Your nervous system is responsible for controlling every function in your body, from muscle movement and digestion to heart rate and stress responses. However, when the nervous system is out of balance, it can lead to a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and even anxiety.
At Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake, we help restore nervous system balance through chiropractic adjustments, which remove interference in the spine, allowing the brain and body to communicate properly. If you’re dealing with stress-related symptoms, chronic pain, or tension, understanding how nervous system imbalance affects your body can help you take the necessary steps toward recovery.
Learning About Nervous System Imbalance
The nervous system is divided into two main parts:
- The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – Often called the “fight or flight” system, the SNS activates when the body perceives danger, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
- The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) – Known as the “rest and digest” system, the PNS helps the body relax, digest food, and repair itself.
A healthy nervous system switches between these two systems as needed. However, in today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, many people experience chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leaving their body in a constant state of stress and tension.
How Nervous System Imbalance Affects Your Body
When the nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight mode, it disrupts multiple bodily functions, leading to:
1. Chronic Muscle Tension and Pain
An overactive sympathetic nervous system keeps the muscles in a constant state of tension, leading to:
- Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Increased risk of muscle strains and injuries
- Tension headaches and migraines
2. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Chronic stress overloads the nervous system, making it harder for the body to switch to relaxation mode. This can result in:
- Persistent feelings of anxiety and restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating and brain fog
- Increased cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which contribute to inflammation and weight gain
3. Digestive Issues
Since the parasympathetic nervous system controls digestion, an overactive sympathetic nervous system can lead to:
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Bloating, gas, and constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gut-related issues
4. Weakened Immune System
When the body is in a constant state of stress, it prioritizes survival over healing, making it harder for the immune system to fight infections. This can lead to:
- Frequent colds and infections
- Slower wound healing
- Increased inflammation throughout the body
5. Poor Sleep and Fatigue
A nervous system stuck in overdrive makes it difficult to relax, leading to:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Chronic fatigue, even after a full night’s rest
- Morning stiffness and lack of energy
How Chiropractic Care Helps Restore Nervous System Balance
At Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake, we help restore nervous system function by correcting misalignments in the spine that disrupt nerve communication. Chiropractic adjustments improve the connection between the brain and body, allowing the nervous system to transition more easily between stress and relaxation.
1. Spinal Adjustments to Relieve Nerve Interference
Misalignments in the spine (subluxations) put pressure on the nervous system, keeping the body in a state of stress and tension. Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine, improving nerve function and allowing the body to switch into relaxation and healing mode.
2. Muscle Relaxation to Reduce Tension
Chronic stress leads to tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back, contributing to pain and headaches. Chiropractic care includes soft tissue therapy, myofascial release, and stretching techniques to release tension and promote relaxation.
3. Improved Posture and Breathing
Poor posture—especially forward head posture from looking at screens—can keep the nervous system in a stressful state. Chiropractic adjustments and posture correction help restore natural alignment, which can improve breathing and reduce stress levels.
4. Enhanced Blood Flow and Circulation
Chiropractic care helps increase circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues. This supports the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing for better digestion, immune function, and relaxation.
Simple Ways to Support Nervous System Balance at Home
In addition to chiropractic care, you can help regulate your nervous system with these daily habits:
- Practice Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.
- Exercise Regularly: Movement helps balance stress hormones and improve overall nervous system function.
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to allow the nervous system to reset.
- Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Stimulants can keep your body in a state of alertness, making relaxation difficult.
- Spend Time in Nature: Walking outdoors or grounding (barefoot contact with the earth) can help regulate stress responses.
Get Your Nervous System Back in Balance with Chiropractic Care
If you’re dealing with chronic stress, pain, fatigue, or other nervous system-related symptoms, chiropractic care can help restore balance and promote long-term well-being. At Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake, we provide gentle, effective treatments that help your body transition from stress mode to healing mode. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced nervous system.
