Stress: How it manifests as muscle pain in our body

Muscle pain and the symptom of stiff joints, beyond obvious physical fatigue, also hide deeper causes directly related to processes in our nervous system due to intense stress.

The endocannabinoid system

The interview with Professor of Chiropractic Dr. Andree Kerklaan in Goop introduced us to a "control center" in our body known as the "endocannabinoid system". This system has two receptors, CB1 and CB2, which are found throughout the body but primarily in the spinal cord, brain, and our peripheral nervous system, respectively. [caption id="attachment_4247" align="alignleft" width="222"] Dr. Andree Kerklaan[/caption]

The reason it is particularly important is that it is involved in regulating many basic body functions, including immune function, mood, metabolism, nerve development, and pain.

This system also acts in response to diseases, primarily functioning as a homeostatic regulation for our body against external threats. Illness in our body, therefore, manifests when this homeostasis fails to function normally.

For the Professor, it is easier to imagine it as a "complex communication network" in our body that plays a significant role in maintaining our health. As our body fundamentally operates like a machine with its muscles, bones, and joints, we must understand how it reacts to or succumbs to factors, stress, and the strain imposed on it by modern life's pace. Kerklaan explains that [quote] our bodies are programmed to respond to things very quickly, but for short periods, the so-called fight or flight reaction [/quote].   [big]In our time, we do things really slowly for longer periods. Our muscles are forced to act slowly, move less, and do it for a long time. When we do something we are not designed to do, we can face problems. [/big] From this perspective, therefore, the Professor understood that "a patient's physical symptom and discomfort may not just be the simple result of bending over to pick something up." There may be other things happening in their life at that moment that are related to a more "holistic approach." Exercise, proper nutrition, and sleep are our weapons against threats to the body. But even more important is stress relief. We need to go out, have fun, and fill our daily lives with positive stimuli and "happy intensity" to balance the pressure and demands we face in our lives. [big]Stress is more like a lever that triggers automated physical reactions. Each time, the reason our body goes into an alert state may become more and more insignificant, but the reactions within our body can grow in impact. Our response to anxiety and stress grows in extent, such as the appearance of tachycardia and increased blood pressure, and "it is an adaptation of the body in the wrong direction" [/big].

Stress relief

Kerklaan emphasizes that this finding implies our effort to find ways to deactivate these programmed responses of our body to the negative conditions around us and to discover ways to release what creates pressure for us. All of us have muscles that respond in a predetermined way to certain things. For example, we might be sitting in a tense and incorrect way. This leads to a consolidation, a repetitive response to stress in this way, thus leading to a physical symptom, like a "complaint" from our body. Normalizing stress in our lives has many implications. One of them, chiropractic, "manipulates" our body to relax and produce more anandamide, a substance produced by the endocannabinoid system, creating a feeling of prolonged euphoria and helping to reduce neuropathic pain in our body. [caption id="attachment_4253" align="aligncenter" width="291"] image credits: unsplash.com[/caption]   Just as we produce endorphins when we exercise and feel stronger and more optimistic! Releasing and relieving stress is very important so as not to trap our body, creating a toxic environment. The gentlest way to integrate a sense of balance into our lives is, of course, walking. A leisurely stroll "travels" our thoughts and feelings, relieves the burden of stress, and also helps the proper "journey" of blood in our body! [caption id="attachment_4526" align="aligncenter" width="378"] image credits: unsplash.com[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4297" align="aligncenter" width="286"] image credits: unsplash.com[/caption]   It is said that the average person walks about 5 times around the Earth in their lifetime! In this endless wandering for images, experiences, and a beautiful and balanced life, we can put a small aid on our... feet, which literally and figuratively support the weight and pressure of our body.

Anatomical silicone insoles

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