Stress :: San Carlos Chiropractor

Stress

What is it?

How does it manifest in our body?

How do we relieve it?

Presented by: Dr. Amie B. Gregory, D.C.

Precise Moves Chiropractic

San Carlos, CA 94070

(650) 353-1133

http://www.precisemoves.com

Types of stress in our lives

Physical (bad posture, injuries)

Emotional (financial hardships, social problems)

Chemical (fast foods, processed foods, pollution)

What is the biggest stressor in our lives?

According to the American Institute of Stress:

Occupational pressures & fears are the leading source of stress for American adults. Job stress has shown an increase over the past few decades.

What are the effects of job pressures?

30% of workers suffering from back pain

28% complaining of "stress"

20% feeling fatigued

13% with headaches.

Most common stress results

Decreased Job performance

Health diminishment (get sick more often)

Quality of life decreases (can't do the same things you used to do)

Not as happy as you used to be

Easily irritated

Anxiety

How many people do you know that have these symptoms?

Chronic stress leads to:

low back/neck pain,

carpal tunnel,

sciatica,

headaches,

high blood pressure,

diabetes.

2000 Integra Survey

Employees reported the following:

62% had neck pain at the end of the day,

44% reported “stressed-out” eyes,

38% complained of hand pain,

34% lost sleep because of being “stressed-out”, and

Over 50% worked 12 hour work days and frequently skipped lunch because of job demands.

How have our new stressful lifestyles affected us over the years?

Old treatments are no longer working

Cancer and heart dz incidents are increasing

New diseases are being discovered often

Decreased immune systems

Over 90% incidence of spinal pain or related issues

Lets look at how our health concerns have changed over the years!

Leading Cause Of Death In 1800’s:

Trauma and Injury

Infectious Diseases

Leading Cause Of Death now:

Heart Disease

Cancer

Chronic Infections

Diabetes

(all of these have been proven to be stress related)

What is stress anyway?

It is a psychological and physiological response to an event

that our mind considers a threat. Our body has automatic defenses that kick in called “fight or flight”.

Effects of stress

Sickness and disease start to “pop up”. These are our physical reactions to stress.

Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, digestive problems, pain, dizziness become more problematic and exacerbated during times of stress.

When does “fight or flight” come in handy?

When our mind believes we are in danger. If we are attacked or robbed, we fight or flee to save ourselves. After escaping the danger, we should then relax and let our body release the anxiety that has occurred.

This was a primitive response when we had to flee predators like lions but we use it now in times of danger and in other stressful situations.

We all know what this feels like right? Rapid heart beat, fast breathing, senses on high alert!

Now when do we use “fight or flight?”

Now our stress response is activated by different factors:

Dangerous situations

Fear of failure, rejection, worrying about what people think.

Traffic issues, long lines, the children make too much noise.

Spouse is too critical, boss is too demanding.

Financial difficulties.

Can high levels of stress be serious?

Yes! Research has shown that stress can lead to:

Cardiovascular Dysfunction (murmurs, valve problems)

Digestive Problems (Irritable bowel)

Immune Compromise (asthma)

Chronic Infections

Hormone Imbalance (Thyroid)

Stroke

Premature Aging

Memory and Performance Problems

Unexplained weight gain or loss

Sympathetic overriding our Parasympathetic

When stressed our Sympathetic Nervous System (“fight or flight”) kicks in and over-rides the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

Parasympathetic is our “rest and digest” system. Since we are in a sympathetic state most of the time, our body doesn't relax the way it should. This makes is difficult for us to get rid of the stored stress in our system.

Cardiovascular, muscular and respiratory system

all remain on over-drive leading to continued stress on the body.

Symptoms are seen as “normal”

People have begun to think pain and discomfort is normal. I often hear “well, I just deal or work through the pain”. Our body is telling us that something is wrong.

Pain or discomfort is not normal and we don't have to live with it. There are ways to alleviate our symptoms in most instances!

What are some anti-stress techniques?

1. Meditation

2. Yoga/Pilates

3. Exercise

4. Pamper and reward yourself

5. Physical Affection and Fun

Meditation benefits

Proven to Reduce Blood Pressure

Stabilizes Heart Rate

Relaxes muscles and tissues

Recommended:

10-15 Minutes Twice Daily

Exercise

Reduces Risk Of Stroke

Stabilizes Hormones

Improves Metabolism

Recommendation:

- 45 Minutes Cardiovascular workouts 3x Weekly

- Weight Bearing Activity 2x Week

Yoga and Pilates

Great Combination Of Exercise & Meditation

Resistance and Cardiovascular!

Recommendation:

3x Weekly

Pampering & Rewards

Take “alone time” when needed and relax

Do Any Activity Thats Makes You Feel Good

Body work

Hot baths

Physical Affection

Advantages:

You Live Longer

Life enthusiasm

Decreases Blood Pressure

Improves Hormone Balance

We should have physical affection at least once a day! Hugs and smiles make a world of difference in our lives.

Get some sleep?

Recommended: An average of 8 Hours of Undisturbed Sleep Nightly

There is no such thing as “Catching Up”. You Need Proper Doses Of Sleep Each Night.

So what can chiropractic do?

It directly addresses the musculoskeletal, nervous system and immune system. We unwind any accumulated stress in your body and relieve it. This helps your body function at its highest capacity.

We Find The CAUSE! We have a 98% Success Rate With The Following: