Acute and chronic pain in our body often results from our
responses to real or perceived dangers.
Our nervous
system is programmed to protect our survival. Often, long after the event we are still tense, waiting for
something to happen.
Defense
physiology
(also know as the stress response) is a term used to refer to the symphony of physiologic
changes that occur in our bodies in response to a real or perceived stress or
threat. This is known as the fight
or flight reaction.
Our muscles, bones, joints and fascia are ready to protect us
at all times. We are born with protective
movement patterns that are ready at a moments notice. If we do not release
these responses they can easily turn into the deep-seated tension that turns
into chronic pain.
Potential outcomes of
ongoing and unrelenting tension in our bodies includes:
- Acute and chronic Pain
- Trigger Points
- Misalignment
of the spine
- Fibromyalgia
- Limited
range of motion
- Nerve
entrapments
- Degeneration
of disks
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Arthritis
- Poor Digestion
- Impaired immune system
- Premature aging
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When the body executes the fight-or-flight reaction, the nervous system
initiates, coordinates and directs specific physiological changes that prepare the body to
deal with the threat. There is also a “freeze response” that
can be initiated by extreme challenges to survival that can create trauma. (See our page
on “Trauma”)
For modern humans, a physical event such
as an accident, injury or trauma or dangerous chemical or a biological agent
may be experienced as a threat to our survival.
Modern life is full of choices and challenges that can threatens our sense of continued survival or well-being. Anything that is perceived as stressful can
engage our physiological defenses.
Chronic tension in our body continues when we are stuck in
survival. Muscles can remain in a contracted state always prepared for action.
Our response to real dangers is appropriate. However, once the danger is
gone and the threat is over, the body should return to a state of balance and
move into a state of harmony.
If these
stressful events remain unresolved, we may live in a constant state of chronic
tension, fear, anger, resentment, etc., putting great stress on organs and
affecting our mental/emotional state.
If they are resolved you may experience amazing benefits.
