Dr. Elise Rigney

Stress isn’t just something you feel emotionally — your entire nervous system experiences it physically.

When life gets busy (work deadlines, family responsibilities, poor sleep, constant notifications), the body activates what’s known as the stress response.

This response is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates things like heart rate, muscle tension, digestion, and breathing.

According to the American Psychological Association, prolonged stress can cause muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
Source:
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress

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Why Stress Often Shows Up in the Body

When the nervous system stays in a stress response too long, the body may begin holding tension in predictable areas:

Common physical symptoms include:

• tight neck and shoulders
• tension headaches
• jaw clenching
• upper back stiffness
• fatigue
• difficulty relaxing

This is your body’s way of preparing for action — even when no physical threat exists.

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Ways to Support Your Nervous System

Small daily habits help the nervous system shift back toward balance:

• time outside
• slow breathing
• movement and stretching
• consistent sleep routines
• bodywork and chiropractic care

When the spine moves well, the nervous system communicates more effectively with the rest of the body.

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If stress has been showing up physically, our teams in Fort Collins, Golden, and Cherry Hills Village are here to help support your nervous system and overall well-being.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. If you have questions about your health, please consult a licensed medical professional.

Spring break is one of the best times of year to explore Northern Colorado with your family. The weather starts warming up, days get longer, and there are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities perfect for kids of all ages.

Here are some great family-friendly ideas for spring break around Fort Collins, Loveland, Golden, and Denver.

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Explore the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

This interactive museum is a favorite for families with younger kids and curious minds.

Kids can explore science exhibits, music installations, and hands-on learning spaces.

Website:
https://fcmod.org

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Visit the Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is open year-round and spring is a great time to visit before summer crowds arrive.

Animals tend to be more active in cooler temperatures, making it an exciting outing for children.

Website:
https://denverzoo.org

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Walk Through Old Town Fort Collins

Old Town is a great place for families to stroll, grab ice cream, and explore small shops.

Fun stops include:

• Old Town Square playground
• Kilwins ice cream
• FoCo DoCo food hall

Website:
https://www.visitftcollins.com

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Spend the Day at Fossil Creek Park

This Fort Collins park features large playgrounds, open space for picnics, and walking paths perfect for spring weather.

Website:
https://www.fcgov.com/parks/fossilcreekpark 

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Take a Scenic Drive to Estes Park

If your family enjoys mountain views, a drive up to Estes Park offers beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and plenty of places to explore.

Rocky Mountain National Park is also nearby for easy family hikes.

Website:
https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

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Why Outdoor Time Is Great for Kids’ Health

Spending time outdoors supports children’s mental health, sleep patterns, and physical development.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, outdoor play encourages movement, creativity, and stress reduction.

Source:
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/119/1/182/70183/The-Importance-of-Play-in-Promoting-Healthy 

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Spring break is a great opportunity for families to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy everything Northern Colorado has to offer.

And if your spring adventures leave you or your kids feeling a little stiff, our Impact Chiropractic teams are always here to help keep your family moving comfortably.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. If you have questions about your health, please consult a licensed medical professional.

If your body feels tighter, stiffer, or more achy than usual as winter fades, you’re not imagining it. Many Colorado residents notice increased stiffness and tension at the end of winter.

Between colder temperatures, shorter days, and less outdoor movement, the body naturally adapts to a slower seasonal rhythm — but those adaptations can leave us feeling tight and restricted when spring arrives.

Here’s why it happens and how to help your body transition smoothly into the warmer months.

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Cold Weather Changes How Your Body Moves

When temperatures drop, muscles tend to tighten and blood flow decreases slightly in the extremities as the body works to conserve heat.

This can lead to reduced flexibility and increased muscle tension.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cold weather can make muscles contract and joints feel stiffer, which is why many people experience increased discomfort during winter months.

Source:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-your-body-aches-in-cold-weather/

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Winter Often Means Less Movement

Many people naturally move less during winter due to shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures.

Less movement means:

• joints receive less lubrication
• muscles shorten and tighten
• posture habits worsen (especially sitting)

Even small decreases in activity can lead to noticeable stiffness by the end of the season.

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Your Nervous System Adapts to Stress

Winter can also bring increased stress levels — between holidays, travel, disrupted schedules, and seasonal mood changes.

The nervous system plays a key role in regulating muscle tension and movement patterns. When stress increases, the body may hold more tension in areas like the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

Harvard Health notes that chronic stress can lead to increased muscle tension and physical discomfort.

Source:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-stress-response

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Simple Ways to Help Your Body Reset for Spring

As the seasons shift, small changes can help restore mobility and comfort.

Get Outside More Often

Even short walks help increase circulation and loosen tight muscles.

Add Gentle Movement

Activities like stretching, yoga, or mobility work help joints regain their full range of motion.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration helps support healthy joint lubrication and muscle function.

Support Your Nervous System

Practices like deep breathing, walking outdoors, and relaxing activities help the body shift out of stress mode.

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How Chiropractic Care Can Help After Winter

Many people choose chiropractic care in early spring to help reset posture, mobility, and nervous system balance after the winter season.

Adjustments can help restore proper joint motion and reduce the tension patterns that build up during colder months.

When the spine moves well, the nervous system communicates more efficiently with the rest of the body — helping you feel more comfortable, energized, and ready for spring activities.

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If winter left your body feeling tight or stiff, our teams in Fort Collins, Golden, and Cherry Hills Village are here to help you move into spring feeling your best.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. If you have questions about your health, please consult a licensed medical professional.

Winter Headaches in Colorado: Neck Tension, Stress, or Something Else?

Many Coloradans experience more frequent headaches in winter. Reduced daylight, increased screen time, cold exposure, and stress can all contribute.

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Common Winter Headache Contributors

• Cervical spine stiffness
• Upper back and shoulder tension
• Jaw clenching during stress
• Dehydration in dry winter air

Studies show that dysfunction in the neck can contribute to certain headache patterns, often called cervicogenic headaches.

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Where Chiropractic Care May Help

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between spinal motion, muscle tension, and nervous system function. It may help reduce headache frequency related to mechanical or postural strain.

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At-Home Support

• Maintain screen height at eye level
• Take posture breaks every 30 minutes
• Use heat for neck tension
• Stay hydrated

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Disclaimer

Sudden, severe headaches, headaches with neurological symptoms, fever, or vision changes require immediate medical evaluation.

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Sources

• Cleveland Clinic – Tension Headaches
• Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics – Cervicogenic Headaches