A Great Stretch for Spinal Mobility and Stress Relief!
A Stretch for Spinal Mobility and Stress Relief
As stress continues to be a problem of daily life, it is difficult to bring ourselves out of the constant “fight or flight” state. Remaining in this state is unhealthy for your body and can have a negative effect on the overall function. Practicing this stretch for 30 seconds, 3 times per day can assist your spinal mobility and assist with decreasing stress.
How Exercise Helps Reduce Stress
Stretching and exercise can assist in stimulating receptors in the nervous system that decrease the production of our stress hormones. This stretch focuses on the neck, back, and shoulders where we tend to store a lot of that built-up stress, creating tightness and tension. Exercise and stretching also release endorphins, or the “feel good” chemicals in the brain. Endorphins are our body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Any sort of movement can be useful when we spend a lot of time sitting still or stagnant. When patients are not able to make it for a regular adjustment, doing this spinal stretch will assist in spinal mobility and may assist in decreasing some of the pain that you may be feeling.
If practicing this stretch for 30 seconds, 3 times per day is too much, decrease the time or the frequency of the stretch so that it isn’t painful or uncomfortable. Any bit of movement can help!
If you have any questions, please call the office or view our Resources page for similar exercises and stretches.
Here’s To A Better Life,
Dr. Steve Puckette
