Conditions
Stress, tension and difficulty relaxing
Stress, tension and the inability to relax can have an impact on our musculoskeletal health. On this page you will find more information about how chiropractic care can play a role in managing these symptoms.
The mind-body connection
The mind and body are intricately connected, and as a result conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can have an impact on our musculoskeletal health. A very common example of this that most of us can relate to is tension around the neck and shoulders in response to stressful situations. We can carry the physical manifestations of our psychological state anywhere in our body and this can sometimes create a positive feedback cycle, where the pain and discomfort which comes from the tension in the muscles becomes another source of stress.
Pain in the body always carries some degree of an emotional impact, whether it’s frustration, anger, low mood or a feeling of vulnerability. It is no wonder that it is common for sufferers of chronic pain conditions to also experience depression. Additionally, our emotional state can modulate our experience of pain. For example, the person who is suffering from low mood can experience pain worse than the person who is not suffering from low mood, even if the pain stimulus is this same. This is something which is often overlooked, and so it is important to consider this when addressing our recovery.
How chiropractic care can help
Chiropractors are aware of the mind-body connection as it relates to musculoskeletal health, and there are many things that a chiropractor can do to help manage the physical impact of stress and tension, from spinal manipulation to soft tissue techniques to coaching you on stretching and relaxation techniques. Whilst chiropractic care cannot address the external triggers for stress and tension (for example, being over worked, difficulty with relationships etc), we can address some of the physical symptoms that arise in the musculoskeletal system.
FAQs
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Absolutely. It is common for people to feel anxious to see a chiropractor, especially in the first visit. Your comfort, both physical and emotional is paramount to the therapeutic process, so if you are feeling anxious, please let the chiropractor know. The chiropractor will always explain what they are doing throughout the appointment and check in with you to make sure you are comfortable. We can also stop at any point if you need to, and there will be no judgement or pressure to continue.
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There is no one size fit’s all approach to stress management, but some approaches that many people benefit from are:
Improved sleep hygiene: This can be as simple as setting regular times for going to bed and getting up, ensuring you get an adequate amount (around 8 hours). Minimising screen time and caffeine intake before bed can also increase the quality of sleep you can get.
Physical exercise: The stress relieving effects of physical exercise are well documented and benefits can be seen in something as simple as a brisk walk. Some find yoga or pilates can reduce stress, but generally any physical exercises can help.
Meditation: There are many types of meditation techniques so it is important to find the one that suits you best. You are not alone if you find it difficult to meditate, many people struggle, especially in the beginning. It is well worth persevering as this can also help us manage our stress.
Breathing techniques: Many who struggle to meditate will find it easier to engage with breath work as it can feel more task oriented. Again there are many techniques to chose from so it is worth experimenting and exploring which will work best for you.
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The best and easiest way to book your appointment is to book online. You will be able to see all the available appointments at a glance making it simple to find a time that suits you. Alternatively, you can contact us by email or phone here.
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If you have any further questions, please check out our FAQs page, or get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.