When you are experiencing anxiety, a primitive survival instinct kicks in, leading to a “fight or flight” state. That triggers a boost in adrenaline levels and an increased blood flow throughout muscle groups.
Let’s take a look at the symptoms that manifest in our bodies.
Symptoms of Anxiety in the body
Anxiety may lead a person to expect the worst, have progressing feelings of dread, become constantly irritable, nervous, and experience panic attacks.
The following list of physical effects is a response to this state:
- Back pain
- Muscular tension
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal heart palpitations
What goes on in your body’s structure
Elevated levels of adrenaline create ongoing tension in the postural muscles of the lower back and the weight-bearing, antigravity gluteal muscles, pelvic musculature, and hamstrings.
The long-term results may include chronic lower back pain, inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and lumbar disc disease.
Not surprisingly, any of these health problems create more anxiety for the person, establishing a vicious circle of distress, fear, and pain.
How Chiropractors can help with anxiety
The U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine (NIH/NLM) reported a case from a 44-year-old school teacher experiencing tension-type headache (TTH) and significant depression, who found relief after getting chiropractic treatment.
They can frequently provide significant assistance to those with anxiety by normalizing activity within the musculoskeletal system and reducing muscular stress and tension.
Chiropractic care removes sources of biochemical and physiologic stress to help mediate responses to anxiety.
They help alleviate muscular tension and pain, improving the functions of one’s cardiorespiratory, gastroenteric, immune, and hormonal systems.
There are some other things chiropractors can help you with; having a holistic approach to health with methods such as meditation.
What you can do to help yourself
Nutrition:
Eating healthy food allows your body to work correctly, build healthy cells, tissues, remove toxins accumulated from metabolic activity, and contribute to nutrients needed in brain activity.
Reducing carbohydrates, soda, muffins, cookies, cake, and fast food will often have a meaningful impact.
Also, making sure to have fresh fruits and vegetables, in general, more natural food, included in your everyday diet will provide significant benefits.
Exercise:
Having a regular 30 minutes exercise routine can help.
Activities such as walking, running, bike riding, swimming, and weight training could be options to try on a five-day-per-week schedule.
Make sure you find an enjoyable activity or sport for yourself so that you commit to it long-term.
Exercising provides more energy, restful sleep, and an overall positive mental attitude.
If you want to take your recovery to the next level, get help from a health professional capable of creating a personalized nutrition and exercise plan based on your needs and taste. Chiropractors could be the option you’re looking for.
Overall, the combination of healthy activities and regular chiropractic care helps optimize how your body works and reduces potential anxiety stressors. At Edgewood Spine and Rehabilitation Center, we’re glad to help. Contact us for more information on this topic.