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 physical injury producing event. But, what if I told you that the main cause of your daily pain isn’t physical but mental? According the the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, major depression at any point in time impacts roughly 5 percent of all people and there is about a 17% lifetime risk of a person 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 route of holistic healing. When it comes to my patients, I have worked with many suffering from mental health issues and the results speak for themselves.
How can chiropractic care most associated with physical pain help Emotional Healing?
Here are some interesting facts regarding how chiropractic care can help with mental health as well: The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research conducted a study that was designed to test the correlation between chiropractic care and its impact on mental health. This study cited prior research that 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. These findings were published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on June 20, 2013. Similar findings have also been reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry. So, how can having a properly aligned spine impact your mental health?
How can Chiropractic Care Improve Mental Health?
Decreases Mind-fogging Pain
One reason that chiropractic care can help mental health is that it can decrease physical pain that may be fogging the mind. As anyone with chronic pain can attest to, 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 are proven to lessen throughout treatment. This was further illustrated by 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 your daily life, not only is it hard to focus but suddenly you are no longer feeling well enough to be social and take part in activities you once loved. 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 can continue unless it is broken. Regular chiropractic adjustments have proven to decrease pain, depression and anxiety and allow for a healthier (mentally and physically) existence.
How Can Reducing Misalignments improve Nerve flow and Brain Function?
Our moods are regulated by our body’s chemistry. This chemistry in your organs as well as your brain is all 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 that are used to alter their brain chemistry. People looking for a non-medication solution often find that specific re-alignment of these (and other) vertebrae can do wonders for their brain health and emotional state.
Want more information? Find out firsthand how chiropractic can help your mental state today. Contact us at (201) 385-7800 or FullLifeChiropractic@gmail.com Now conveniently located at two locations: Haworth, and Saddle River at The Body Image Boutique.