How Stress, Back Pain, and Richmond Chiropractic Care Interact
With back pain occurrence affecting around 40% of people with 1 in 10 of those going on to have chronic pain, it’s important to consider causes of Richmond back pain. (1) One side that Johnson Chiropractic does not overlook is stress, emotional and cognitive aspects. We examine the whole ‘you’! That's our flavor of chiropractic care.
STRESS AND ITS PHYSICAL TOLL ON THE BODY
Mental stress does not just affect your mind; it comes out in the body, too. When you are stressed, your muscles naturally stiffen as part of the fight-or-flight response. If stress grows chronic, this persistent muscle tension can lead to discomfort and, in due course, persistent pain. Studies back this up. Research published by Brenner-Fliesser et al. (2) found a prominent correlation between work-related stress and higher incidence of low back pain among office workers, especially those in sedentary jobs. Excessive demands of work and social tensions were identified as significant contributors to both the severity and length of pain. Repeated or sustained stress initiates a host of physical effects consisting of muscle imbalance, spinal misalignment, inflammation. The message is clear: treating Richmond back pain necessitates addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying stressors.
B VITAMINS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
A lesser-known means in combating stress is making sure there is an adequate intake of B vitamins. These water-soluble vitamins have a critical role in keeping a healthy nervous system and brain function, which is directly linked to stress regulation. Transthyretin, a protein associated with vitamin B12, has been shown to "orchestrate stress resilience," according to a study by Stein et al. (3). This indicates that proper vitamin B levels can significantly boost how your body copes with stress. Key B vitamins for stress containment are Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) which enhances mood by changing carbs into energy, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which props up serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) production, and Vitamin B12 which is required for nerve health and red blood cell production really necessary when stressed. By managing stress, B vitamins indirectly decrease stress-related muscle tension and its poor effects on the spine. Supplementing with B vitamins may also enhance energy levels, making it easier to stay active, which is crucial for Richmond back pain relief.
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE RELIEF: START NOW!
Chiropractic care at Johnson Chiropractic does not just treat the symptom of back pain; it gets to the root. Chiropractors adopt a holistic approach to address both spinal health and contributing factors like stress by utilizing gentle spinal manipulation like Cox® Technic, stress reduction and lifestyle advice (like office set up and office chair choice), and nutritional suggestion for diet and supplementation. When it comes to working on stress-related back pain, a multi-faceted approach is your best bet. By addressing your mind, body, and nutrition simultaneously, you allow yourself the best opportunity to find more lasting relief. Incorporate B vitamins, do some stress-decreasing things like yoga and breathing, and (first!) chat with your chiropractor at Johnson Chiropractic!
CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Lee Hazen, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes how the “whole person” approach to back pain relief and integration of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management can help.
Now is the time to take control of your back pain and associated stress and boost your quality of life. Schedule your Richmond chiropractic appointment now.
