How Stress, Back Pain, and Sitka Chiropractic Care Interact
With back pain incidence affecting about 40% of people with 10% of those experiencing chronic pain, it is important to understand causes of Sitka back pain. (1) One contributor that Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka does not overlook is stress, emotional and cognitive aspects. We look at the whole ‘you’! That's our flavor of chiropractic care.
STRESS AND ITS PHYSICAL TOLL ON THE BODY
Mental stress doesn’t just impact your mind; it comes out in the body as well. When you are stressed, your muscles naturally tighten as part of the fight-or-flight response. If stress grows chronic, this persistent muscle tension can lead to discomfort and, eventually, persistent pain. Studies back this up. Research published by Brenner-Fliesser et al. (2) found a notable correlation between work-related stress and higher incidence of low back pain amidst office workers, especially those in sedentary roles. Too many demands of work and social tensions were identified as significant contributors to both the severity and duration of pain. Repeated or prolonged stress elicits a cascade of physical effects consisting of muscle imbalance, spinal misalignment, inflammation. The message is clear: treating Sitka back pain necessitates attending to not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying stressors.
B VITAMINS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
A lesser-known tool in fighting stress is ensuring an adequate intake of B vitamins. These water-soluble vitamins play a vital role in maintaining a healthy nervous system and brain function, which is directly linked to stress regulation. Transthyretin, a protein related to vitamin B12, has been shown to "orchestrate stress resilience," according to research by Stein et al. (3). This indicates that proper vitamin B levels can significantly improve how your body deals with stress. Key B vitamins for stress containment are Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) which boosts mood by transforming carbs into energy, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which props up serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) production, and Vitamin B12 which is required for nerve health and red blood cell production really essential when stressed. By controlling stress, B vitamins indirectly reduce stress-related muscle tension and its detrimental effects on the spine. Supplementing with B vitamins may also boost energy levels, making it simpler to stay active, which is crucial for Sitka back pain relief.
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE RELIEF: START NOW!
Chiropractic care at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka does not just treat the symptom of back pain; it gets to the root. Chiropractors adopt a holistic approach to address both spinal health and contributing factors like stress by using gentle spinal manipulation like Cox® Technic, stress reduction and lifestyle advice (like office set up and office chair choice), and nutritional suggestion for diet and supplementation. When it comes to tackling stress-related back pain, a multi-faceted path is your best bet. By addressing your mind, body, and nutrition all at the same time, you give yourself the best opportunity to find sustainable relief. Add B vitamins, do some stress-reducing activities like yoga and breathing, and (first!) talk with your chiropractor at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka!
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Lee Hazen, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates how the “whole person” approach to back pain relief and incorporation of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management can help.
Now is the time to take charge of your back pain and associated stress and improve your quality of life. Make your Sitka chiropractic appointment soon.
