How Stress, Back Pain, and Oxford Chiropractic Care Interact
With back pain incidence bothering around 40% of people with 10% of those going on to have chronic pain, it’s important to consider causes of Oxford back pain. (1) One consideration that Satterwhite Chiropractic does not overlook is stress, emotional and cognitive aspects. We look at the whole ‘you’! That's our flavor of chiropractic care.
STRESS AND ITS PHYSICAL TOLL ON THE BODY
Mental stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it manifests in the body, too. When you’re stressed, your muscles naturally tighten as part of the fight-or-flight response. If stress becomes chronic, this persistent muscle tension can lead to discomfort and, eventually, persistent pain. Studies support this. Research published by Brenner-Fliesser et al. (2) found a notable correlation between work-related stress and higher incidence of low back pain among office workers, particularly those in sedentary roles. Excessive demands of work and social tensions were recognized as significant contributors to both the severity and length of pain. Repeated or prolonged stress initiates a cascade of physical effects including muscle imbalance, spinal misalignment, inflammation. The message is evident: treating Oxford back pain requires attending to not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying stressors.
B VITAMINS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
A lesser-known tool in fighting stress is making sure there is an adequate intake of B vitamins. These water-soluble vitamins have a vital role in supporting a healthy nervous system and brain function, which is directly tied to stress regulation. Transthyretin, a protein related to vitamin B12, has been shown to "orchestrate stress resilience," according to a study by Stein et al. (3). This suggests that proper vitamin B levels can significantly improve how your body deals with stress. Key B vitamins for stress containment are Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) which boosts mood by changing carbs into energy, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which supports 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 reduce stress-related muscle tension and its poor effects on the spine. Supplementing with B vitamins may also enhance energy levels, making it simpler to stay active, which is crucial for Oxford back pain relief.
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE RELIEF: START NOW!
Chiropractic care at Satterwhite 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 using gentle spinal manipulation like Cox® Technic, stress reduction and lifestyle advice (like office set up and office chair choice), and nutritional ideas for diet and supplementation. When it comes to working on stress-related back pain, a multi-faceted approach is a good option. By addressing your mind, body, and nutrition simultaneously, you allow yourself the best chance to find more lasting relief. Incorporate B vitamins, do some stress-decreasing things like yoga and breathing, and (first!) talk with your chiropractor at Satterwhite Chiropractic!
CONTACT Satterwhite Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Lee Hazen, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates how the “whole person” approach to back pain relief and incorporation of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management can be of benefit.
Now is the time to take charge of your back pain and related stress and boost your quality of life. Make your Oxford chiropractic appointment soon.
