Chiropractic Care, Anxiety and the Election of 2024.
Chiropractic care, traditionally associated with the treatment of physical ailments such as back pain and musculoskeletal issues, is increasingly being recognized for its potential benefits in managing anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. While conventional treatment options include medication and psychotherapy, chiropractic care offers a complementary or alternative approach that focuses on the body’s physical condition to influence mental health. As you know, medications have lots of side effects, many of them unwanted. Dr.Lou is especially concerned about anxiety levels rising this year. With 2024 being an election year that will affect us locally and globally, many are already feeling the stress and anxiety of the election in the U.S.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be helpful with anxiety.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Anxiety
1. Natural Treatment Approach: Chiropractic care provides a non-pharmacological option for anxiety management. This is particularly appealing for individuals looking to avoid the side effects associated with anxiety medications, such as insomnia, weight gain, and fatigue. Chiropractic treatments involve physical manipulations and adjustments that impact the nervous system, rather than medication, offering a holistic approach to health[26].
2. Lowering Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is often associated with stress and anxiety. Chiropractic adjustments, particularly those targeting the upper neck, have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure. This reduction in blood pressure can, in turn, help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, providing a sense of calm and relaxation[26].
3. Reducing Muscle Tension: Chronic stress and anxiety often lead to muscle tension, contributing to discomfort and pain. Chiropractic adjustments and trigger point therapy, like that done by Dr. Lou, can release this tension, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. This physical relaxation can have a positive impact on mental well-being, helping to ease anxiety symptoms[24].
4. Improving Nervous System Function: The spine plays a crucial role in the nervous system’s function. Misalignments or subluxations in the spine can interfere with nerve signaling and contribute to anxiety. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic care can improve the nervous system’s efficiency, potentially reducing anxiety triggers[23].
5. Enhancing Sleep Quality: Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and exacerbating stress. Chiropractic care has been shown to improve sleep quality by addressing physical discomfort and promoting relaxation. Better sleep can improve overall mood and reduce anxiety levels[26].
6. Holistic Health Focus: Chiropractors often take a holistic approach to health, considering factors such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle in addition to spinal health. This comprehensive view can help identify and address various triggers of anxiety, offering personalized strategies for stress management[26].
Conclusion
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of chiropractic care on anxiety, preliminary evidence and patient reports suggest it can be a beneficial complementary treatment. By focusing on the body’s physical health and its connection to mental well-being, chiropractic care offers a natural and holistic approach to managing anxiety. If you’re considering chiropractic care for anxiety, consult with Dr. Lou to discuss a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns. The election is in November. Now is the time to begin thinking about how you are going to deal with the stress of the election before and after November 5.
Dr. Lou Jacobs has been a chiropractor in Portland, Maine since 2003. He has been a chiropractor and acupuncturist since 2002. His specialties include musicians, performing artists, pregnant moms and children. He is board certified in Perinatal and Pediatric Chiropractic. He has worked with grammy winning artists and some of the greatest musicians of our time. Dr. Lou is always accepting patients at his office in Portland, and he is available as a private consultant to musicians and others as well. For details, call (207) 774-6251.
Citations:
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[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6069670/
[26] https://chiropractormag.com/blog/benefits-chiropractic-care-for-anxiety/