How Stress, Back Pain, and McHenry Chiropractic Care Interact
With back pain incidence affecting about 4 out of 10 people with 1 in 10 of those going on to have 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 factors. We study the whole ‘you’! That's our flavor of chiropractic care.
STRESS AND ITS PHYSICAL TOLL ON THE BODY
Mental stress does not only affect your mind; it manifests in the body, too. When you are stressed, your muscles naturally stiffen as part of the fight-or-flight response. If stress becomes chronic, this prolonged 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 among office workers, especially those in sedentary roles. Excessive demands of work and social tensions were identified as significant contributors to both the severity and duration of pain. Repeated or sustained stress initiates a host of physical effects including muscle imbalance, spinal misalignment, inflammation. The message is clear: 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 means in fighting stress is ensuring an adequate intake of B vitamins. These water-soluble vitamins play a critical role in keeping a healthy nervous system and brain function, which is directly tied to stress regulation. Transthyretin, a protein associated with 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 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 props up serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) production, and Vitamin B12 which is required for nerve health and red blood cell production really necessary when stressed. By managing stress, B vitamins indirectly decrease 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 critical 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 ideas for diet and supplementation. When it comes to working on 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 chance to find more lasting relief. Add B vitamins, do some stress-decreasing activities like yoga and breathing, and (first!) talk 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 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. Schedule your McHenry chiropractic appointment soon.
