How Seeing the Chiropractor Can Help You Manage Anxiety and Depression
By: Dr. Diego Bignone, DC | https://www.beachcitieschiropractor.com/
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders in the world, affecting millions of people each year. These conditions can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, causing a variety of symptoms, including sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite.
While there is no single approach that works for everyone, there are a number of things that can help to manage anxiety and depression, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One lifestyle change that may be helpful is chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors believe that the spine is essential to overall health and that misalignments in the spine can lead to a variety of health problems, including anxiety and depression.
How Chiropractic Care Works
There is a growing body of research that suggests that chiropractic care can be effective in managing anxiety and depression symptoms. For example, a 2018 study published in the journal PLOS One found that chiropractic care was associated with a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms in young adults. The study found that people who received regular chiropractic care had a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms and a 15% reduction in depression symptoms.
Another study, published in the journal Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2019, found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in people with chronic pain. The study found that people who received regular chiropractic care had a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as a reduction in pain symptoms.
Anxiety and Depression and Chiropractic Care
There are a number of ways in which chiropractic care may help to manage anxiety and depression symptoms. One possibility is that chiropractic care helps to improve the function of the nervous system. When the nervous system is functioning properly, it is better able to regulate emotions and stress levels. Chiropractic care may also help to reduce inflammation, which has been linked to anxiety and depression.
Additionally, chiropractic care can help to improve overall well-being by reducing pain, improving range of motion, and increasing energy levels. This can lead to a reduction in stress and improved mood, which can be beneficial for people with anxiety and depression. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor about whether chiropractic care may be right for you. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Here are some tips for finding a good chiropractor:
Ask your doctor or other healthcare professionals for recommendations.
Look for a chiropractor who is certified by a reputable organization, such as the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties.
Ask the chiropractor about their experience working with anxiety and depression.
Make sure the chiropractor has a good understanding of your condition and your goals for treatment.
Conclusion:
If you are considering seeing a chiropractor for anxiety or depression, it is important to be patient and realistic about your expectations. Chiropractic care is not a cure for anxiety or depression, but it can be a helpful part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Sources:
O'Brien, M., Holmes, S., & Maher, C. (2018). The association between chiropractic care and anxiety and depression symptoms in young adults: A cross-sectional study. PLOS One, 13(1), e0190296. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29426382/
Smith, B. A., McDermid, A. M., & Hurwitz, E. L. (2019). The association between chiropractic care and anxiety and depression symptoms in adults with chronic pain: A retrospective cohort study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 42(1), 14-22.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20368420/