Do you work at a fast-paced, high-demand job? 

Do you suffer from chronic neck or back pain caused by working?

Feel like something is always going on in your life adding to your stress? 

Physical pain, aches, and problems can stem from many sources, with stress being a significant factor that can cause pain and tends to exacerbate existing discomfort. Here’s how stress can impact your body and lead to various physical issues:

1. Elevated Cortisol Levels

Stress elevates cortisol levels, a hormone your body uses to initiate the fight-or-flight response. When you experience chronic stress, cortisol is released frequently, leading to chemical stress that affects your joints. Over time, this can result in:

• Arthritis: Chronic inflammation and joint pain.
• Degeneration: Breakdown of joint tissues.
• Long-term Issues: Persistent pain and mobility problems.

2. Muscle Tension and Tightness

Another way stress influences our pain is through tension and muscle tightness. When we are stressed, our muscles naturally tense up, which can:

• Strain the Spine: Increased tension and pulling on the spine can cause or worsen back pain.
• Exacerbate Existing Pain: Any pre-existing discomfort can be amplified due to the additional muscle strain.

3. Reduced Blood Flow to Extremities

Stress often affects pain in the arms, legs, feet, and hands more significantly than in other areas. When your body is stressed, it prioritizes blood, oxygen, and other vital resources for the organs, reducing blood flow and nerve communication to the extremities. This can lead to:

• Increased Pain: Especially in the arms, legs, feet, and hands.
• Nerve Issues: Impaired nerve function can cause tingling or numbness.

4. Sympathetic Nervous System Activation

The most significant way stress impacts pain is through the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's fight-or-flight response. When you are under stress, your body responds similarly regardless of whether the stress is physical, emotional, chemical, or mental. This heightened state of the nervous system results in:

• Increased Signaling: More alarm signals are sent throughout your body.
• Perception of Pain: These alarms are often perceived as pain and other physical problems.

Thorough Chiropractic Examination

We perform the most thorough exam in chiropractic, considering the whole individual, not just "where it hurts" for your pain relief in Ann Arbor. This holistic approach ensures that we address the root causes of your discomfort and not just the symptoms.

By helping your body adapt to stress, we help you decrease pain and function better. Our personalized treatment plans focus on:

• Stress Adaptation: Techniques to help your body manage stress more effectively.
• Pain Reduction: Targeted therapies to alleviate discomfort.
• Improved Function: Enhancing overall body function for better health and well-being.

Pain Relief in Ann Arbor is Possible with Chiropractic Care 

By understanding the complex relationship between stress and physical pain, we can provide effective solutions to help you lead a healthier, pain-free life. If you’re experiencing stress-related pain, consider consulting with us for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

For pain relief in Ann Arbor, contact our team today!