Stress

Stress Q&A

​​​​​​​What is stress?

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension and anxiety. When we experience high levels of stress, Cortisol (our stress hormone) is elevated in the adrenal glands. High cortisol levels can cause pain, osteoporosis muscle weakness, rapid weight gain, depression, high blood pressure or other unpleasant symptoms that diminish your overall quality of life. While everyone experiences stress from time to time, ongoing stress can lead to health problems. Dr. Gailes offers a variety of stress treatments to give you the relief you deserve.

What are the physical symptoms of stress?

Chronic stress can completely change the way the nervous system functions and cause increased pain perception in the brain. Even minor pains may feel intense when you experience chronic, ongoing stress. Chronic stress can also affect hormone levels. This challenges the bosy and makes it difficult for self repair. It also causes increased inflammation and pain. Common symptoms associated with chronic stress include:

• Headaches (Tension Headache)
• Migraine
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Overeating
• Muscle tension
• Ongoing pain
• Restlessness
• Angry outbursts
• Drug of alcohol misuse
• Fatigue
• Feeling burnt out
• Lack of motivation
• Tobacco use
• Changes in sex drive
• Irritability
• Social withdrawal
• Stomach upset ( IBS , Constipation)

Untreated stress and elevated cortisol levels can increase your risk of health issues like heart disease, weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

What are common risk factors for stress?

Common causes and risk factors that can contribute to stress include:

• Overly busy schedules
• Job-related stress
• Financial Stress
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Family, marriage, or relationship problems
• Chronic or debilitating diseases
• Illnesses
• Traumatic life events
• Anxiety disorders
• Genetic factors

Surprisingly, many Americans become unknowingly addicted to stress with the busy lifestyles we may feel forced to live today. Although this can be productive, constant stress can bring wear and tear to the body. If you experience severe stress that doesn’t go away or causes physical aches and pains, see Dr. Gailes for an evaluation.

What are common treatments for stress-related pain?

Once Dr. Gailes completes an evaluation of your stress-related pain and/or symptoms, she will perform a physical examination to pinpoint the precise areas in the body experiencing discomfort and pain and the root cause. Common treatments for stress and discomfort associated with it include:

Chiropractic adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments with Dr. Gailes relieve pressure and pinched nerves caused by stress and muscle tension, thereby reducing pain. She uses several techniques including but not limited to spinal manipulation and spinal decompression.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat trigger points and pain caused by stress and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Lifestyle changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes at home can reduce stress. Eat nutritious foods, maintain a healthy body weight, get regular exercise, and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or tai chi. Spend quality time with family and friends. Avoid smoking, too much caffeine, and drinking alcohol in excess.

Massage therapy

Dr. Gailes offers massage therapy to relieve muscle tension, headache pain, and other types of aches and pains linked with stress.

Begin with chiropractic care today

To learn more about stress-reduction treatments available at Indian Harbor Chiropractic, call the office or book an appointment online today.
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