Episode 8: The Physics of Stress: How Emotional Tension Wrecks Your Posture

The Physics of Stress: How Emotional Tension Wrecks Your Posture

Welcome back to Ask the Chiropractor! I am Dr. Brant Hulsebus. Previously, we discussed pediatric care and childhood stress. Today, however, we dive deeper into this topic. Specifically, we will explore the actual physics of stress. Therefore, let’s look at what literally happens inside your body when you feel overwhelmed.

Has a doctor ever told you to “just get rid of your stress”? If so, you certainly know how frustrating that advice is. Of course, we all want a stress-free life. However, it is not that simple. First, let’s break down why your body reacts to stress. Then, we will learn how to hit the reset button.

The Bear vs. Modern Life

To understand stress, we must look at the Autonomic Nervous System. Basically, this system has two main modes. The first is “Rest and Repair” (Parasympathetic). Meanwhile, the second is “Fight or Flight” (Sympathetic).

Genetically, we are wired like ancient hunter-gatherers. Consequently, our bodies are designed to walk the earth and gather food. Furthermore, we are built to avoid large predators. For example, if you see a bear, your body instantly shifts into “Fight or Flight” to keep you alive.

During this survival state, your body makes drastic changes:

• First, cholesterol spikes: Your blood needs to clot faster if you are bitten.
• Next, blood flow shifts: Blood leaves your core organs. Instead, it rushes to your limbs so you can run or fight.
• Finally, systems shut down: Your immune system and digestion completely turn off. After all, you do not need to digest lunch if you are running for your life!

Your Body Cannot Tell the Difference

Unfortunately, we are not running from bears today. Instead, we face daily emotional stress. For instance, we deal with difficult relationships, demanding jobs, and financial worries.

However, your body cannot tell the difference between stress types. Whether it is physical stress, chemical stress, or emotional stress, they all trigger the same alarm. As a result, your body reacts by locking you into a chronic state of Fight or Flight.

The Fetal Curve: Why Stress Ruins Posture

Under attack, your biological instinct protects your vital organs. Specifically, how does your body do this? Naturally, it curls into a fetal position.

Similarly, chronic emotional stress causes a milder version of this fetal curve. Therefore, your shoulders round forward and your chest tightens. Additionally, your head protrudes forward. In fact, I can often look at a patient’s posture and immediately spot high stress. Typically, their upper back is hunched and tightly locked.

Consequently, this hunched posture puts immense pressure on your spine. Furthermore, it impacts the nerves controlling your heart and lungs. Ultimately, this makes it physically impossible for your body to relax and heal.

The Vicious Cheesecake Cycle

Moreover, stress alters your biological cravings. Imagine, for example, having a terrible, stressful day. You go home and open the fridge. Inside, you see a salad and a slice of cheesecake. Biologically, you are driven to eat the cheesecake!

Since your body thinks you are in danger, it wants the fastest energy source possible. Therefore, you eat the cheesecake for immediate survival energy. Initially, you burn part of it instantly, but you store the rest as fat. Eventually, after the sugar crash, you end up slouching on the couch. Soon, you feel terrible, creating even more emotional stress. Thus, the vicious cycle repeats.

The Chiropractic “Ctrl+Alt+Del” Reset

So, how do you break this cycle? Undoubtedly, eating better and walking can help. However, your nervous system might be stuck in Fight or Flight. If so, you may need a chiropractic adjustment. In fact, organizations like the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) emphasize the importance of a balanced nervous system for overall health.

Essentially, think of an adjustment like hitting “Ctrl+Alt+Del” on a frozen computer.

First, we often adjust the top bone in your neck. This action helps reset the vagus nerve. Consequently, it signals to your body that the danger has passed. Next, we adjust the tight areas between your shoulder blades. By doing this, we open up your posture. Finally, we balance your lower back and hips. Importantly, we are not adding medications to your system. Rather, we are simply removing physical tension. Ultimately, this allows your body to self-correct and heal.

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Currently, are you stuck in a cycle of stress, poor sleep, and physical tension? If you live near Rockford, let’s reset your nervous system. First, we can adjust you at our clinic. Additionally, we can recommend great local spots like Movement Fitness or Park Street to get moving. Above all, we are here to support your total wellness.

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