Chiropractic Treatments That May Help Reduce Anxiety
If you’re suffering from anxiety, chiropractic care may help. There are numerous benefits of chiropractic on anxiety and plenty of diverse chiropractic treatment options available. Today we’ll go into detail about treatments that may reduce your anxiety in the long run.
Chiropractic care is a medical practice that aims to find a balance between your mind and body. A chiropractor will typically use adjustments, therapies, and behavioral changes for the best possible outcome.
Chiropractic is a great option for those with anxiety because it’s all-natural, which means it doesn’t directly manipulate your hormonal balances like medication. This is great news as it can actually help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as insomnia, nausea, weight gain, and fatigue.
Besides these general benefits, chiropractic treatments has proven beneficial for treating anxiety. Let’s take a closer look at these positive impacts.
1. Lowers your blood pressure
Chiropractic care can reduce high blood pressure, which is a common symptom of anxiety. In studies, blood pressure was reduced in both chiropractic sessions and massage therapy, as well as only 15 minutes of workplace massage therapy
2. Triggers positive hormones in your spine
A chiropractic adjustment, which involves applying gentle force to your spine, actually creates natural hormonal changes. In particular, it boosts hormones such as neurotensin, oxytocin, and cortisol, which are involved in reducing stress-related pain and increasing social bonding. This means even just a spinal adjustment can be a first step toward positive change in your body.
3. Helps you get to sleep
Another common complaint of anxiety sufferers is insomnia. Luckily, chiropractic care is proven to help. Studies show that chiropractic manipulation may improve patient sleep patterns, while massage therapy has given breast cancer patients significant relief from insomnia.
4. Relieves tension and headaches
Many patients who suffer mental health illnesses also suffer from migraines. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pain relating to tension headaches, which is a big deal for those with painful headache symptoms. By reducing muscular stiffness, anxiety patients feel less tense and reduce their likelihood of headaches.
5. Promotes relaxing muscular activity
Finally, chiropractic care is simply relaxing. Studies show this by measuring electrical activity in muscles. They found that muscular activity was reduced by 25% after chiropractic adjustments, which is a great marker of the role of relaxation during chiropractic. In general, chiropractic adjustments create feelings of positivity.
Chiropractic treatments that may help
A chiropractor will often use a combination of treatments to help you stay relaxed and reduce tension. Here are some of the top options.
Spinal manipulation
Spinal manipulation is, by far, one of the most common chiropractic treatments. This happens when gentle force is applied to the spine, whether by using hands or a device. This treatment corrects misalignment’s and relieves pain. It’s great for anxiety because it gets your nervous system in balance and optimizes position.
Soft tissue manual therapy
This treatment focuses on your muscles and joints. Instead of worrying about position, a chiropractor will work on soft tissues to activate muscles, restore their movement, and promote blood flow. Soft tissue manual therapy is relaxing and can be applied in tensions areas for pain relief.
Electrical stimulation
To maximize relaxation, a chiropractor may also use gentle electrical pulses and place them on your spine. This will relieve pain and reduce any muscle stiffness. In particular, this kind of stimulation to your spine is great for creating a calm, gentle environment.
Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound isn’t just for pregnancy. Ultrasound can be used as a massage device, delivering sound waves to areas of the body. This technique massages muscles, reduces pain, and promotes blood flow.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a great option, which combines the restorative properties of hot water with chiropractic. By using saunas or wraps, a chiropractor will reduce pain for common tension points and promote relaxation.
Therapeutic exercises
A chiropractor will also show you some therapeutic exercises, based on meditation, that will help you practice deep breathing and restorative stretches. These are typically coupled with chiropractic treatments for patients to do at home when they’re feeling anxious. Some of these therapeutic exercises also help improve muscular flexibility.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is highly utilized in chiropractic sessions. The therapeutic touch of massage therapy helps chiropractors in creating relaxing, restorative sessions. Massage is also known to promote blood flow and relax patients.
Lifestyle changes
Finally, a chiropractor will create a care plan for the patient’s diet and exercise, including supplements. For example, studies show that an omega-3 supplement can have a positive impact on those suffering from anxiety and depression. These small changes, including an anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise, can act as anxiety reduction strategies.
In the end, chiropractic care has known benefits for anxiety patients and several treatments available to help reduce tension, pain, and symptoms. Contact a chiropractor near you to see what chiropractic treatments could become part of your anxiety reduction care.
About Dr. Brent Wells
Dr. Brent Wells, D.C., has been a chiropractor for over 20 years and has treated thousands of patients. He founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998 and is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.
