Could Chiropractic treatment help your mental health?

Most of you will come and see us for a neck or back that’s giving you trouble, or a sports injury that is still causing pain months after it happened. But would you come and see one of our doctors for a mental health issue? To help with your depression, anxiety or stress levels? While we can’t guarantee to turn a tough time into sunshine and rainbows in an single session, there is definitely a strong connection between physical and mental health – and a treatment might help your mental state more than you could imagine,

So how does this work? Well, it all comes down to the two nervous systems humans function in – the parasympathetic and the sympathetic. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for regulating bodily functions that occur involuntarily, such as your heart beating, you breathing, digesting food; basically things that happen without any effort from you. It is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is often referred to as the flight or flight system and the PNS the rest and digest system, which promotes relaxation and conserves energy by slowing the heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestion.

Chronic stress and overstimulation of the SNS – ie modern life with its technological demands, cost of living stresses, family relations, work issues, traumatic past events and so much more can contribute to various mental health issues, including anxiety, panic disorders, and even depression. Chiropractic adjustments can positively impact the SNS by correcting misalignments in the spine, which can lead to nerve interference. By realigning the spine, chiropractic care may alleviate pressure on these nerves, potentially restoring a better balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. It makes sense since the spinal cord carries nerve signals to our brains.

By relieving physical tension and discomfort, chiropractic care can indirectly encourage the activation of the PNS, allowing the body to shift from a state of stress to one of restoration. Enhanced PNS activity can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and greater tranquillity. Even better, chiropractic adjustments can also stimulate the release of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. These endorphins play a crucial role in fostering a positive emotional state. By promoting endorphin release, chiropractic treatment may help individuals cope with stress more effectively and experience better mood – and therefore overall better mental health.

So while it may not solve everything, chiropractic adjustments that influence the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches can be part of your artillery in restoring your mental balance if it’s out of whack. Add it to some counselling, meditation, exercise and a well-balanced diet, and you could be on your way to a much happier you.