Dr. Chris and Dr. Emily of Optimal Chiropractic are no strangers to stress and fatigue. There are many things involved in being a small business owner that cause stress levels to increase, and sleep and physical activity to decrease. The doctors share a few common facts about chronic fatigue syndrome in order to help people recognize the disorder and seek out proper care.From time to time, nearly everyone struggles from being overworked, tired, or unmotivated. Fatigue can be a very normal response to physical activity, certain stressors, or lack of sleep. Chronic fatigue is a condition typically characterized by a debilitating feeling of fatigue for at least 6 months.People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome generally operate at a significantly lower level of activity when compared prior to their illness. Chronic fatigue differs from fatigue when it cannot be relieved by sleep, proper nutrition, or low stress environment.The specific cause of chronic fatigue varies from person to person. Women between the ages of 25-55 are the most susceptible to chronic fatigue syndrome. There may be links to stress, the immune system, toxins, the central nervous system, or even a virus. It may be caused by lifestyle, psychological, or medical conditions including the following:• Alcohol use/abuse• Depression or grief• Sleep disorders• Iron deficiency (with or without anemia)• Thyroid issues• Anorexia• Cancer• Diabetes• Medications (sedatives or antidepressants)Symptoms vary in each person. Many of which are unexplained and have lasted at least 6 months. Some of these include muscle aches and joint pain without inflammation. Headaches or difficulty concentrating are common, as well as forgetfulness and memory troubles. Many people experience irritability, anxiety, insomnia or other sleeping troubles, and even disturbances in vision. Allergies and food sensitivity are also common.For cases of chronic fatigue, patient history can be one of the most important factors in determining whether or not a patient is suffering from the condition. Treatment options will include increasing physical activity, stretching, massage, chiropractic care, and yoga may also help to balance daily activities. Stress is a common in many who experience chronic fatigue. Try finding a new hobby or outdoor activity to increase activity levels and eliminate fatigue and stress in your life.
Cortisol and Stress
Many people have different reactions to things or events which are causing them stress. Stress can have a variety of negative effects on the body, depending on the mechanisms we each use to cope with that stress. One of these stress responses can include increased hunger and weight gain.Often times, stress will initially cause a decrease or loss of appetite depending on the cause of stress. Chronic stress, however, can be linked to an increase in appetite and weight gain if the stress continues. Hormones released by the body are to blame for this response. Adrenalin is a hormone released when we are in the “fight or flight” mode, which is the body’s natural survival mode. While adrenaline is designed to decrease appetite initially, the effects generally don’t last long.Also released during times of stress, is cortisol. Part of the job of cortisol is to bring the body back to normal after stress has passed during the “rest and digest” phase. In smaller doses, it can have a positive effect on things like memory, immunity, and pain sensitivity. During times of stress, cortisol is meant to increase blood sugar to be used by the brain and tissues. After a threat has passed, these increased hormone levels return to normal. However, in a constant heightened state of stress, the body is not allowed to return to normal and become balanced. Studies have shown that people who maintain a higher cortisol level tend to eat more food, especially those higher in carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain.Causes of stress in today’s world are quite different from our ancestors. We are no longer running or fighting for our lives, but instead worrying about work, school, and relationships. We are constantly bombarded with stressors that keep our bodies from relaxing and restoring the balance. Other negative side effects of high cortisol can include impaired cognition, blood sugar imbalances, decrease in bone density and muscle tissue, and elevated blood pressure.There are many stress management techniques which can be utilized to help restore balance to the body. Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are a few relaxing activities which aid the body in maintaining healthy levels of cortisol. Regular exercise and other lifestyle choices also help to lower stress and even reduce future stress. People are wired differently to react to things in life in different ways. For some, maintaining a low stress lifestyle is easy, and others are constantly on edge. At Optimal Chiropractic, we teach patients simple and effective stretches and breathing exercises to help reduce stress and improve posture. Give our office a call to see how we can help you manage your stress and live a more active and healthy lifestyle, (208) 777-4305.
Coping with Stress
Do you know where you currently hold or carry your stress?It’s no secret that many Americans are chronically stressed. Polls have shown that 1 in every 4 Americans are dealing with chronic stress in one way or another. It is estimated that 90% of disease is caused or complicated by stress. Stressors can cause a breakdown in the body’s communication and overuse of the system.There are many different types of stress we deal with on a daily basis, which can be broken down into physical, chemical, or emotional stress. Physical stressors are often thought of as an injury or sickness of some kind. Chemical stress can be caused by poor diet or lifestyle choices such as drinking or drugs. Emotional stress can often be the worst, it may include things such as relationship difficulties, family, or major life changes.So what does that mean for health? The body has built in mechanisms to properly deal with every day stressors and keep the body balanced. However, with today’s fast paced society, our bodies rarely have the opportunity to combat the stress before more is added on. This creates a confusing environment for the brain and nervous system, which are designed to communicate and respond to stress. The system may become unstable, and gets stuck in the “fight or flight” survival mode.When we are trapped in constant survival mode, our ability to heal, grow, and flourish are greatly reduced. Since our bodies aren’t designed to deal with all the negative input, the system starts to run inefficiently. Fatigue, illness, chronic pain, digestive problems, and insomnia are all potential signs of an over stressed system.We can re-establish the balance and neutralize stress with lifestyle changes. Proper diet and nutrition, as well as some form of regular exercise program can have a significant effect on bringing the body back to normal. Chiropractic care helps to stabilize brain and nervous system function, which helps restore balance to the system to help reduce stress. If chiropractic could help you, would you want to know? If you are located in the North Idaho or Post Falls area, give our office a call at (208) 777-4305.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Do you ever feel like you have the winter blues, lack of energy, or even depressed with changes in the weather? You may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, or “SAD”. It is a type of depression which is related to the changes in seasons. It is generally a recurring cycle which begins and ends around the same time each year.SAD most commonly affects people in the late fall or winter months, it is less common during the spring or summertime. Symptoms of SAD may be similar to those of depression, including:• Decreased energy or losing interest in activities• Trouble sleeping• Weight or appetite changes• Difficulty concentrating• Feeling fatigued or agitatedSince the days are cold and shorter during the winter months, much of our daylight hours are spent at work or in school. This can cause a change in our biological clock (circadian rhythm). Many people have difficulty oversleeping in the mornings, and have low energy to continue activities in the evenings after dark. It is not uncommon to develop cravings for comfort foods as well, especially those high in carbohydrates.Summertime SAD can have symptoms quite different, and often opposite of those associated with winter SAD. Depression is still one of the main symptoms, however, many people experience trouble sleeping or insomnia, weight loss, poor appetite, and agitation or anxiety. Many are able to recover their energy and increase activity when the days become longer.Causes of SAD are unknown, for the most part. Neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, have an effect on mood and may play a role in SAD. This is also a very common contributor to depression as well. A drop in melatonin can cause changes in sleep patterns and mood, and as such may be a possible cause of SAD.There are some things to do at home which may help symptoms. Making the work or school environment brighter, or by sitting closer to the windows can provide a better space. Doing outdoor activities in the morning within 2 hours of starting your day is an ideal time to be outside. Regular exercise will help to relieve stress and anxiety, both of which may exacerbate SAD symptoms. Supplementing the diet with Omega-3 fatty acid, melatonin, and St. John’s wort may also be beneficial.At Optimal Chiropractic, Dr. Chris and Dr. Emily encourage their patients to stay active, especially during the winter months. Find an outdoor sport or activity you enjoy during the winter time to stay active and keep your spirits up. Give our office a call at (208) 777-4305 if you are in North Idaho, or the Post Falls area and are interested in seeing how chiropractic care can benefit your life.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress can trigger many conditions which can be harmful to one’s health. Anxiety is a normal human emotion which many people may experience at one point or another. There are many different forms of anxiety with varying intensities. A generalized anxiety disorder often involves stress or concern about everyday life events such as work problems, school exams, or making important decisions.Dr. Emily and Dr. Chris from Optimal Chiropractic in Post Falls have treated many patients dealing with stress and anxiety. Below are a few details about anxiety and tips to help treat it.Generalized anxiety can not only cause emotional symptoms, but physical as well. We often notice people who are anxious to be irritable or on edge, they may have an unrealistic view of an issue they are facing, or just be excessively concerned. Anxiety may cause muscle tension and headaches, sweating, nausea, and fatigue. An anxious person may also have difficulty concentrating on a task, and even have difficulty sleeping, especially when they cannot stop thinking about a situation.Anxiety can have many different causes, and has a different effect on people depending on their response to a situation. Some are able to remain calm in more stressful situations than others. Brain chemistry, family history, and environmental stressors may also be a contributor to the reaction many have to stress. If anxiety is caused by a specific event, the feelings generally go away once the event has passed.The feelings of anxiety can build and become worse, especially when more stressful life events occur at the same time. For example, the loss of a job may cause family and financial stress which can become more difficult to handle.It is important to remember that there are things you can do which can prevent or help control symptoms of anxiety. Here are a few examples:• Reduce the amount of caffeine and sugar consumed in the diet• Exercise and eat a balanced diet• Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing• Seek counseling, or talk with a friend or family member• Herbal remedies or come over-the-counter medications may be available (be careful, as some may actually increase anxious feelings)Along with lifestyle changes, regular chiropractic care can help reduce to muscle tension and stress brought on by anxious feelings. The doctors at Optimal Chiropractic utilize a variety of techniques to address not only the spine, but muscles and soft tissues all over the body. If you are located in North Idaho or the Post Falls area, give our office a call to see how chiropractic can help you manage your stress and anxiety symptoms.