Ways to manage stress and anxiety symptoms.

Within the past couple of years, it has become common knowledge how stress and anxiety symptoms can wreak havoc on our bodies. If we compound a poor diet, lack of exercise and the worries of dealing with everyday stress and anxiety, we have weakened our bodies to allow fatigue, common colds, aches & pains, etc., to impede on our nervous system. Starting about 4 years ago, I began to have fatigue for no reason, shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms would appear out of nowhere and I had convinced myself that I was not stressed or possibly having anxiety attacks. I made multiple emergency room visits, convinced I was having a heart attack or had an underlying medical condition. Unwilling to hear that I was having panic attacks, I demanded in-depth tests and a complete cardiac work-up to evaluate why I was having these debilitating symptoms. Thankfully, each test I had revealed nothing abnormal, but I was left with no answers. I felt as though my only option was to find a diagnosis for my problem, but how can you diagnose a panic attack?

I was strongly opposed to the idea that these very real symptoms were the result of stress. How had I been through so many "stressful" situations in the past without having panic attacks? It only made sense to me that I would have had a panic attack then. But when my symptoms started, I felt as though my life had finally fallen into place. I was happier than ever with not a worry in the world. Albeit, my symptoms continued for 2 years before I relented to trying medication. My family physician prescribed Zoloft, which is a medication commonly used for depression and anxiety disorders. I titrated to the recommended dose for anxiety and waited for the calm to come. My panic attacks did lessen, but not without a few unwanted side effects. At this time in my life I also began to evaluate how I was taking care of myself or the lack thereof. I did some research on the internet and found a chiropractor that specialized in stress management. Not only did I incorporate chiropractic adjustments into my regimen, but my chiropractor introduced the importance of taking care of my whole being. Yes, the adjustments helped greatly with tense muscles and the ability to relax, but he informed me that I needed more. I was educated on the importance of diet and exercise and how that will positively affect my nervous system. My weight had always been under control but it wasn't due to the proper diet or exercise. I decided to start exercising for the cardiovascular benefits and to cut out unnecessary fast food. This change in diet and exercise didn't happen overnight, but I was on the right track.

After being on Zoloft for a little over a year, I decided it was time to wean myself off. I was feeling really good with very little panic attacks and I didn't see the need to continue the medication. I understand that the reason I was probably feeling so good was partially because of Zoloft, but I wanted to give it a shot without the medication. I decreased my dose slowly, week after week. Sometimes I could tell if I decreased too fast because I would have these dizzy spells and bouts of emotion that were unusual. Going off of this medication was a very tedious process that took about 3 months. I had never had depression issues before Zoloft, and I didn't after Zoloft, but it is very apparent once you are off of the medication how it had masked your emotions so successfully. I was easy to cry again at sentimental moments and a little faster to become aggravated. I was very worried what would happen once I was off of the medication. Nothing was worth my anxiety attacks coming back. I had made a lot changes in my life, besides the Zoloft, and I was willing to see my capability. My diet was successful in the fact that I consciously added more fruits and vegetables, and less fats with fast-food. Exercising became routine, and although I didn't spend hours in the gym, my cardiovascular work-out grew to 3 to 5 times per week. I continued to visit my chiropractor for routine adjustments to relieve the stress in my muscles. I didn't realize I had so much tension in my neck and midback that I feel caused a lot of my anxiety. He worked with me on stretches to loosen my muscles and keep my body physically healthy. I could tell my body was healthier just by the way I felt. Now off of the Zoloft, I still have a few panic attacks, but nothing like before. I blame the past on the fact that I wasn't leading a healthy lifestyle that was necessary to keep my body where it should be. I maintain my health now with regular chiropractic adjustments, diet and exercise. It really is that easy!

If you need help managing your stress and anxiety symptoms along with the help from your family physician, Living with Motion Chiropractic is here to HELP! Remember that you are not the only person with stress and we encourage you to look for healthy alternatives to diminish those symptoms of anxiety and improve your overall health. Contact Dr. Reineck at (513) 831-4433 or schedule an appointment online at www.livingwithmotion.com.

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