How Grief Affects the Body and the Healing Process

Loss changes us.

Whether you’ve experienced the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job, a major life transition, or another painful event, grief is a natural response. Even though loss is a universal part of life, that doesn’t make it easy when it happens to you.

At Body Traxx Chiropractic in Pflugerville, we believe true healing involves caring for the whole person — not just the spine, but the nervous system, stress response, and overall well-being.

Grief Is Emotional… But It’s Physical Too

Many people think grief only affects the heart and mind, but it also impacts the body in very real ways.

Grief can contribute to:

• Muscle tension and tight shoulders
• Headaches or jaw clenching
• Poor sleep and fatigue
• Digestive issues
• Increased stress hormones
• Nervous system imbalance
• Back or neck pain flare-ups

When emotional pain is “pushed aside,” the body often carries the burden instead.

Why Grieving Matters

Grieving is not weakness — it’s part of healing.

Some people try to stay busy, numb feelings, or avoid the pain entirely. But unresolved grief often creates a “boomerang effect,” returning later as chronic stress, anxiety, or physical illness.

Healthy grief allows the body and mind to process what has happened.

The Four Tasks of Mourning

Grief counseling experts often describe Four Tasks of Mourning that help people move forward in a healthy way. These apply not only to death, but to nearly any major loss.

1. Accept That the Loss Is Real

The first step is acknowledging the truth of what happened.

Many people deny the loss, minimize it, or pretend everything is fine. But healing begins with honesty:

“This happened, and my life is changed.”

2. Allow Yourself to Feel the Pain

Pain is part of grief — emotional and physical.

Avoiding the pain through overworking, overeating, alcohol, distractions, or isolation may delay healing and create additional stress on the nervous system.

Feeling is part of releasing.

3. Adjust to Living With the Loss

Loss changes life permanently.

It’s normal to feel emptiness, confusion, or sadness as you learn to live in a new reality. Over time, healing includes slowly reconnecting with:

• Daily routines
• Supportive relationships
• Purposeful activity

4. Find a Safe Place in Your Heart for What Was Lost

Healing does not mean forgetting.

Eventually, grief becomes less consuming, and the loss finds a place in your heart where it can be remembered without controlling your life.

This is not disloyal — it is growth.

Give Yourself Time

Grief is not a quick process.

Major loss often takes a year or more to fully process. There is no deadline. Be patient with yourself and seek support when needed.

The love of trusted friends, family, counselors, and community makes a difference.

How Chiropractic Care May Help During Stressful Seasons

While Chiropractic Care does not treat grief itself, it can support the body during emotionally stressful times.

At Body Traxx Chiropractic, gentle adjustments may help:

• Reduce tension stored in the spine and muscles
• Support the nervous system’s ability to regulate stress
• Improve sleep and physical resilience
• Encourage better mobility and breathing

When the body feels calmer, the healing process can feel more manageable.

Local Resource

The Christi Center is a local resource for peer grief support.  The groups meet several times per month in Georgetown and Austin.  You can find more information online at  https://christicenter.org/ or call the center directly at 512-467-2600.  Dr. Angel Boerger has been working in/with this support group for several years.  You can ask her question directly at 512-647-8424. 

Visit Body Traxx Chiropractic in Pflugerville

If stress, grief, or life transitions are weighing heavily on your body, we are here to support you with compassionate, walk-in Chiropractic Care.

📍 Body Traxx Chiropractic
1010 Old Austin-Hutto Road
Pflugerville, TX 78660

📞 Call: 512-647-8424
🕒 Walk-ins welcome:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10–7, Saturday 10–2

You Don’t Have to Carry It All Alone

Healing takes time — and support helps.

Be Blessed

Dr. Jeffrey G Boerger