Most people associate Chiropractic care with reducing the aches and pains of daily life. This pain may be caused by frequent exercise, sitting at a desk all day, a past car accident or some other previous physical injury. But, what if I told you that the main cause of your daily pain isn’t always physical but often mental?
According the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, major depression at any point in time impacts roughly 5 percent of all people, with a 17% lifetime risk of developing this condition. Additionally, roughly half of all those diagnosed with depression also suffer from anxiety.
While medications are most often prescribed for anxiety and depression, many prefer to take the holistic healing route. When it comes to our patients, many seem to be suffering from mental health issues and the results speak for themselves.
How can chiropractic care – typically associated with physical pain – help Emotional Healing?
Here are some interesting facts regarding how chiropractic care helps with mental health:
The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research conducted a study published in June, 2013 designed for testing the correlation between chiropractic care and its impact on mental health. Prior research showed of the 2,818 patients undergoing chiropractic care, 76% reported an improvement in their mental/emotional health. Additionally, these 76% also reported positive changes in stress and increased life enjoyment in the months after receiving chiropractic care. Similar findings have also been reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
So, how does a properly aligned spine impact mental health?
How can Chiropractic Care Improve Mental Health?
Decreases mind-fogging pain
One reason that chiropractic care helps mental health is by decreasing physical pain that may be fogging the mind. As anyone with chronic pain can attest, this discomfort can have a serious impact on mood and mental health. As the spine becomes aligned and pain decreases, anxiety and depression sprouting from pain lessen throughout treatment. This was further illustrated in a study of participants complaining of anxiety or depression who underwent 12 sessions of chiropractic care. As a result, muscle tension decreased, and mental clarity increased as well.
Decreases chronic pain, a common cause of depression
When chronic pain is a part of a persons daily life, not only is it hard to focus but often not well enough to be social, to take part in once-loved activities. Studies have proven that depression occurs at a rate of three to four times higher in those with chronic pain when compared to their healthier peers. The cycle of chronic pain and depression continues unless it is broken. Regular chiropractic adjustments have proven to decrease pain, depression and anxiety and allow for a healthier existence, both emotionally and physically
How can reducing spinal subluxations (misalignment) improve nerve flow and brain function?
Our moods are managed by our body’s chemistry, regulated by the nervous system. Misalignment of the spine (specifically the first, second or third vertebrae) can cause pressure around the brain stem which can cause interference neurologically and chemically. Often people turn to medications – used to alter their brain chemistry. People looking for a non-medication solution often find that a specific re-alignment of these (and other) vertebrae can do wonders for their brain health and emotional state.
Look, it’s no secret that being out of adjustment can make some of us cranky, but prolonging the issue without taking care of the symptom can cause long-term issues, physical and emotional, that may end up more difficult to correct over time.
Headaches? Neck-stiffnes and pain? Tingling in your limbs and feet? Make an appointment to come see us, and make the call today. Your mental health may depend on it
Uncategorized
COMMENTS: No Comments