Oct 11
12
The Flight or Fight Response – Its Cause And Treatment
By Dr. Jeffrey Parham, DC
Described by American physiologist Walter Bradford Cannon in the 1920s, the ‘fight or flight’ reaction, also referred to as the ‘acute stress response’ in vertebrates refers to their stress responses in the form of specific physiological actions that can be associated with a general discharge of the sympathetic nervous system. The release of adrenaline and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands to the respiratory centers, heart, and blood vessels is triggered by the production and release of the precursor acetylcholine from the preganglionic sympathetic nerves. These hormones are primarily responsible for the constriction of blood vessels, the increase in breathing and the heart rate, the tightening of muscles, and other immediate physical reactions that constitute the general adaptation syndrome during times of real or perceived danger.
The ANS (Autonomic Nervous System), made up of the SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) and the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System), tends to remain balanced during short-term activity, while regulating all the functions of the involuntary organs of the body. The SNS puts the body into the ‘fight or flight’
over-drive of spontaneous or intuitive behaviors while the PNS triggers the healing mode of rest and repair.
Research indicates that a constant raised sympathetic tone due to an adrenal over-drive reduces the efficiency and function of the body resulting in a burnout because the muscles and the heart are exerted beyond their capacity. It causes exhaustion, brittleness, and a loss of adaptiveness that leads to a number of medical problems and disabilities like heightened and altered sensitivity towards the immediate environment.
Some of the symptoms of chronic stress induced ‘fight or flight’ include elevated heart rate, shakiness, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle tension, allergies, depression, candidiasis, fibromyalgia, CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), anxiety, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), etc. One in eight soldiers exhibit symptoms of PTSD due to the constant unpredictability and lack of control of their situation in war zones. It is extremely tough for troops to switch to a state of normalcy and restfulness due to a constant state of stress and fear.
Neither a raised high sympathetic tone nor a chronically high parasympathetic tone is healthy and both the systems need to be balanced and in the medium range to induce a suitable and healthy adaptive response leading to improved health and wellness.
Some methods proven to be effective for treatment of fight or flight include relaxation exercises, mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Exercise has shown to be helpful in reducing stress. Dietary change such as reducing sugar and caffeine intake has shown promising results in reducing stress the primary cause of chronic fight or flight.
When someone experiences chronic stress medication is not always necessary but might be helpful in the short term during acute situations. One should consult a medical doctor for advice in using medication.
Stress, physical, chemical, mental and emotional, can store in the spine, its surrounding tissues, spinal cord and nerves from an early age creating tension and increased tone within those structures. Tension of the spinal cord is thought to be one cause of the fight or flight response. Network Spinal Analysis is a wellness approach that involves the use of two healing waves that promote healing by strategies of self regulation of the tension in the spine, nerves and spinal cord. Network Spinal Analysis promotes a conscious awakening of the various interconnections between the body, mind, and emotions leading to higher awareness of the self through the process of self regulation of spinal tension. Self regulation of spinal and nerve tension helps restore balance of the Autonomic Nervous System leading to improved health, wellness, and overall life enjoyment.
To learn more about anxiety relief, fight or flight or other benefits of Network Spinal Analysis visit the website of Denver, CO Chiropractor Dr. Jeffrey Parham today. To claim your free copy of Dr. Parham’s eBook 52 Health And Lifestyle Tips you can visit the Wellness Rhythms website at www.wellnessrhythms.com
7 Years of Lower Back and Hip Pain Now Resolved! Thank you Dr. Parham!