For many, anxiety and depression can have a profound physical, mental and emotional impact. Over the last decade, chiropractic care has become a viable and recommended treatment plan for individuals struggling with these mental health issues. In this article, we will explore how chiropractic care can provide help with anxiety and depression as well as explore and compare other treatments.
The Physical Impact of Anxiety and Depression
When people struggle with anxiety and depression, one of the lesser discussed effects is the physical impact it can have. Physiologist John E. Sarno wrote: “The mind and the body are not separate entities, but a single system so they affect each other reciprocally”. Depression and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, tension, pain and fatigue due to the stress it puts on the body.
Stress and Immune System
The stress caused by anxiety and depression can have a substantial impact on the immune system as well. Lead researcher William Petit reported “It was previously known that stress-related disorders can weaken individuals’ immunity and increase the risk for infectious illnesses.” Petit also noted that people with high levels of stress often experience infections more often than their less stressed counterparts.
Chiropractic Care for Stress Reduction
Chiropractic care is a method of treatment that focuses on the alignment of the spine and other joints throughout the body. Chiropractic adjustments work to restore alignment and reduce stress on the body’s nervous system which helps improve overall physical and mental health. There is also evidence that chiropractic care can be used as a form of stress relief. Study participants reported a “significant” reduction in muscle tension and stress after getting regular treatments from a trained chiropractor.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Anxiety and Depression?
Studies have shown that chiropractic care can help restore misalignments in the spine, as well as reduce physical tension, fatigue, anxiety and depression. The spine houses the most important system in the body; the nervous system. By reducing any stress and tension on the body, chiropractic care can help with the physical symptoms of mental health conditions.
The Brain-Gut Connection
The relationship between the brain and the gut is known as the “brain-gut connection.” It is believed that stress and emotions can affect this connection which in turn can affect the functioning of both the brain and the gut. Chiropractic adjustments are thought to reduce mental distress by restoring alignment and balance to the brain-gut connection.
Other Treatments for Anxiety and Depression
In addition to chiropractic care, other treatments for anxiety and depression include medication and talk therapy. While medication and talk therapy may provide relief from the symptoms of mental health conditions, chiropractic care focuses on the physical and structural components of the body.
People Also Ask
Is Chiropractic Care Good for Anxiety?
Yes, chiropractic care can be a beneficial form of treatment for anxiety. Studies show that it can reduce physical tension and stress, help restore balance to the brain-gut connection and improve mental distress.
Can Seeing a Chiropractor Help Depression?
Seeing a chiropractor may be beneficial for individuals struggling with depression. Chiropractic care works to reduce any physical stress on the body and help restore the balance of the brain-gut connection.
What is The Best Treatment For Anxiety and Depression?
The best treatment for anxiety and depression will depend on the individual. While medication and talk therapy may be effective, many individuals who struggle with these conditions turn to chiropractic care for help with the physical symptoms.
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care for Mental Health?
It depends on the individual’s insurance plan. Many insurance plans and companies do cover chiropractic care for mental health, but there may be restrictions and limitations in place.
Final Words
Chiropractic care can provide an effective treatment option for those struggling with anxiety and depression. It works to restore misalignments in the spine, reduce physical tension and stress, and restore the balance of the brain-gut connection. While it may not be suitable for everyone, chiropractic care is a safe and natural way to reduce the physical symptoms of mental health conditions.