Increasing numbers of people have anxiety symptoms that impact their daily life. If you’re one of the many people searching for answers or struggling to find a solution that works for you, Chiropractic care may be worth considering. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing anxiety, Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be effective as part of your management plan.
Chiropractic care has gained popularity as an effective treatment for anxiety, due to the safe, non-invasive and accessible approach. Here’s what you need to know about how chiropractic care can help reduce your anxiety symptoms.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is most often described as an intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. It is the body’s natural defence mechanism in response to a perceived threatening situation. These feelings can be triggered by a variety of everyday or novel events. It’s common to feel nervous and worried when flying or public speaking for example, as this is our brain’s way of warning us about potential danger.
People with anxiety can experience debilitating symptoms at any time, and if these symptoms begin affecting your daily activities, you should seek professional assistance.
Physical and psychological evaluations are commonly used to establish if someone is suffering from anxiety.
Common symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety presents differently for every person and changes due to a variety of factors. Some signs may be subtle, while others can be totally debilitating. The most commonly reported symptoms associated with anxiety include:
- Difficulties falling or staying asleep
- Feelings of agitation
- Irritability
- Stomach pain and nausea
- Exhaustion
- Constant worries or concern
- Lack of concentration
- Tension throughout the body
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Withdrawal from people and circumstances that may provoke symptoms
In order to effectively manage anxiety, it is necessary to understand the connection between your mind and body, and how they influence each other. Effective healing requires an understanding of how the nervous system responds to perceived threats and environmental triggers.
Chiropractic treatment for anxiety
Many individuals choose chiropractic care to help manage anxiety and regulate the nervous system’s response. It is a natural and effective way of improving function and reducing debilitating symptoms, without the potential side effects that often accompany prescription medications, such as nausea, weight gain or fatigue. Chiropractic care may help to increase feelings of calm and reduce the frequency and severity of heightened responses, without compromising physical health.
Chiropractors are genuinely caring, really listen and take the time to understand your needs. They use specific chiropractic adjustments to alleviate pain and regulate the body’s natural response to stress. Because the signs and symptoms of anxiety are varied, chiropractors take an individualised approach to achieve the best outcome.
In all cases however, the goal is to restore appropriate nerve communication which helps regulate your response to stress. When presented with perceived threats, the body adapts appropriately, thus reducing anxiousness.
Chiropractors optimise nerve communication in many different ways depending on the needs or preferences of the individual. Typically chiropractors use their hands to apply gentle pressure, stretch an area, use several gentle movements in the same area, or utilise precise, quick pushes. This allows all areas of the spine and nervous system to function effectively and restore proper movement and response.
A chiropractor can also aid in the relief of anxiety levels by providing advice about relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, sleep, nutrition, exercise and environmental modifications. Chiropractors may also recommend specific nutritional supplements which are designed to support people with anxiety by calming the nervous system.
Being open and honest about your symptoms ensures that your chiropractor can make the most effective care plan for you.
Additionally, ensure they are aware of any medications or pre-existing medical conditions that could affect the treatment plan. By taking these steps, you can rest assured that chiropractic care will help reduce your stress in a way that meets your needs.
Additional benefits of chiropractic care for anxiety
- Reduced blood pressure: This is significant because high blood pressure has been linked to increased stress levels and anxiety.
- Fewer headaches: Chiropractic care helps to reduce muscular tension and stiffness in your body, which can alleviate headaches.
- Chiropractic adjustments promote the natural release of “feel good” hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin while reducing cortisol.
- Sleep support: Studies show that chiropractic care is associated with better sleep patterns.
- Reduced stress: Studies show that the body is more relaxed after chiropractic adjustments.
Final thoughts on chiropractic care for anxiety
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural and effective solution for the management of anxiety. It is accessible and effective for people of all ages, from young children with anxiety symptoms, through to the elderly, and complements other forms of anxiety treatment. Chiropractic is affordable and requires no referral.
If traditional anxiety treatments have failed to bring you the relief and progress you need to live your life, it’s time to experience the numerous advantages of chiropractic care.
Book an appointment at Wellness Chiropractic for your personalised chiropractic care plan to manage your anxiety.