I apologize for sounding like a broken record, but it’s been
a rough couple of days. It started on Saturday night, but didn't really didn't hit its peak until early (too early) on Sunday morning. I mentioned that I had been to the
chiropractor for an adjustment on Friday, but I probably didn't mention that I
felt worse afterwards. After STIM (electrical
muscle stimulation) and the adjustment, I really had some trouble breathing. Seeing as that’s an essential activity, you
can see the concern.
Don’t know what STIM is? Essentially, it is the elicitation
of muscle contraction using electric impulses. The impulses are generated by a
device and delivered through electrodes on the skin in direct proximity to the
muscles to be stimulated mimicking the action potentials coming from the
central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract. See, the trouble with
my muscles is that they are always contracted, so contracting the muscles more
and in new (not so fun) ways can be problematic. This is what happened to me. All of the
muscles in my chest and abdomen decided to stay contracted at once, which let
me tell you is fun, fun, fun!
It started with the intercostal muscles. The intercostal
muscles are several groups of muscles that run between the ribs, and help form
and move the chest wall. The intercostal muscles are mainly involved in the
mechanical aspect of breathing. These muscles help expand and shrink the size
of the chest cavity when you breathe. Both the external and internal muscles
are innervated by the intercostal nerves, which in my case are causing the
trouble.
Next up was my diaphragm. Innervated by the phrenic nerve, the
diaphragm also functions in breathing, so you can imagine my dilemma. The fun
continues as the diaphragm participates in non-respiratory functions liking helping
to expel vomit, feces, and urine from the body and by preventing acid reflux.
What can be done to relieve these issues? Not much actually.
I guess I could have taken muscle relaxers, or some pain relievers, but
medications just don’t work for me. As
such, I choose to do a stress cleanse to relax naturally. I will share those tips with you now, so that
you can see why I was away for a while.
12. Unplug Your Tech Distractions
Detach from social media, blogs, and essentially all on-line
activity for a full 24 hours; your friends, buddies, pins, whatever can wait
one day. If the world ends, I’m sure your local news station will cover it. Also disconnect your phone except for real
person-to-person calls. You can even set
cellphone-free times where you put your phone away, or turn it completely off. This tip can be really, really hard, but it
can be totally worth the benefits.
13. Just Breathe
We all know that stress isn't just in your mind; it can take
a toll on your body too. Focus on the key parts of the body (stomach, chest or
shoulders) that are most affected by stress and adopt a relaxed breathing
pattern. This breathing pattern helps to calm your nervous system almost
immediately. Start by breathing into
your belly and inhale deeply. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat as necessary. For your chest and shoulders, you can do
roughly the same thing. Place your hands on your chest and inhale deeply. While
your chest expands, keep your stomach flat.
Next, put your arms above your sternum and as you inhale, you’ll feel
your shoulders go up and down. After a few minutes, the tension should
dissipate.
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14. Aromatherapy
Combine rosemary and lime, lavender and orange, or whatever
you like with water in a bowl or mug. Then, head to the shower or bath and
place your concoction on a shelf near your head. The aromas along with the steam
from the hot water will help you relax. Don’t have time for a nighttime shower
or bath? You can still enjoy the benefits
of aromatherapy by putting the brew on the bedside table as you’re getting
ready for bed, or put you mixture in a spray bottle to mist your sheets. Not a
DIY person? Aromatherapies can be bought in most retail stores.
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