​Stress and Chiropractic

​Stress and Chiropractic

Stress can arise from work, money, family responsibilities, health concerns and many other pressures. It can affect sleep, concentration and how pain is experienced.

Chiropractic care may address accompanying musculoskeletal discomfort in selected patients. It is not an established treatment for anxiety, depression or hypertension, and it is not essential to normal nervous-system function.

Stress in Children

Children can show stress through irritability, trouble sleeping, stomachaches or headaches. Persistent symptoms, school difficulties or major changes in behavior deserve attention from a pediatric clinician or qualified mental health professional.

Stress and Overall Health

The most common symptoms of stress are feeling irritable, angry, overwhelmed, anxious, fatigued and depressed. When under stress, different areas of the body are affected. Here's a snapshot of some of the effects:

Musculoskeletal system: Stress can increase muscle tension and contribute to neck, shoulder or back discomfort. Headaches have several possible causes and may need their own assessment.

Breathing: Anxiety can be associated with rapid breathing. New shortness of breath should not automatically be attributed to stress, particularly with chest pain or fainting.

Hormonal response: The stress response includes hormones such as cortisol. A symptom checklist cannot diagnose a hormonal disorder.

Nervous system: Under stress, the body will act as though it's under threat. This reaction is an innate response that has been occurring for millions of years. When the mind perceives a threat or the body experiences a shock, the body releases hormones that boost the ability to either "fight" or flee ("flight")

Most modern humans don't experience the same hazards our ancestors encountered, but this natural response has now transformed to reactions to modern day stresses—work, deadlines, traffic, illness, arguments, etc.

Managing stress and related pain

Regular activity, a consistent sleep routine, relaxation practices and social support can help with stress. Counseling may be important when stress becomes hard to manage. For associated back or neck pain, discuss an individualized plan that may include exercise and selected manual therapy; spinal adjustments have not been shown to reset the stress response or reliably lower blood pressure.

Seek medical assessment for persistent or worsening symptoms. Call 911 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke-like symptoms or immediate danger; do not assume these are simply stress.

For help evaluating stress-associated back or neck discomfort, contact Haywood Spine and Nerve Center in Waynesville at (828) 456-5700. Ask the clinic how to share medical information securely.

Further reading: NCCIH evidence and risks for spinal manipulation.

Further reading: NIMH guidance on stress.