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The Unique Relationship Between Pain and Stress

Stress and pain share a deep connection. Many people who suffer from unexplained chronic pain find that the source is that they’re under a lot of pressure in their lives. Whether it’s family troubles, money problems, work issues or any other reason, the more stressed out you are, the more your body gets out of sync and the more likely you are to suffer pain.
The problem with stress-related pain is that if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be very hard to identify it. The truth is, stress can be at the root of headaches, back pain, neck pain, shoulder and muscle aches, stomach pain and all manner of problems. Discover the unique relationship between stress and pain, tips to lower your stress, and how a chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA can help manage the pain.
Stress and Pain
Stress causes our body to tense up, which can lead to the pain you experience in your neck, shoulders, back, muscles, stomach and head. It can also cause your body’s hormone responses to be off, which in turn lowers your immunity to illness. It can cause you to have sleepless nights, affect your memory and focus, and make you irritable.
It can cause overeating, fatigue, mood swings and more. Every one of these stress-related conditions can, in some way, contribute to the development and worsening of pain in the body. As you hunch, it creates unhealthy positioning in your spine, which can lead to subluxations. These in turn put stress on nerves that cause other issues. It becomes a vicious cycle from which it’s tough to escape.
Managing Pain, Managing Stress
The first step in managing your pain in these cases is to manage your stress. That means first admitting that you’re stressed out and that you’re not coping well. Only you can fix you, by eliminating the conditions that are causing you discomfort. After this realization, look towards activities that can help you burn off some of the stress you feel.
Go to the gym. Take a martial arts, yoga or self-defense class. Go for a walk or a run. You should be getting at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, at least three times a week, anyway. Don’t tell yourself that you don’t have the time, and don’t let it become another stressor. Just make the time and do it!
Don’t ever be afraid to take time away. Whether it’s a vacation, a long weekend, or just a few hours a week in a room by yourself pursuing a hobby, you’re entitled to some “you” time, even if you have a family to take care of. In fact, it’ll be better for them as well!
Visit Your Chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA
When your stress causes physical issues, a visit to your chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA, can be a perfect addition to your health and wellness routine. Not only can Dr. C. at ACT Wellness adjust the subluxations in your spine that can be making your pain worse, we can give you advice on nutrition, healthy living and stress management.
If you’re in need of health and wellness counseling and chiropractic services, we’ve been the best in the region for nearing a decade. Give us a call for a consultation today.
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