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WEEK 1
Got Chronic Holiday Stress? Chiropractic Can Help.
Bottom Line:
As the leading chronic pain chiropractor in Singapore, we know a thing or two about stress and the effects it can have on our neighbors before, during, and after the holiday season.
And stress can actually be a good thing.
If a lion were chasing you, an increase in heart rate, muscle tension, and focus would hopefully help you escape unharmed!
Thankfully, you don't need to worry about being chased by a lion today.
It might be someone cutting you off on the way to pick up your holiday gifts that could put your body into the same fight or flight mode.
Remember the last time you saw a car veering into your lane, and your heart rate went through the roof?!
That is an acute stress response in action.
Your brain and body respond to negative stress whether real or imagined, and chronic stress - yes, including chronic holiday stress - can have a profound impact on your health.
Why it Matters:
Again, in the short term, acute stress can be a good thing.
It helps us react quickly.
Your brain tells your adrenal glands to release hormones (chemicals) that help your body respond in an instant.
Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies.
Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugarsin the bloodstream, enhances your brain's use of glucose, increases the availability of substances that repair tissues, and curbs functions that would be nonessential or harmful in a fight-or-flight situation.
This complex natural alarm system can also alter immune system responses and suppress the digestive system.
Now, normally, the body's stress response / alarm system is self-limiting.
However, if the body’s stress response continues unchecked for an extended period of time, you may feel yourself slip into chronic stress mode.
As the go-to chronic pain chiropractor in Singapore, we’re here to tell you that, yes, chronic stress affects people of all ages and from all walks of life.
(Yes, even that friend you have that lives for yoga and meditates every. single. day.)
And it probably comes as no surprise that chronic holiday stress can wreak havoc on your brain and body - we’re talking heightened levels of cortisol secretion and even the development of a sensitized physiologic stress response.
What's more, the symptoms of chronic pain and chronic stress overlap and often feed into one another, causing the cycle to continue.
Here are some key points to remember about the chronic stress cycle…
- Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, headaches, sleep problems, and potentially more.
- Stress, pain, and inflammation are all connected by the stress hormone cortisol.
- Spinal adjustments may be able to promote a decrease in your cortisol level.
Wait? Chiropractic care could help me with my chronic holiday stress?
Indeed it can.
Chiropractic Care Can Help You Manage Chronic Holiday Stress
Recent studies have shown that chiropractic care, specifically spinal adjustments, may help to decrease your body’s overall stress levels.
In one recent study, researchers found that participants who received chiropractic interventions for their chronic, recurring neck pain and headaches reported significant improvement in both their perceived physical and mental stress levels.
They also reported improved physical function, which is thought to be the mechanism via which chiropractic care can act to reduce the recurrence of chronic stress and chronic pain that can contribute to cycles of chronic stress.
Next Steps:
So, to put a “bow” on everything you just learned, we recommend taking some time each day to check on your own stress levels throughout the holiday season.
If you start to feel it rising, we hope you’ll give us a call, and make an appointment with the top chronic pain chiropractor in Singapore for a tension relieving, soothing adjustment.
Together, our compassionate team of wellness experts can help you combat that chronic holiday stress and say goodbye to those nagging back and neck aches so you can actually enjoy the holidays this year and for many to come!
Science Source(s):
Stress Management. Mayo Clinic. 2021.
Chronic Stress, Cortisol Dysfunction, and Pain. Physical Therapy. 2014.
Cortisol Levels and Chiropractic. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. 2020.
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WEEK 2
How Holiday Stress Affects the Body (and How Chiropractic Can Help)
Bottom Line:
Your stress level and spinal health are linked through your nervous system.
Just think about what happens to you physically when you get stressed out.
More specifically, think about how holiday stress affects the body.
Your muscles tense, your breathing patterns change, and often, so does the way you move.
As the leading neck and shoulder tension chiropractor in Singapore, we know that last part to be especially true.
Changes in your posture, for example, can lead to neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and more – all in response to the stress you’re feeling.
Why it Matters:
Stress often triggers some cycle of pain or dysfunction, and the process is coordinated through your nervous, immune, and musculoskeletal systems.
Here's an example of how holiday stress affects the body:
If you're stressed out, you may notice you start to exercise less, which may lead to pain and stiffness, which may bring your mental health down, which may in turn lead to more stress.
You should know, our team can help you combat the effects of stress on your body.
Let’s look at an alternative…
- Stress can affect your posture and the way you move.
- That abnormal motion can lead to pain and inflammation.
- Chiropractic adjustments to the body can help improve your posture, the way you move, and lessen any physical irritation to your nerves.
How Holiday Stress Affects the Body
Correcting any abnormal movement patterns with gentle, safe, effective, and non-invasive treatments is where chiropractors shine and why you shouldn’t hesitate to visit a neck and shoulder tension chiropractor in Singapore if you’re in pain.
For many, a few targeted adjustments to the affected joints can help reset any distorted movement patterns which in turn can make a significant impact on their overall pain levels, mobility, and well-being.
In one recent study, researchers observed a measurable improvement in the biomechanical and functional performance in low back pain patients immediately following adjustments.
Participants were able to both move and complete tasks more efficiently and freely and with less pain, and knowing what you undoubtedly know about how holiday stress affects the body, this is HUGE.
And, in yet another study, researchers found that chiropractic care was associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life over time, especially in pain.
Next Steps:
In short, movement is the best natural "medicine" for bringing down those stress levels and improving the way you move and feel.
In fact, daily exercise has been shown to lower stress levels, elevate moods, and improve overall health.
Between workout sessions, gentle chiropractic adjustments to the body can help keep you moving well and keep any pains at bay so you can get the daily exercise you need to stay well this holiday season.
That’s exactly what we do everyday as the go-to neck and shoulder tension chiropractor in Singapore.
So, if you’re all too familiar with how holiday stress affects the body and you’re looking for a natural way to relieve those aches and pains so you can get back to enjoying the festivities and more, we hope you’ll give us a call!
Science Source(s):
Neurophysiological Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Spine J. 2002.
Posture and Stress. EHAWC. 2011.
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WEEK 3
3 Unique Ways Chiropractors Can Help Relieve Holiday Stress
Bottom Line:
Did you know… chronic stress - especially chronic holiday stress - can contribute to health challenges like anxiety and even back pain.
Why?
When your body is in a constant state of stress, it produces hormones that can disrupt almost all of your body's natural processes.
That’s one of the big reasons discovering healthy ways to cope with and ultimately relieve holiday stress is one of the best ways to keep yourself well before, during, and after your much anticipated family gatherings and favorite festivities.
As it turns out, chiropractors may be the perfect healthcare partner to help you get started.
And we’re here to tell you why you should consider seeing a chiropractor who treats muscle tension pain in Singapore (insert friendly wave) to get the most out of this holiday season.
Why it Matters:
Research has shown that chronic stress affects both your brain and body in various ways and identifying its presence early is a key way to relieve holiday stress and maintain your good health.
In recent studies, researchers observed both decreased cortisol levels and improved motor control following chiropractic adjustments (spinal manipulative therapy).
Early signs of chronic stress include sleeplessness, headaches, muscle tension, and joint pain.
How Chiropractors Can Help Relieve Holiday Stress, Naturally
As it happens, chiropractors can help you overcome stress in a few unique ways.
Here are just 3 ways we can help you reduce stress…
- Reducing Muscle Tension: Reducing any built-up tension in your muscles can help soothe a tired body and mind.
- Restoring Movement: Gentle adjustments to the body can help you move your back, arms, and legs more freely and with less pain.
- Offering Personalized Exercise: Daily exercise is a powerful way to turn the dial down on that mental stress and up on your overall physical wellbeing (not to mention the effectiveness of our care!).
Remember, move better, feel better!
Chiropractic heals, and seeing a chiropractor who treats muscle tension pain in Singapore (still waving!) is a smart way to de-stress before, during, and after the holidays.
In fact, in several studies, researchers observed that people receiving spinal adjustments reported a higher quality of life in general than those who weren’t - less pain, less down days.
Needless to say, eliminating those down days can certainly help relieve holiday stress!
Next Steps:
Even people who are never stressed out often start to notice an uptick in headaches, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping during this time of year.
If you’re finding it just a bit challenging to simply relax and enjoy the holidays…
If you’ve been having trouble finding ways to relieve holiday stress…
We hope you’ll think of our team and won’t hesitate to give us a call.
Our doors are open all season long, and especially when you need a local go-to chiropractor who treats muscle tension pain in Singapore, we’re here for you!
Science Source(s):
Neurophysiological Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Spine J. 2002.
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WEEK 4
Try These 3 Chiropractor-Approved Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress
Bottom Line:
Years ago, researchers believed that the health benefits of exercise were limited to the body. However, recent research has indicated that regular physical activity and movement can benefit both the body and brain. We’re seeing that movement supplies the brain cells with oxygen, promotes the production of new cells, and aides in creating synapses (connections in the brain).
Why it Matters:
With many schools reducing physical education classes, and even more students moving towards e-learning, you want to be sure to encourage your child to exercise each day.
Movement triggers the release of many chemical substances in the brain that enhance brain function. In many ways, exercising each day is likely to make your child a better student, in many ways!
- Brain Function: Movement may protect your brain against degenerative changes.
- Stress Reduction: Exercise and movement have been shown to decrease stress and has an antidepressant effect.
- Memory: Regular exercise can help memory and thinking in both direct and indirect ways.
Next Steps:
In the past, we may have considered exercise and physical education classes to be a distraction from learning. Now we have come to understand that movement and exercise play an integral role in learning and brain function.
Daily movement and exercise are healthy for both your child’s body and brain. If your child struggles to get enough exercise due to pain or postural issues, schedule an appointment with us today. Our posture and movement assessments are designed to identify abnormal patterns, and our care can help your child feel better so that they can stay active and become the best student possible!
Science Source(s):
Stress Management. Mayo Clinic. 2021.
Stress and Susceptibility to the Common Cold. N Engl J Med. 1991.
