When Stress Shows Up in the Body

Most people think of stress as feeling mentally maxed out—emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or just barely keeping it together. But according to Dr. Ryan, stress is a multi-layered issue. “Stress comes in three forms—physical, mental/emotional, and chemical,” he explains. That means your symptoms may stem from far more than an old injury or long hours at your desk.

Physical stress is easy to spot, like a fall or a car accident. But mental and emotional stress can be just as damaging to the spine. Maybe you’re just in the car, sitting in Boston traffic, and you’re running late for an appointment.

“What happens? Your shoulders start coming up. Your hands start gripping the steering wheel tighter. You start thinking a little bit more; your shoulders become earrings. That can cause the muscles to get tight and pull on the bones or vertebra, and that could pinch a nerve, causing symptoms either immediately or in the future,” says Dr. Ryan.

That nerve pressure can lead to headaches, migraines, tension, or back pain.

Dr. Ryan points out that even everyday triggers—like traffic, work deadlines, or family demands—can create chronic tension that the body stores. Those symptoms prevent us from enjoying life and doing the things we want to do; they also impact how well we achieve our goals.

Chemical Chaos and Nervous System Disruption

A Real-Life Reset in Progress

Dr. Ryan recently began working with a patient dealing with body aches, fatigue, and uncertainty about whether menopause or something else was to blame. Instead of jumping to conclusions, he explored the stressors in her life—caring for her aging mother, managing work, and juggling family demands.

He suggested small, meaningful changes like quiet, screen-free meditation and visualizing activities that bring joy. “Think about the things that make you happy… picture yourself doing the things that you want to be able to do,” he encouraged. Her care plan also includes regular spinal checks to reduce nerve interference and support her body’s healing process.