Types of stress

There are three main types of stress -

Mechanical stress

• Falls
• Accidents, resulting in fractures, whiplash
• Twisting
• Strains
• Exercising incorrectly
• Incorrect lifting resulting in muscle spasms

The causes may be sudden and violent, such as a car accident, a severe fall, or lifting a heavy object incorrectly. Or, there may be a gradual accumulation of milder mechanical stress, eg. habitually sitting incorrectly or doing inappropriate exercises.

Emotional stress

• May be sudden, violent emotion - anger, fear or shock
• May be milder but ongoing forms of mental strain - anxiety, depression, resentment, financial worries, disintegrating family relationships

Emotional stress may result in a person adopting a defensive posture, like a protective armour. This 'armouring' may keep the muscles and joints in a state of constant and increasing stress, leading to distortions of the body such as hunched shoulders, aching jaw.

Chemical stress occurs through

• Consumption of food
• Contact with or inhalation of certain chemicals

The sources of chemical stress include pollutants in the air, insecticides and certain food additives and preservatives. Harmful chemicals may be consumed, inhaled, or even absorbed when contacting the skin.