Dr. Anthony J. Surrusco, DC, CCWP, CGP, discusses the 3 types of stress and the affect they have on the nervous system. 

Bio: Dr. Surrusco completed his undergraduate studies at Bloomfield College in New Jersey majoring in Pre Med. He received his Bachelor’s Degree and his Doctorate degree in Chiropractic from the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, IL. Dr. Surrusco in 2008 was awarded the designation of a Creating Wellness Professional and recognized as a Certified Gluten Practitioner after completing advance training and testing designed to enhance professional competence and the quality of health care provided to people in his community. Dr. Surrusco continues to attend conferences staying committed and informed on the best scientific information to best serve his patients.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

Happy to tell you a little bit about myself. Firstly, I have been happily married for 34 years, and we have 2 beautiful now-grown daughters. Family time is very important to us, and we enjoy traveling with our daughters and sharing life experiences. Professionally, I am a nationally board-certified state licensed chiropractic physician, with extensive advanced studies and training in the area of functional medicine. Which gives us the unique ability to bring a three-dimensional approach in helping our patients achieve their best health.

2. What role does chronic stress play in shifting the nervous system out of regulation over time?

Understanding there are 3 types of stress: physical stress, biochemical stress, and the one most thought about when thinking about stress is “life stress”. Each of these types of stress can affect the nervous system simultaneously or independently. The central nervous system is designed to function in a state of ease or what we call “coherence”. These stresses can cause a condition called vertebral subluxation causing the loss of coherence in the nervous system. Incoherence of the nervous system results in under performance and loss of efficiency.

3. How do you define nervous system dysregulation, and what are some subtle signs people often overlook?

Since the central nervous system, as I like to say, runs the show! Meaning the nervous system is responsible for the cohesive functioning of all the systems of our body. When the nervous system is in a state of incoherence any and all systems can underperform and lose efficiency. Now, regarding some subtle signs people can overlook, there are seven major signs of stress to be aware of: headaches, fatigue, sleep issues, sinus/ allergy symptoms, irritability, neck/ shoulder tension, and digestive issues.

Something else to be aware of is our body will lose 65% or greater loss of functioning before symptoms appear. This is why scanning is so important. Our insight technology allows us to identify a nervous system that may be under performing and has lost efficiency even before symptoms present. You can find more detailed information about our Core Score Assessment at our website www.clarendonchiro.com under the tab Functional Medicine then Core Score Assessment. Or you can reach out with questions to info@clarendonchiro.com.

4. How does prolonged imbalance of the nervous system contribute to chronic illness – especially inflammatory or autoimmune conditions?

Great question! Remember that the nervous system runs the show. If the nervous system is in a prolonged state of incoherence, then that will result in any cell organ or tissue also being in a long state of incoherence. Which can result in many types of health issues such as inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. This is why we feel strongly about using a three-dimensional approach to identify underlying causes of poor health. Allowing us to provide Neuro Centric Care combined with a Functional approach in helping our patients achieve their best health.

5. Can nutrient deficiencies mimic or worsen symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, or brain fog?

The short answer is yes. The more complex answer is the need to identify what is the cause of the deficiencies. Thus, the importance of functional lab testing. Deficiencies in any of the B vitamins, specifically B₆ and B₁₂, along with deficiencies in omega 3, iron or magnesium, are a few nutrients which could play a role in the symptoms mentioned above.

6. Are there certain supplements you find that play an important role in supporting nervous system balance?

Again, the short answer is yes. How we determine which supplements and dietary approaches to recommend are strictly based on functional lab testing. B- complex supplements containing niacin, riboflavin, B₁₂, B₆, thiamine, and L-5-MTHF would be helpful in supporting one’s nervous system.

7. Where can people learn more about your work and connect with you?

We can be reached via email at info@clarendonchiro.com or website www.clarendonchiro.com.