Stress and anxiety are prevalent in our fast-paced modern world. If left unmanaged, they can cause significant health problems, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage stress and anxiety, and chiropractic care is one effective solution. Here are five ways chiropractic care can help relieve stress and anxiety:
- Improving Spinal Alignment
Chiropractic care is founded on the principle that the spine plays a critical role in overall health and well being. When the spine is out of alignment, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including stress and anxiety. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to realign the spine, improve nervous system function, and alleviate physical tension. A study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research found that chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce muscle tension and improve overall range of motion, which can help alleviate physical symptoms of stress and anxiety (1).
- Promoting Relaxation
Chiropractic care can also promote relaxation by reducing the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increasing the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments can lower cortisol levels and increase the production of endorphins (2). By reducing stress hormones and increasing natural painkillers, chiropractic care can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Improving Sleep Quality
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and anxiety and lead to a variety of health problems. Chiropractic care can help improve sleep quality by reducing pain and discomfort, promoting relaxation, and improving nervous system function. A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic adjustments can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances (3). By promoting relaxation and reducing physical tension, chiropractic care can help patients get better quality sleep, which can reduce stress and improve overall health.
- Enhancing Mood
Chiropractic care can enhance mood by reducing pain and discomfort, promoting relaxation, and improving nervous system function. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chiropractic adjustments can improve mood and decrease levels of anxiety (4). By reducing stress hormones and increasing natural painkillers, chiropractic care can help patients feel more relaxed and content, leading to improved mood and overall well being.
- Providing Holistic Care
Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the underlying causes of symptoms rather than just treating the symptoms themselves. This approach can help address the root causes of stress and anxiety, such as poor posture, spinal misalignments, and nervous system dysfunction. Chiropractors work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that consider the whole person, including physical, emotional, and mental factors. By providing holistic care, chiropractic treatment can help patients manage stress and anxiety and improve overall health and wellbeing.
If you’re experiencing stress and anxiety and are looking for natural ways to manage your symptoms, chiropractic care may be an effective solution. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve spinal alignment, promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, enhance mood, and provide holistic care. To learn more about how chiropractic care can help you manage stress and anxiety, contact our Norwalk, CT chiropractic practice to schedule an appointment today.
References:
- Owens EF Jr, Hoiriis KT, Burd D. Changes in cervical spinal range of motion and vertebral artery blood flow following chiropractic manipulation of the neck. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997;20(8):529-545.
- Yates RG, Lamping DL, Abram NL, Wright C. Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1988;11(6):484-488.
- Jamison JR, McEwen AP, Thomas SJ, Rogers RG. The effects of chiropractic care on individuals suffering from sleep disturbance: a case series. J Chiropr Med. 2004;3(4):158-164.
- Miller JE, Newell D, Bolton JE. Efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic: a pragmatic single-blind, randomized controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2012;35(8):600-607.