With back pain occurrence affecting
about 40% of people with 10% of those
experiencing chronic pain, it’s important to understand causes of McHenry back pain. (1) One contributor
that OrthoIllinois Chiropractic does not overlook is stress, emotional and cognitive aspects.
We examine the whole ‘you’! That's our type of chiropractic care.
STRESS AND ITS PHYSICAL TOLL ON THE BODY
Mental stress does not just impact
your mind; it manifests 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 support this. Research published by
Brenner-Fliesser et al. (2) found a prominent correlation between
work-related stress and higher incidence of low back pain amidst
office workers, particularly those in sedentary roles.
Too many demands of work and social tensions were recognized
as significant contributors to both the severity and duration of
pain. Repeated or sustained stress elicits
a cascade of physical effects including muscle
imbalance, spinal misalignment, inflammation. The message is evident:
treating McHenry 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 making sure there is an adequate intake of B vitamins.
These water-soluble vitamins have a vital role in supporting
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 a study by Stein et al. (3). This suggests
that proper vitamin B levels can significantly improve how your
body copes with stress. Key B vitamins for stress management
are Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) which boosts mood by transforming
carbs into energy, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which supports 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 negative effects
on the spine. Supplementing with B vitamins may also enhance energy
levels, making it easier to stay active, which is crucial
for McHenry back pain relief.
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE RELIEF: START
NOW!
Chiropractic care at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic 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 approach is a good option.
By addressing your mind, body, and nutrition all at the same time,
you give yourself the best chance to find sustainable relief. Add B vitamins, do some
stress-decreasing activities like yoga and
breathing, and (first!) chat with your chiropractor at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic!
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
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 integration of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain
Management can be of benefit.
Now is the time to take charge of your back
pain and associated stress and boost your quality
of life. Schedule your McHenry chiropractic appointment
today.