CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP ANXIETY?

Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States? Or that in the U.S alone, a whopping 40 million adults suffer from anxiety? Did you also know that anxiety is a highly treatable disorder, yet only 36.9% of those suffering from it seek and receive treatment? Yup, we’re dropping some serious facts today. In fact, we’ve got one more for you: seeing a chiropractor for anxiety, and receiving treatment, may significantly help with symptoms. 

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We know what you’re thinking – how does chiropractic care have anything to do with anxiety? Oh, it has everything to do with it. Chiropractic care and anxiety go hand in hand. Or, bone in bone rather. You see, the mind and body aren’t two unrelated entities. Our minds are actually deeply connected and related to our bodies through what’s called the superhighway: our spinal cord.

By working on the muscles and assessing the physical factors of the central nervous system, chiropractic care can help improve mental symptoms. It all starts with addressing the root cause of pain. This is important because any interruption in the flow of this superhighway could have an effect on mood and mental well-being.

(To learn more about my approach to chiropractic care, click here.)

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety, by itself, is something many people experience at some point in their life. Financial troubles, job losses, moving, etc. can all be stressful situations. But tack on a global pandemic, and anxiety levels are bound to rise. I think we can all agree that the last year has been challenging. 

Anxiety is a very normal response to life’s stressful events. It’s when anxiety becomes bigger than the events and interferes with everyday events that it becomes an anxiety disorder. 

While anxiety looks different for everyone, here are some common symptoms:

• Feeling agitated
• Restlessness and inability to sleep (or stay asleep)
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension/aches
• Frequent headaches and migraines

These physical symptoms can intensify mental symptoms. You’re left with heightened anxiety that becomes more difficult to live with.
So how exactly can chiropractic help anxiety and patients who suffer from depression? Let’s take a look. 

The Mind/Body Connection & Chiropractic Care

Remember when we talked about the mind and body connection? Of course you do. It’s a two-way road, really. Our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and response to mental stimuli have a huge influence on our biological functioning. Our body’s physical well-being impacts our mental state as well. It’s a complex, interconnected relationship. Chiropractic care is unique in the fact that it tackles physical well-being to promote mental wellness.

So what does seeing a chiropractor for anxiety look like? What are the benefits?

Pro-tip: Walking can increase your well-being and help reduce physical pain.

Chiropractic Care For Anxiety Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

“Lower? My blood pressure spikes up just thinking about going to the doctor’s office!”
We get it. It can be intimidating. But ongoing chiropractic care (including physical/massage therapy) can actually decrease blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common symptom of anxiety. By lowering it through chiropractic treatment, we can also see a sudden decrease in other anxiety symptoms. If you’re someone who does well with evidence-based findings, here’s this: In a study of 21 people with anxiety and high blood pressure, chiropractic care decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements while also significantly reducing overall anxiety.

Spine Adjustments Release Happy Hormones

No, that’s not the technical term for it. But hormones such as oxytocin, neurotensin, and cortisol have a positive effect on our nervous systems. When the spine is adjusted it triggers the release of these hormones throughout the body. And that can make all the difference in helping someone feel happier. And we like happier. Starting to see how a chiropractic care for anxiety works? 

Pro-tip: Did you know you can reduce anxiety symptoms with Vitamin D?

Results Without Harmful Side Effects

Okay, this one’s what we’re most proud of. Chiropractic care is all natural. Oftentimes, patients with anxiety and depression take medications to reduce their symptoms. And we get that. But unfortunately, medications can sometimes introduce a whole new slew of symptoms, better known as side effects. These can include insomnia, loss of appetite, weight gain, fatigue, or nausea. The list can be long. Chiropractic care helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety without the added side effects. So you could potentially lose the medications for good. After consulting with your doctor, of course. 

Get Better Sleep Through Chiropractic Care

Those who suffer from anxiety know too well what a lack of sleep looks like. Chiropractic care can help get some seriously needed rest. Many patients reported getting better quality sleep immediately after their chiropractic adjustment. If you’re often dealing with fatigue and/or insomnia, seeking chiropractic care can help.

See a Chiropractor for Anxiety & Get Rid Of Muscle Tension and Pain

Seeing a chiropractor for anxiety can do so much for you. This includes relieving muscle tension and pain. Sometimes, our spinal bones get pulled out of alignment causing muscle tension. A small misalignment could lead to nagging physical pain and headaches. A chiropractor can help restore the spine to its proper alignment which, often immediately, helps muscles relax.

Finding relief from anxiety can be a long, hard journey. Seeking a chiropractor for anxiety disorders can lead to decreased symptoms in a completely natural way. Contact us today for more information!