winter clothing and indoor living. But the truth is that the influx of school deadlines, crammed schedules, and shorts-season anxiety can leave you feeling more stressed and tired than ever.

When you encounter stress, your body goes through a complicated combination of chemical changes and nerve impulses called General Adaption Syndrome (G.A.S.). The three stages of G.A.S. are reaction, resistance, and finally, exhaustion. First your brain sends an alarm message to your endocrine system to enter the “fight or flight” response. If the stress continues, your body tries to adapt and resist the stress with tensed muscles and raised body temperatures. If the stress still persists, your body becomes exhausted and is prone to illness and breakdown.

The problem is, many of us are under chronic stress, because it’s impossible to avoid daily stressors. If you are alive, you are experiencing stress from day-to-day activities, decisions, and unexpected encounters. When you are under chronic stress, your body can never completely relax and you become fatigued due to the constant energy drain. This makes your immune system more vulnerable, and your body is more susceptible to infection, disease, and premature aging.

Stress itself is not necessarily bad for you. When managed properly, stress can drive you to accomplish more and have a life filled with exciting challenges and personal growth. In fact, too little stress would be boring and unsatisfying. The key is to handle stressful situations with healthy management techniques so that facing life’s complications becomes invigorating rather than overwhelming. Supportive relationships, pets, prayer, mediation, and journaling can all be very helpful in coping with stress.

Another very simple and effective way to relive stress is through chiropractic spinal adjustments. Chiropractic care can help release deeply held stress, because chronic stress manifests itself in vertebral subluxations (the distortions in the spine that chiropractors are trained to correct). Subluxations can cause discomfort and tension, or they may be painless, but either way they put strain on your nerves and spine, stressing you physically and emotionally. When Dr. French adjusts the spine, it improves nervous system function and promotes better adaptation to stress.

Stress does not have to be a destructive element in your life. With regular physical and emotional stress management, you can protect your health and channel anxious energy into creativity, accomplishment, and growth.