Stress & the Nervous System: Understanding the Connection

Stress is a normal part of life. Whether it comes from work, family responsibilities, financial pressure, or simply the pace of modern living, our bodies are constantly responding to stressors - often without us realising it. Understanding how stress affects the nervous system can help explain why prolonged stress may influence how we feel, move, and function.

What Is Stress?

Stress is the body’s natural response to a perceived challenge or demand. When the brain senses a threat, physical or emotional, it activates the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate involuntary processes such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and muscle tension.

Short-term stress can be helpful. It can improve focus, reaction time, and alertness. However, when stress becomes chronic or ongoing, it may place sustained demands on the nervous system.

The Nervous System Explained

The autonomic nervous system has two primary branches:

• Sympathetic nervous system – often referred to as the “fight or flight” system. It prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, tightening muscles, and heightening alertness.

• Parasympathetic nervous system – commonly known as the “rest and digest” system. It supports recovery, relaxation, digestion, and tissue repair.

  
  

In an ideal scenario, the body moves fluidly between these two states. With ongoing stress, however, the nervous system may spend more time in a heightened, sympathetic-dominant state.

How Ongoing Stress May Affect the Body

Research suggests that prolonged activation of the stress response may be associated with a range of physical experiences, including:

• Increased muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back

• Changes in breathing patterns (such as shallow or upper-chest breathing)

• Altered sleep quality

• Digestive discomfort

• Heightened sensitivity to pain

• Reduced ability to relax or recover

It’s important to note that these experiences are multifactorial - stress is one of many contributing factors, alongside lifestyle, movement habits, previous injuries, and overall health.

Supporting Nervous System Regulation

While stress cannot always be eliminated, there are evidence-informed strategies that may help support nervous system regulation:

• Regular movement: Gentle, consistent movement has been shown to support overall nervous system health.

• Breathing awareness: Slow, controlled breathing may help stimulate parasympathetic activity.

• Sleep hygiene: Adequate sleep supports recovery and nervous system balance.

• Mindfulness and relaxation practices: Techniques such as meditation or body awareness exercises may assist with stress management.

• Manual healthcare approaches: Some people choose to include chiropractic care as part of a broader, individualised approach to managing stress and supporting physical function.

  
  

Chiropractic Care and Stress

Chiropractic care focuses on the assessment and management of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. From an evidence-informed perspective, care is tailored to the individual and may aim to support movement, joint function, and physical comfort.

While chiropractic care does not treat stress itself, some people report improvements in their ability to relax, move, or cope physically when care is part of a broader health approach. Outcomes vary between individuals, and care should always be personalised and collaborative.

A Balanced, Individual Approach

Managing stress and supporting nervous system health often involves a combination of strategies rather than a single solution. If stress is significantly affecting your wellbeing, it’s important to seek appropriate support from qualified healthcare professionals.

At The Well House Chiropractic, care is centred on understanding each individual’s unique presentation and supporting overall physical wellbeing within an evidence-informed, patient-focused framework.

This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.