Why Neck and Back Pain Flare Up During the Holidays
During the holidays, many people notice that neck and back pain suddenly worsen. Between travel, disrupted routines, and increased stress, the nervous system is often pushed beyond its ability to adapt. While stress is usually blamed, it often comes from three primary sources: pinched nerves, biochemical stress, and emotional stress.
Pinched nerves are a common physical stressor. Chiropractors refer to this type of spinal nerve irritation as a subluxation. When spinal joints are restricted or misaligned, nerves can become irritated, triggering a stress response throughout the body. Persistent nerve irritation can alter how the nervous system processes pain, increasing sensitivity, muscle tension, and inflammation over time (1).
Biochemical stress can also place the body in a chronic stress state. Factors such as regular alcohol consumption, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, mold exposure, yeast overgrowth, and heavy metal toxicity can disrupt brain chemistry and hormone balance. These stressors often increase cortisol and negatively affect sex hormones (2), which have receptors everywhere in the body, including the brain and gut, contributing to a sustained stress response.
Emotional stress, especially stress rooted in family relationships, is another major contributor. The holidays often bring unresolved family dynamics to the surface. Research shows that more than 20% of adults report being estranged from an immediate family member (3), and chronic family stress is linked to long-term activation of the stress response, inflammation, pain, and ongoing health problems.
Chiropractic adjustments help turn on the body’s natural healing powers, improve mood and energy levels, and help you get ready to enjoy the holidays. Adding acupuncture creates greater balance and even deeper healing by increasing chi and improving overall health.
If neck or back pain is interfering with your holidays, now is the time to take action. A simple spinal and nervous system check can help identify hidden stressors before they turn into bigger problems. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Owen to address the root cause of stress-related pain and start the new year feeling stronger, calmer, and more balanced.
Call now and start feeling better today! (786)391-3853
Research Index
(1) Woolf CJ. Pain. Nervous system sensitization and stress-related pain processing.
(2) McEwen BS. New England Journal of Medicine. Biochemical stress and allostatic load.
(3) Felitti VJ et al. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Adverse childhood experiences and long-term health.
DR. LISA OWEN
Dr. Owen has been practicing Chiropractic and functional medicine for over 20 years. She graduated from Life Chiropractic College in 1997. She is certified in Applied Clinical Kinesiology (connects the nervous system with toxins, emotions, posture, and muscle dysfunction). She is certified in Acupuncture with the International Association of Medical Acupuncturists as well as the University of Miami. She has extensive training in Neuro Emotional Technique and Functional Medicine.