SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Individuals who are suffering from stress and anxiety may benefit from chiropractic care, says Scottsdale chiropractor Dr. Daniel P. Secrest. Chronic stress causes individuals to become locked in a "panic pattern" which leads to pain the neck, upper back, shoulders and down the arms. Dr. Secrest says that a buildup of stress hormones can also weaken the immune system and lead to chronic fatigue, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, depression and heart disease. Adjustments help release the musculoskeletal system from a state of constant tension, releasing the panic pattern and enhancing whole body health.
Scottsdale chiropractor Dr. Daniel P. Secrest is educating patients about the benefits of chiropractic care for stress management. According to Dr. Secrest, today's high-paced society leaves many individuals in a state of constant psychological stress, which can take a serious toll on the body.
"When our bodies are constantly flooded with stress hormones, we suffer from a host of health problems," said Dr. Secrest. "Worse, our bodies can become 'locked' in a physical state of panic, as we internalize stress within the muscles through trapped tension. Psychological stress can ultimately trigger serious physical discomfort and chronic pain."
When the body is under stress, it enters "fight or flight" mode. A rush of adrenaline allows individuals to run faster, hit harder and jump higher to protect themselves from a physical threat. However, this same "rush" occurs when the body confronts non-physical stressors.
"Stress can come from any variety of sources," said Dr. Secrest. "It comes from an unreasonable boss, a fight with a partner, or even a bad evening of rush hour traffic. While the body no longer needs the 'fight or flight' rush to survive, it still enters this mode. Consequently, daily stressors can quickly add up over time, causing the body to be locked into a panic pattern."
When a body is locked into a 'panic pattern' the musculoskeletal system is under constant tension. Many individuals may experience pain radiating through the neck, shoulders, upper back and down the arms.
Dr. Secrest says that chiropractic care is the most effective way to release this tension and help "unlock" the body's panic pattern.
"Small, gentle adjustments to the coccyx (tailbone) allow the spine to return to a normal posture, releasing tension," said Dr. Secrest. "Releasing the coccyx also releases the meningeal system, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. When the body is stressed, the meninges will tighten. Relieving this musculoskeletal tension in turn helps the whole body relax."
A second set of adjustments to the sternum, which can become frozen under stress, will further release tension.
Secrest Family Chiropractic provides drug-free nerve treatment and lower back pain relief through chiropractic care, massage therapy and nutrition counseling.