STRESS & YOUR HEALTH

 

SPECIAL REPORT

 

 

 

Everything You Need to Know About

 

Living a Healthier, Stress Free Lifestyle

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

Thank you for requesting the “Stress And Your Health Special Report.” The American Medical Information Society which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Shelby Glazer who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Society and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section. 

 

 

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from stress,

 

Or a stress related condition,

 

Call Dr. Glazer for an appointment at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

Don’t delay.

 

 

 

Early treatment means

 

 earlier relief and faster healing.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

Q. What is Stress?

 

 

 

A.  One definition states that Stress is an organism’s response to environmental demands or pressures.  It can also be defined as “wear and tear” that our minds and bodies experience as we attempt to cope with a continually changing environment.  One thing is for sure, everyone is unique when it comes to dealing with stressful situations.  What causes stress for one person, may not causes stress for another.  And every individual has a certain threshold as to how much stress his or her body can handle. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What are some feelings commonly associated with stress?

 

 

 

A.            Worried                   Tense

 

            Tired                               Frightened

 

            Elated                      Depressed

 

            Anxious                   Angry

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  Are there different types of stress?

 

 

 

A.  Yes.  Stress can be categorized into the following categories:

 

 

External Stress

 

·       Enviornmental – Noise, bright lights, heat, confined spaces.

 

·       Social Interaction – Rudeness, bossiness, aggressiveness, bullying

 

·       Organizational – Rules, regulations, “red tape”, deadlines

 

·       Emotional – Birth, death, lost job, promotion, marital status change

 

·       Daily Hassles – Commuting, misplaced keys, mechanical breakdowns

 

 

 

Internal Stress

 

·       Lifestyle choices – Caffeine, alcohol, medication/drug use, lack of sleep, overloaded schedule, poor diet, lack of exercise

 

·       Negative self talk – Pessimistic thinking, self criticism, over analyzing

 

·       Mind traps – Unrealistic expectations, “all or nothing” thinking, exaggeration, taking things personally, stubborn thinking

 

·       Personality traits – Perfectionists, workaholics

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  Is all stress bad?

 

 

 

A.  No.  Positive stress can cause increases in motivation and awareness.  Increases in stress will often causes increases in productivity as well, but only up to a certain point.  Situations like riding a roller coaster may create fear and anxiety in one person and prove to be highly exciting and pleasurable to the next.  Winning a baseball game or getting a promotion can also be stressful, but this too is considered positive stress.  Finally, the “Fight or Flight” response is another example of good stress.  This is the body’s way of responding to an emergency situation and is essential to our survival. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What are some symptoms of stress?

 

 

 

A.                            Physical Symptoms

 

        Sleep pattern changes                             Dizziness

 

        Fatigue                                            Fainting

 

        Digestion changes                          Sweating & trembling

 

        Loss of sexual drive                                Tingling in hands & feet

 

        Headaches                                               Breathlessness

 

        Aches and pains                                      Palpitations

 

        Infections                                                Missed heartbeats

 

        Indigestion

 

 

 

                                Mental Symptoms

 

        Lack of concentration                             Confusion

 

        Memory lapses                                       Disorientation

 

        Difficulty in making decisions               Panic attacks

 

         

 

                                Behavioral Symptoms

 

        Appetite changes                            Eating disorders

 

        Increased drugs or alcohol                     Increased smoking

 

        Restlessness                                    Fidgeting

 

        Nail biting                                               Hypochondria

 

 

 

                                Emotional Symptoms

 

Bouts of depression                                Impatience

 

Fits of rage                                      Tearfulness

 

Deteriorations of personal hygiene

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What are illnesses related to stress?

 

 

 

A.  Stress has been related to such illnesses as:

        Musculoskeletal disorders              Digestive disorders

Cardiovascular disease           Ulcers

        Immune system diseases                Skin problems - psoriasis

Diabetes                                  Headaches & Migraines

Pre-menstrual syndrome         Depression

 

 

 

 

Q.  Is it true that my neck and shoulder pain could be from stress at work?

 

 

 

A.  Yes.  Musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, tightness, muscle soreness, tension, and headaches can all be a result of stress in the workplace.  In fact, studies show that as many as 3 out of 4 workers will experience stress related tension, aches, and pains in the neck, shoulders and back at some point in their job.  Many of these stress related complaints are a direct result of poor ergonomics (fitting the worker to the job).   Hours at a time in the same position (on the phone, computer, or driving), day after day can cause serious injury to the neck, shoulders, and back over time.  If symptoms persist, getting checked by your local chiropractor is recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What can I do to reduce stress?

 

Should I do this A. in bold point format instead?

 

A.  Changing your thinking is the first step.  Having a positive mental attitude that focuses on your strengths, seeks out opportunities, and looks for the positive in all situations is half the battle. 

 

 

 

Next, focus on changing your behavior.  Being assertive and standing up for you personal rights, expressing your feelings honestly and directly without infringing on others rights is a great start.  Getting organized will also really help limit the amount of stress in your day to day activities.  Poor organization and lack of time management are the most common causes of stress.  Planning your day and setting achievable goals is the key!  Also, don’t forget to add some humor to the day.  It’s a great stress reliever, reduces muscle tension, and releases endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) into the body.

 

 

 

Changing your lifestyle is the final, and most important piece of the puzzle.  Eating healthy is a must!  Limit the amounts of refined foods, sugars, salts, saturated fats, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine (from coffee, tea, and soda).  Increase the amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that you consume.  Drink plenty of water too.  Exercise is also a must as it improves circulation, promotes healthy muscle growth, lowers blood pressure, and improves self image.  Leisure time is also an important part of stress management.  Make sure to include as much sunlight with your relaxation as possible.  Your body needs sunlight to make vitamin D.  Sleep is the final ingredient to a stress free lifestyle.  Your body needs a minimum of 6 hours per night to heal damaged cells, rid itself of waste, and release growth hormone (essential for healthy cells).

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  I need help with stress.  What are my options?

 

 

 

A.            Chiropractic                    Relaxation

 

                Counseling                      Meditation

 

                Massage                          Yoga

 

                Acupuncture                   Aromatherapy

 

                Homeopathy                   Psychotherapy

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  Is it true that Chiropractic is considered one of the most effective treatments for stress?

 

 

 

A.  Yes.  Although managing and preventing stress is always the number one goal, sometimes additional help is required.  If any of your stress related signs or symptoms persist, or you think you may have a condition caused by or related to stress, getting checked by your local Chiropractor is the first step to getting relief.  Some of the conditions such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and muscle tension can develop into serious conditions when ignored. 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  How does Chiropractic relieve stress?

 

 

 

A.  Chiropractic treatment re-aligns the spinal bones and restores normal motion to the joints of the body.  This eliminates the pains, muscle spasms, nerve pressure, and inflammation caused by stress.  When performed by a board certified Chiropractor, relief of pain and symptoms associated with stress are very common.  Most patients find they are greatly helped by a non-surgical, drug free solution to their problems. Don’t wait another minute if you or a loved one is suffering.  You’ve come to the right place for help.

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What can I expect at my first visit to the Chiropractor?

 

 

 

A.  An initial visit to our office will always begin with a warm welcome and a smile.  A thorough history will be reviewed with the Doctor to determine the patient’s chief complaints, symptomatic review, and current and past health issues.  An examination will then follow, checking range of motion, muscle and bone palpation, and any necessary orthopedic or neurological tests.  X-rays will also be taken when warranted.  Before performing any treatments, we take great pride in a explaining the x-rays findings, diagnosis, and if the condition can be helped with Chiropractic care. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

 

without the use of drugs and surgery,

 

 

 

Call Dr. Glazer for an appointment at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

 

 

 During your consultation, Dr. Glazer will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

 

 

“We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need. 

 

We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

 

Warmly,

 

Dr. Shelby Glazer 

 

 

 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision.

 

Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems.

 

The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Glazer. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Glazer in his office.