Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects about 30% of the adult population. As people look for ways to alleviate their symptoms, various treatments are being explored. One such treatment is chiropractic care, a form of alternative medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. In this blog post, we will discuss whether chiropractic care can help with anxiety, what the research says, and what to consider when choosing this approach to managing anxiety.
The Connection Between Chiropractic Care and Anxiety
The human body is a complex system of interconnected parts, and it’s not uncommon for physical discomfort to contribute to emotional distress. Chiropractic care is primarily concerned with the spine, which houses the spinal cord – a crucial part of the nervous system. The nervous system, including the brain, is responsible for managing stress and anxiety. As a result, a misaligned spine can potentially lead to issues in the nervous system and, in turn, exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Chiropractic care, particularly spinal manipulations or adjustments, aims to correct misalignment in the spine and restore the proper functioning of the nervous system. By doing so, it can provide several potential benefits for individuals suffering from anxiety:
- Improved Nervous System Function
Proper alignment of the spine can ensure the optimal functioning of the nervous system, allowing the body to better manage stress and anxiety.
- Stress Reduction
Spinal adjustments have been known to trigger the release of feel-good hormones, such as endorphins, which can help to reduce stress levels and contribute to a more relaxed state.
- Muscle Tension Relief
Chiropractic care can help alleviate muscle tension, which is often associated with anxiety. This relief may lead to a decrease in anxiety-related symptoms.
- Sleep Improvement
Many individuals with anxiety have trouble sleeping. Chiropractic care can potentially improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation through less tension and pain.
What the Research Says
While there are many anecdotal reports of individuals experiencing reduced anxiety following chiropractic care, the scientific body of evidence supporting this claim is limited. One randomized, controlled trial back in 1988 noted a significant improvement in stated anxiety after chiropractic care, but the study only involved 21 subjects in total. Other studies have shown improvement in overall mental health scores after chiropractic care as well, but they do not focus on anxiety specifically. More extensive research is needed to find out just how anxiety and chiropractic care are connected.
Chiropractic Care in Wesley Chapel
If you are considering trying chiropractic care for anxiety, and you live in Wesley Chapel, contact Florida Injury & Wellness Center at 813-973-4747 or book an appointment online. We can help you start experiencing all the amazing benefits of chiropractic care, including reduced feelings of anxiety. Combined with our other complementary health services, like massage therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy, we’ll have you feeling better from head to toe in no time!
