The effects of stress on the spine and how chiropractic care can help

chiropractor helping client with Neck pain

Stress is a natural part of life and can often be a catalyst for positive change. However, excessive and prolonged stress can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. One area of the body that is particularly susceptible to stress is the spine. This is why it’s essential to understand how stress affects the spine and how chiropractic care can help alleviate stress-induced spinal pain.

The “fight-or-flight” response, also known as the stress response, is a natural defence mechanism that prepares the body to respond to dangerous situations. Although this response is necessary at times, it can also be triggered by everyday stressors. This can lead to chronic activation of the body’s stress response system, causing problems to accumulate over time.

Stress can often impact our motivation and ability to move, this can result in back pain and discomfort. So watch out for insidious onset of a stiff back or aches at work. Stress can have a significant impact on posture, activity level, and breathing, leading to tension in the back muscles and reduced mobility. Stress can also cause back pain.

The Effects of Stress on the Spine

Stress can take a physical toll on the body, leading to a range of physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. These physical symptoms are often related to the spine, as the body responds to stress by tensing the muscles. Over time this accumulates and can lead to pain and discomfort.


It is well known that stress can also cause our breathing patterns to change. Simply, shallow breathing puts additional pressure on the spine and neck. As a result, the neck joints between vertebrae in the spine can become compressed, leading to inflammation, pain, and discomfort. In longstanding cases, chronic stress can lead to wear and tear and may be a factor in spinal degeneration.

A mind-body approach

In general, chiropractic care aims to find the right balance between your mind and body. A chiropractor will do this by looking at all health areas, including adjustments, therapies, exercise, diet and supplements. When it comes to chiropractic care, no stone goes unturned. Even small changes, such as incorporating omega-3 into your diet, morning walks, stretching and micro-breaks may have a positive impact on anxiety symptoms.

Lowers your blood pressure

Several studies support the idea that chiropractic care and massage therapy can reduce blood pressure by reducing stress. High blood pressure is a common symptom of anxiety and/or stress. Researchers found that blood pressure was reduced after both chiropractic sessions and massage therapy. One study even saw results after only 15 minutes of workplace massage therapy. This shows that chiropractic care can reduce anxiety and stress symptoms, and help patients with mental health issues feel more stable. 

Promotes an all-natural solution without side effects

One of the best benefits of chiropractic care is that it’s all-natural. Patients should take a proactive approach to their mental health by seeking care as needed. Being diagnosed with anxiety and depression may lead to therapy and medication. Whilst Chiropractic care and remedial massage is not front line treatment for mental health disorders, working on your body, breath work and reducing areas of pain and discomfort can help re-establish some healthy habits that can flow on to exercise and other areas to focus on such as your favourite sport, community activity or recreational pursuits (like bushwalking, swimming, gardening).

How Waterloo Chiropractic Can Help

Waterloo Chiropractic is a musculo-skeletal focused healthcare clinic. We are focused on our patient’s healthcare by providing the highest standards of Chiropractic musculo-skeletal care. 

Stress can have negative effects on the spine, leading to pain and discomfort. However, chiropractic care at Waterloo Chiropractic can help to alleviate these symptoms by realigning the spine and reducing the misalignment caused by stress. By seeking chiropractic care, you can take an active step towards reducing stress and improving the health of your spine.

Experienced chiropractors Dan, Ben, and Sue are equipped to handle a wide range of spinal conditions, from acute injuries to ongoing management of chronic pain. Their clinic offers quick solutions for minor issues and comprehensive care for more serious pains that may require collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, massage therapists, sports doctors, and orthopaedic surgeons.

In addition to treating back and joint pain, chiropractic care can also help relieve stress. Regular chiropractic adjustments, even when you’re not experiencing pain, can help improve your emotional well-being and reduce stress levels. 

Reducing stress in a natural way can greatly improve your mood, sleep, and productivity. If stress has taken over your life, a chiropractor can assist you by using various techniques. Mitigating stress can help you.

If you have a question, feel free to email or call the clinic, we can organise a call back from one of our experienced chiropractors. When it comes to your spine or joints, there is no such thing as a silly question. We are here to help!

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