Stressed, Tired, and Achy? Your Mind and Body Are Talking to Each Other
- Whit Voss
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Ever notice that when you're stressed or overwhelmed, your body seems to go right along with it?
Tight shoulders. A stiff neck. That nagging low back pain that just won’t quit. Or maybe your energy is down, your workouts feel off, and you're way more irritable than usual.
That’s not just “life catching up with you.” That’s your brain and body having a conversation, and it's time to start listening.
Your Mental State Changes How Your Body Feels
Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep don’t just live in your head, they show up physically. As a chiropractor, I see this every week: patients come in with headaches, tight muscles, fatigue, or pain that seems to flare up when life gets overwhelming.
And there’s science behind it.
When you're under mental stress, your body stays in a low-grade fight-or-flight state. That means:
Muscles stay tense
Inflammation rises
Digestion slows
Sleep quality drops
Pain becomes more noticeable
In fact, research published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that people dealing with high levels of psychological stress were much more likely to develop chronic muscle and joint pain - especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, and low back.
So yes, stress really can make your back hurt. And your hips. And your jaw. And no, it’s not all in your head.
But Here’s the Flip Side (and It’s Good News)
The connection works both ways. When your body starts feeling better—more mobile, less stiff, stronger, and more relaxed—your mind improves right along with it.
I’ve seen it countless times: A patient comes in for back pain. We do some muscle work, adjust the spine, clean up their movement patterns... and suddenly they’re saying things like:
“I’m sleeping better.”
“I feel more like myself again.”
“I have energy to play with my kids after work.”
“My anxiety isn’t nearly as bad.”
And again, it’s not just anecdotal. The research backs this up.
Exercise Changes the Brain—Fast
Study after study has shown that movement is one of the most powerful tools we have to boost mood:
A 2017 study in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that just one hour of movement a week could significantly lower the risk of developing depression.
A review in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies concluded that aerobic exercise works as well as medication for many people struggling with mild to moderate depression.
And let’s not forget the endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine; your brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals that get released when you move your body.
So when we say “movement is medicine,” we mean it.
You Don’t Have to Go All In—Just Start Somewhere
The hardest part is often just getting started. And if your body hurts, or your energy is low, even small steps can feel like a lot.
That’s where I come in.
In my practice, we don’t just crack a few joints and send you on your way. I spend time with my patients - at least 1 hour at your first appointment about 20 minutes one-on-one at follow-ups - to figure out:
What’s not moving well?
What’s overworking?
What’s feeding your pain or stress patterns?
And how do we build a plan to get you feeling like yourself again?
We use hands-on work, chiropractic adjustments, rehab exercises, and real-world movement strategies tailored to your life; whether that means working at a desk, chasing kids, lifting weights, or trying to sleep through the night without discomfort.
Your Body and Brain Are a Team—Let’s Treat Them That Way
Though exercise is not a be-all-end-all approach for psychological health, we know that adding in exercise and movement can benefit your overall well-being. Having pain or dicomfort can keep you from being active.
Better movement = less pain = better mood = more energy for life. It’s all connected.
Ready to feel better—mentally and physically? Book a visit at Alameda Chiropractic & Ergonomics and let’s build a plan that supports the whole you. Evidence-based, movement-focused, and personalized care that helps you gain control of how you feel from head to toe.
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