I know I say it every year, but I’m SO GLAD that winter has officially ended and we are finally in spring!
It seems a good time to talk about something we might all like to put down for a while: some of the stress
we’ve been carrying.
Most people come to see a chiropractor because something hurts or isn’t moving comfortably. We
naturally talk about physical demands – work, exercise, injuries and hours spent at a desk. Today,
though, I want to talk about emotional stress.
Now, I can imagine some of you rolling your eyes. Yes, I know I can come across as a pretty stressed-out
person at times!
What interests me here is what I call baseline stress: the worries running quietly in the background while
we get on with life.
The things that are always there
World events. Politics. The constant stream of bad news.
Or perhaps it’s closer to home: dissatisfaction at work, financial pressure, a child struggling at school or a
parent whose health is declining.
We don’t necessarily think about these things every minute. We work, make dinner, see friends and
distract ourselves. But those bigger concerns can still be there.
Sometimes I wonder whether we’re carrying more than we used to, or whether we’re simply being
reminded of it more often. The 24-hour news cycle, the internet and social media certainly give us plenty
of opportunities.
Either way, there is often more going on in someone’s life than a sore neck.
“But I’m not stressed”
When I raise the possibility that stress might be contributing to someone’s discomfort, a common
response is: “No, I’m not stressed.”
It can feel as though acknowledging stress means admitting we aren’t coping.
You can be managing your responsibilities and still be under pressure. You can become accustomed to a
demanding situation without finding it easy.
Recognising stress isn’t an admission of failure. It’s useful information.
And when we’re trying to understand an ongoing problem, useful information matters.
When your body stays in “guard mode”
Stress has a purpose. In a threatening situation, your body prepares for action: your heart rate rises and your muscles tense. When the threat passes, that response usually settles.
With ongoing stress, muscles may stay tense for longer. That tension can contribute to discomfort, including stress-related headaches and pain around the neck and shoulders. The American Psychological Association explains this connection between stress and muscle tension.
I think of it as spending too much time in “guard mode” – that feeling of being braced and ready, even when you’d like to relax.
There are many possible reasons for muscle tightness and pain. Stress is one factor worth considering.
We need challenge – and recovery
When I was studying psychology in Queensland, our lecturer introduced us to the work of Hans Selye.
The idea that stayed with me was that stress is part of life.
I often think about exercise as an illustration. We place a demand on ourselves, then allow time to
recover. Constant demand without enough recovery is a different proposition.
Trying to create a life with absolutely no stress would be quite a project. Good luck with that!
A more practical question is: where can we make room to recover?
Five ways to make room for recovery
Small, manageable changes are a good place to begin.
- Take a breathing break
Pause for a few minutes and breathe gently and slowly. Keep the breath comfortable instead of forcing a
very deep breath. Give yourself permission to stop what you’re doing for a moment. - Keep moving
Try a walk or some comfortable, gentle movement. Choose something you enjoy and can fit into your
day. With spring here, there’s hopefully a little more incentive to get outside. - Break up time at your desk
Get up, change position and move around regularly. It’s also an opportunity to step away from whatever has been holding your attention. - Make time to wind down
Protect some time before bed for a quieter routine, especially if work or scrolling tends to follow you into the evening. - Talk – and take a break from the news
You don’t have to follow every update on your phone. Make some space for something enjoyable, and talk to someone you trust about what’s on your mind.
These approaches are consistent with NHS guidance on managing stress. If stress is affecting daily life or feels difficult to manage, speak with your GP or a mental health professional.
A little less to carry
The next time I ask whether stress might be contributing to your discomfort, remember what I’m trying to
understand: what demands are being placed on you, and what might help.
Sometimes we become so accustomed to carrying a load that we stop questioning how heavy it is.
Spring seems a good time to pause, get outside and make a little more room for ourselves.
Happy spring!
Having trouble with persistent neck or back discomfort?
Book an appointment at Burke Road Chiropractic Centre so we can assess your symptoms and discuss
the next steps.