It’s normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking a test. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work harder and to do a better job. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes, but does not interfere with your everyday life.
In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with you all the time. It is intense and sometimes debilitating.
This type of anxiety may cause you to stop doing things you enjoy. In extreme cases, it may prevent you from entering an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect anyone at any age. According to the American Psychiatric Association, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. (Source)
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
Feeling nervous, restless or tense
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating or Trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing gastrointestinal problems
Having difficulty controlling worry
Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
(Source)
Mind-body Approach
Chiropractic care aims at finding the right balance between the mind and body. This ultimately improves mental wellness. Also, some symptoms of anxiety can come down to being stuck in the sympathetic nervous system which is the fight, flight or freeze responses controlled through our nervous system, thus a link between the spinal cord and anxiety.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
In a study of 21 people, it was discovered that their high blood pressure was reduced following chiropractic care. Apart from this, several other studies backed up the theory that chiropractic care reduces high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often linked to anxiety, as it’s a common symptom. This means regular chiropractic care works to reduce high blood pressure and decrease symptoms of anxiety.
A Natural Solution without Side Effects
People with anxiety usually complain about the adverse side effects of medications. This often leaves them avoiding such medications altogether, and suffering even more deeply into their condition.
Chiropractic care is an alternative to medication with no worries about side effects. However, if you are already on medication, it is best to seek your doctor’s advice before stopping or changing it.
Triggers Production of Positive Hormones
The spine, due to its status as the central part of the nervous system, regulates and controls the production of hormones. Sometimes, too much or too little of a type of hormone can contribute to feelings of stress, migraine and more. This, in essence, means hormones need to be properly regulated for overall wellness.
Meanwhile, studies show that spinal adjustments trigger the production of positive feel good hormones like;
Neurotensin which reduces stress-related pain
Oxytocin, which boosts feelings of social bonding.
Encourages Relaxation and Sleep
Chiropractic patients have shown to have more relaxation after receiving care, by reducing symptoms like headaches and reducing tension in muscles. It is often reported that it is easier to get sleep after chiropractic care. (Source)
4. Dr. Mooberry is a Denver chiropractor at Lifetime Wellness & Chiropractic. He is well versed in the care of anxiety with chiropractic care. Dr. Isaac Mooberry is considered one of the leading experts in anxiety across the nation.