Understanding Your Body’s Stress Response: How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Switch from “Gas” to “Brake”

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves constantly running on high alert. Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and the constant ping of notifications, our nervous systems rarely get a chance to rest. At Freedom Chiropractic, we often describe this as having your foot stuck on the “gas pedal” rather than engaging the “brake.” This perpetual state of stress takes a tremendous toll on your health—but there’s hope through nervous system centered chiropractic care.

The Two States of Your Nervous System

Your autonomic nervous system operates largely outside your conscious control and has two main branches:

Sympathetic Nervous System: The “Gas Pedal”

The sympathetic nervous system activates your fight-or-flight response. When engaged, it:

• Increases heart rate and blood pressure
• Diverts blood flow away from digestion to your limbs
• Releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
• Suppresses immune function
• Tenses muscles
• Makes breathing shallow and rapid

This response is essential when facing genuine threats—it helps you respond quickly to danger. However, it’s meant to be activated briefly, then return to balance.

Parasympathetic Nervous System: The “Brake Pedal”

The parasympathetic nervous system promotes rest, digestion, and healing. When activated, it:

• Slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure
• Enhances digestion and nutrient absorption
• Supports immune function
• Promotes muscle relaxation
• Deepens breathing
• Facilitates tissue repair and growth

This is your body’s recovery mode, where healing happens and resources are conserved.

When Your Foot Gets Stuck on the Gas

In our modern environment, many people become stuck in sympathetic dominance—constant “gas pedal” mode. Your body isn’t designed to function this way long-term. Chronic stress leads to:

• Chronic pain and tension
• Digestive problems like IBS, reflux, and constipation
• Sleep disturbances
• Weakened immune function
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Increased inflammation
• Accelerated aging
• Decreased cognitive function

Even more concerning, many people become so accustomed to this heightened state that it begins to feel normal. They forget what true relaxation and balance feel like.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Activate Your “Brake Pedal”

Your spine houses and protects your spinal cord—the information superhighway connecting your brain to every organ and tissue in your body. Misalignments in the spine, called subluxations, create interference in this communication network.

At Freedom Chiropractic, our approach is fundamentally different from traditional chiropractic care that focuses primarily on pain relief. We use the Torque Release Technique (TRT), one of the most researched chiropractic methods available today, to specifically address nervous system function.

The Torque Release Technique Difference

Unlike conventional chiropractic methods that involve cracking or popping, TRT uses a specialized instrument called an integrator to deliver gentle, precise adjustments. This technique:

1. Identifies areas of nervous system stress: Through comprehensive assessment, we locate specific areas where your nervous system is experiencing interference.
2. Delivers precise adjustments: The integrator provides gentle, targeted impulses to areas of subluxation—at a speed of 1/10,000th of a second—helping to release tension and restore proper nervous system function.
3. Rebalances nervous system tone: By addressing specific neurological points, TRT helps shift your nervous system from sympathetic dominance (gas pedal) toward parasympathetic activation (brake pedal).
4. Creates sustainable change: Rather than temporarily masking symptoms, TRT helps retrain your nervous system to maintain a healthier balance between stress and recovery.

Signs Your Nervous System Is Rebalancing

As your care progresses at Freedom Chiropractic, you may notice:

• Improved sleep quality and easier time falling asleep
• Enhanced digestion and fewer digestive complaints
• Reduced muscle tension and pain
• Better stress tolerance
• Improved mental clarity and focus
• More stable mood and energy levels
• Stronger immune function
• Better recovery from physical activity

Many of our practice members report feeling “different” after just a few adjustments—often describing it as feeling more centered, grounded, or calm.

At Freedom Chiropractic, we understand that each person’s nervous system is unique. That’s why we create personalized care plans based on your specific needs and goals.

Whether you’re struggling with chronic stress, trying to recover from illness, or simply want to optimize your health, addressing your nervous system function is the foundation of true wellness!

Ready to take your foot off the gas pedal and find balance? Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation. Our team is committed to helping you heal from within and find freedom in your health journey!