Stress Management

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

According to the American Psychological Association's (APA) 2020 Stress in America survey, 78% of adults in the United States reported experiencing at least one symptom of stress in the past 12 months. Additionally, the survey found that 19% of adults reported experiencing "high levels" of stress. The most common sources of stress reported by respondents included the pandemic, political climate, and racism.

Stress is a common experience for many people and can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. While there are many ways to manage stress, chiropractic care is a valuable tool that can help alleviate its impact on the body and mind.

Experiencing stress is a natural part of life, and in small amounts, it can even be beneficial by helping you stay focused and motivated. However, chronic or excessive stress can have negative effects on both your mental and physical health. Some common effects of too much stress include:

1. Anxiety and depression: Chronic stress can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression, as well as other mental health conditions.

2. Insomnia and other sleep disorders: Stress can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

3. Digestive issues: Stress can cause or exacerbate digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn, and nausea.

4. Headaches and muscle tension: Stress can cause tension headaches, migraines, and muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.

5. Weakened immune system: Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and infection.

6. High blood pressure and heart disease: Chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

7. Skin problems: Stress can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

8. Decreased libido and fertility issues: Chronic stress can decrease sex drive and fertility in both men and women.

It's important to manage stress levels and find healthy coping mechanisms to prevent these negative effects from taking a toll on your health.

Chiropractic Care Can Help Me With Stress?

Chiropractic care is based on the idea that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and maintain optimal health, as long as its systems are functioning properly. One of the key components of chiropractic care is the adjustment, which involves the manipulation of the spine and other joints to restore proper alignment and function. By doing so, chiropractors can relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation throughout the body.

In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may also use other techniques such as massage, stretching, and exercise to help manage stress. Massage, for example, can help release tension in the muscles and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. Stretching and exercise can also help promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.

Research has shown that chiropractic care can be an effective tool for managing stress. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments were associated with a decrease in salivary cortisol levels, a marker of stress. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chiropractic care was associated with significant improvements in perceived stress levels and overall quality of life.

Stress Management with Chiropractic Care

In addition to chiropractic care, there are many other ways to manage stress, including mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. By taking a multi-faceted approach to stress management, individuals can find the strategies that work best for them and improve their overall well-being.

If you're struggling with stress, chiropractic care can be a valuable tool in your arsenal. By relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation throughout the body, chiropractic adjustments can help you find relief from the negative effects of stress and improve your overall health and well-being.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

There is a growing body of research on the health benefits of Chiropractic care and how it can positively impact your stress levels, below are just some of the sources that you can use to learn more!

References:

1. Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Feeley-Collins K, Grostic JD. "The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients." Chiropractic Research Journal. 1994; 3(1): 32-39.

2. Bakris G, Dickholtz M Sr, Meyer PM, et al. "Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study." Journal of Human Hypertension. 2007; 21(5): 347-352.

3. Yates RG, Lamping DL, Abram NL, Wright C. "Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1988; 11(6): 484-488.

4. Marshall Jr., WL. "Reduction of cervical and thoracic vertebral subluxations using NUCCA chiropractic care." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1996; 19(9): 576-582.

5. Vernon HT, Aker P, Burns S, et al. "Pressure pain threshold evaluation of the effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic neck pain: a pilot study." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1990; 13(1): 13-16.

6. Gudavalli MR, Cambron JA, McGregor M, et al. "A randomized clinical trial and subgroup analysis to compare flexion-distraction with active exercise for chronic low back pain." European Spine Journal. 2006; 15(7): 1070-1082.

7. Potter L, McCarthy C, Oldham JA. "Inhibition of voluntary muscles in humans following a single spinal manipulation." Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2010; 20(3): 379-387.