Stress and Health

We hear a lot about “stress,” but when’s the last time you thought about what things trigger stress?

For most people, office work is the main cause of stress in their lives. Deadlines, bosses and working long hours can definitely cause stress. So can being handed a heavy load at work where you’re expected to do too much in too little time with too few resources. Are you unhappy in your job right now? Are you unsure about your job’s future? Do you have to deal with co-workers who are harassing you daily? Work can be a main source of stress in people’s lives.

Aside from work, there are other causes of stress. Any time you have a major change in your life and its routine, expect some stress. This can include changing jobs, changing spouses and/or moving somewhere new. Chronic illness and injury can lead to stress, as well as experiencing a traumatic event such as rape, theft or violence against you or someone close to you. Don’t forget money and all things financial– when there’s an increase in financial obligations, who doesn’t stress out thinking, “How am I going to pay for this?”

Stress involves change, fear and uncertainty, attitudes and perceptions, and having to deal with unrealistic expectations. While your mind is stressed out about being stressed, what are some physical symptoms affecting your health?

Typically, if you’re overly stressed, you’re going to have a hard time sleeping. Either you will sleep too little (insomnia) or you’ll sleep too much. Besides changes in sleeping habits, stress can also bring on muscle tension and aches, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and fatigue. In other words, you’ll feel bad, and that’s not good.

Dr. Jason Gerard and his staff can help relieve some of your stress through chiropractic care, which focuses on the spine– the root of your nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments help ease muscle tension and cause your body to “go back to normal” so you’re not experiencing nerve interference-related pain.

Make an appointment today with Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN, by calling 651-464-0800 or emailing [email protected].