April is #stressawareness month
😩With rising costs, worsening economy and returning to new normal post pandemic everybody is #stressed .
😩Stress affects our body in countless ways.
😣I wanted to highlight the effects of stress on our muscles , bones and joints in this blog post.
😯Unfortunately since 2017 there is no new research done to highlight the effects of stress specifically on musculoskeletal system
⛔️Stress is perceived as a danger , threat or challenge by our body.
⛔️Body produces hormones/chemicals called epinephrine , cortisol , norepinephrine (technical names) leading to a cascade of reactions.
⛔️This reaction causes a fight or flight response similar to being in a car accident ,producing natural pain killers ( Beta endorphins) or cortisol ( immune suppression)
‼️Body becomes more alert, senses are heightened in preparation to react
❓So what happens to our muscles, bones and joints?
💪🏼Muscles constantly contract for fight/flight response and tense up , if this continues, they overwork and fatigue 😩
😩Chronic stressors lead to
- Pain- headaches, neck , shoulders, back etc
- Fatigue
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Sleep issues
- Mood changes
- Dietary changes
💆♀️How to cope?
👉🏼Recognise the stress and stressors
👉🏼Plan your day and take ownership of your feelings and symptoms
👉🏼Healthy eating and exercise helps with mood, fatigue and pain
👉🏼Seek support either with family/friends or get professional help
👉🏼Treat yourself
❤️You are not alone, get HELP !!
📲Contact us for relaxing acupuncture sessions for stress
#physiotherapy #physiolife #blogpost #patienteducation #patienteducationpost #acupuncture #stressrelief #stressors #muscleaches #painmanagement #headaches #musclestiffness