According to some studies, one out of five Americans is dealing with a mental illness, affecting their way of life and overall health. The body’s nervous system is the one responsible for controlling psychological and emotional well-being — both of which are included in mental health.
To those wondering how chiropractic and mental health are connected, treatments of the former are known to help people suffering from mental health issues. Recent studies have proven that chiropractic care can help maximize the nervous system’s health by eliminating nerve interference and regulating the sympathetic nerves that control the brain’s flight mechanism. With better control over these, many people have been observed to have better stress management, especially when dealing with mental health illnesses.
Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Health Illnesses
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues that people around the world deal with. While symptoms differ from person to person, here are some subtle things that can help you recognize whether a loved one is suffering from such issues:
- Sleep problems
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
- Migraines and headaches
- Relaxation-related issues
- Pain in different parts of the body
- High blood pressure
These symptoms make it hard for people with mental illnesses to live peacefully and calmly. Fortunately, the benefits of chiropractic care in the treatment of mental health issues have been proven to be effective.
Mental Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care for anxiety, depression, and other mental health illnesses that are backed by studies:
1. Blood Pressure Lowering
As mentioned above, high blood pressure is a common symptom of mental health issues. A 1988 study, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, proved that chiropractic treatments can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure — both diastolic and systolic.
The findings of another study, published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, showed that even a 15-minute massage therapy session can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and increase stability.
2. Positive Hormone Release
Spinal health is said to influence almost every part of the body. According to a 2014 study, an increase in the production of hormones, such as cortisol, oxytocin, and neurotensin, can be promoted after receiving chiropractic adjustments. With these hormones increased, positive effects can be observed in the functions of the nervous system.
Specifically, here are the benefits you can get from the above-mentioned hormones:
- Cortisol – Besides having a vital role in helping the body respond to stress, cortisol can also help block pain due to inflammation.
- Oxytocin – The role of oxytocin in mental health is reducing anxiety in response to social stress, thus promoting neuro-communication.
- Neurotensin – This hormone helps the body neutralize pain induced by stress.
3. Better Sleep
Another benefit of chiropractic care is that it promotes an improved sleeping pattern in people suffering from insomnia, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. As insomnia is also a symptom of anxiety and depression, it can be relieved through the help of chiropractic treatments.
4. Tension, Headache, and Stiffness Relief
One of the health conditions that can be addressed by chiropractic treatments is pain, which is also a symptom of various mental health issues and can be relieved through chiropractic care.
Moreover, chiropractic treatments can also relieve pain brought about by headaches based on the findings of a study published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. People who suffer from mental health issues already have full plates to deal with, but the burden can be lessened when body pain is out of the question.
5. Relaxation
Chiropractic treatments can also help people feel more relaxed during and after a session. The results of one study published in 1997 showed that there is a significant decrease in the body’s muscle activity after a chiropractic adjustment; this can be an indication that patients feel more relaxed and less stressed.
Relaxation can help people diagnosed with anxiety and depression in many ways. It can be a way for them to get rid of the tension and stress caused by their mental health issues.
Chiropractic Care Is an All-Natural Solution With No Side Effects
People diagnosed with mental health issues complain that they experience side effects — such as nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and weight gain — after taking medication. With proper chiropractic care, you won’t have to deal with those side effects. The processes and treatments given by chiropractors are all-natural.
The main purpose of chiropractic treatments is to provide an alternative to surgeries and medication, so it is among the best options you have if you do not prefer the traditional methods. You, however, have to consult your doctor and ask for approval before ceasing prescribed medication.
Visit a Chiropractor Today
Chiropractic care aims to find the balance between the body and mind; this is done by looking at different aspects of your health. In chiropractic, the effects of therapies, diets, and exercise will also be looked at to assess their impact on different anxiety symptoms. A chiropractor can recommend different types of exercises and other things that can be done to help relieve symptoms of mental health issues. However, visiting a mental health professional is still needed.
If you want to consult the best chiropractors, we have partnered with them at Advanced Chiropractors Group. You can contact us, and we’ll connect you to them. We understand that you only want nothing but the best chiropractic care, and that is what you will get from our affiliated chiropractors.
