Becoming anxious and having feelings of anxiety is a natural defense mechanism of the body designed to alarm us of a potential threat in a complex or challenging situation. However, challenging problems may arise frequently and in varying forms in modern society. Challenges such as work stress, environmental stress, emotional stress, overstimulation, and more can lead to experiencing anxiety symptoms. When the body is frequently bombarded with stress without adequate reprieve, it may lead the body to become “stuck” in “fight or flight” mode. If symptoms from anxiety are interfering with your life or becoming distressful, seeking the help of a professional, such as a doctor, therapist, and/or chiropractor may be warranted.
How Can Chiropractic Help Anxiety?
Mental health awareness is becoming increasingly important as we have found that focusing on mental health drastically improves our quality of life and positively correlates to improved physical health. While mental health may have previously held a negative perception, the APA (American Psychological Association) claims that today the public has a more positive view of mental health disorders and treatment. Anxiety is a common mental health issue that millions of people worldwide struggle with. If you are struggling with anxiety, call Atlas Total Health Chiropractic today or contact us online to see what we may be able to do to help you. Below we detail some of the ways in which chiropractic treatment can help ease suffering related to anxiety disorders.
Chiropractor Treating Anxiety
While the benefits of chiropractic treatment have been convincing for many patients, it will be beneficial for your chiropractic doctor to understand what type of anxiety you have and where it may be coming from. Anxiety can present itself in many forms and with many symptoms. Examples of various types of anxiety conditions include generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and more. Anxiety can be situational such as in periods of high stress or may be a life-long issue.
What are the Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety may manifest itself in varying ways. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Difficulty staying still
- Having cold, sweaty hands or feet
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Feeling an overwhelming feeling of fear or dread
- Inability to sleep
- High blood pressure
- Chest pains
- Difficulty breathing
Anxiety disorder is not something anyone should easily dismiss, though it is a prevalent ailment. Chiropractic treatment is proving its capability to relieve those suffering from this condition. It is never too late to seek help and make chiropractic care a part of your treatment plan.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Mental Health Improvements
Chiropractic treatment increases blood flow to your brain, which may improve your mental health by aiding in the reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms. Chiropractic treatment can release neurotrophins which can help reduce inflammation, and calm blood flow, thereby improving mood. Chiropractic adjustments can allow our nervous system to return to optimal functioning, allowing us to adjust better to life’s stressors. Spinal misalignment can create blockages that interfere with blood flow, which may induce feelings of brain fog. While conversely, chiropractic adjustments can lead to clearer thinking and relief of tension and pain, leading to improved mood and adaptability.
Physical Health Improvements
Improvements in physical health are positively correlated to improvements in mental health, and likewise, mental health is linked to physical health. For example, mental health issues such as anxiety can lead to physical manifestations and pain such as headaches, chest pains, blood pressure spikes, and more. Therefore, it has been found that improvements to the physical body through spinal manipulation and other chiropractic treatments can positively affect an individual’s mental health by reducing blood pressure, relieving tension, and releasing feel-good hormones.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic treatment is a holistic method of healing the body and mind. Spinal realignment will lead to optimal body functioning, which can lead to a reduction of anxiety and pain. Many patients may feel relief before leaving the office with natural, noninvasive spinal realignments.
Anxiety Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractic treatment for anxiety has been shown to provide patients with the following results:
Improved Sleep
Less muscle tension and relaxed joints can lead to a better sleep cycle, which can tremendously in overcoming anxiety and related symptoms. Improved sleep improves mood, concentration, and focus. Regular treatment can lead to a better-balanced body, improved sleep, and better mood, which all can help combat the negative symptoms associated with anxiety.
No Adverse Side Effects
Unlike anxiety medications, chiropractic treatment has no adverse side effects. Chiropractic treatment does not involve the use of pharmaceutical medications but utilizes the body’s natural healing ability to heal itself by adjusting the spine and joints. While anxiety medications may cause lethargy, weight gain, and other unwanted symptoms, chiropractic treatment has no adverse side effects.
Feel-Good Hormones
Undeniably, chiropractic treatment for anxiety can bring feelings of happiness. This is because chiropractic treatment can stimulate oxytocin, neurotensin, and cortisol, all of which are hormones responsible for the regulation of stress.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Stress and anxiety are positively correlated to higher blood pressure rates. Conversely, when blood pressure is normal, we feel more relaxed and prepared to handle more challenges. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to lower blood pressure while also releasing muscle tension.
Holistic, Natural Treatment
Unlike other approaches, chiropractic care doesn’t focus on treating specific symptoms but rather on treating the body as a whole. Chiropractic treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and a custom-tailored care plan will be made for you to suit your medical conditions and lifestyle. As chiropractors are wellness practitioners who are often additionally trained in other areas such as nutrition, fitness, and more, it will be easy to get a well-rounded approach to managing your anxiety and improving your general well-being.
Chattanooga Chiropractor
Contact the chiropractors at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic today if you or a loved one has been suffering from anxiety. We have some of the area’s most skilled and experienced chiropractors willing to guide and join you in your wellness journey and help relieve some of the negative symptoms associated with this condition.
If you are suffering from stress, anxiety, headaches, or any other symptoms or illnesses associated with an overburdened or malfunctioning nervous system, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.
