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Frequently Asked Questions About Stress
How Can Stress Affect My Health?
Stress is associated with the "fight or flight response" and
consequent rises in the levels of stress-related hormones. Growing evidence suggests that these hormonal changes may contribute to both physical and psychological health problems. It is thought to be
a factor in various diseases, including heart disease, ulcers and other digestive disorders, psychological problems, asthma, high blood pressure, migraine, arthritis and diseases affecting the
immune system and the body's ability to fight infections.
People under significant stress are also at high risk of alcohol or
drug abuse, overeating and smoking, other potentially self-destructive behavior, depression and other mental illness.
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What Can I Do To Help Prevent and Cope With Stress?
Prevention and management of stress, like stress itself, is a very
individual matter. In general, people benefit most from the technique for which they are best suited psychologically. Some may wish to talk at length to another individual to help them
understand the root of their problem. Others may wish to seek the support of group therapy which may be valuable in providing needed social support. Two major coping techniques have been identified:
1. Refusing to accept the notion that a situation is irreversible;
2. Endurance by seeking and gaining the support of others.
There are also several teachable coping techniques designed
specifically to reduce stress:
- Relaxation training, which if practiced regularly can produce benefits well beyond the prescribed relaxation periods.
- Aerobic exercise programs, which have been found to reduce the levels of stress-related hormones as well as promoting
heart conditioning and weight control.
- Biofeedback training, a somewhat controversial technique which involves learning to control normally involuntary body
functions, such as slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and halting vascular or muscle spasms associated with certain pain syndromes.
- Social support programs, the value of which cannot be overemphasized in times of stress.
Remember, stress has many causes and serious effects. Your
doctor of chiropractic can provide you with a complete examination and specific recommendations for reducing stress and its potential health consequences in your case. Should stress-related health
conditions require evaluation by another health care specialist, your chiropractor will refer you.
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Source: International Chiropractors Association
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