Many people tend to associate the chiropractor with back and neck pain relief, which is quite reasonable. But does that mean chiropractors can only help people struggling with physical pain? Not at all. Approximately 40 million Americans have a mental health condition, and some of them find relief with a visit to the chiropractor. Here’s how chiropractic care can affect mental health.
What Does the Research Say?
In 2013, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a study that assessed the effect of chiropractic care on mental health. Research from a prior study revealed that of close to 3,000 patients receiving chiropractic, 76% reported an improvement to their emotional health, as well as positive changes in stress and more life enjoyment in the months following their care. The American Journal of Psychiatry has published similar findings.
But how does it work?
Chronic, daily physical pain has an enormous impact on quality of life. It makes taking part in cherished activities difficult, and it can rob you of the joy that comes from socializing with friends and family. It’s no surprise, then, that depression is a common side effect for those living with chronic pain, occurring between three and four times more often than in physically healthy individuals. It’s also a vicious cycle that can be hard to break.
Regular chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate physical pain in the body, and the absence of pain can do wonders for one’s mood and mental health. When your depression and anxiety are directly related to the constant strain of living with physical pain, relieving that pain has a profound effect on those mental conditions. Another study in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research looked at group of participants experiencing anxiety and/or depression. After twelve chiropractic sessions, the participants reported a decrease in muscle tension and improved mental clarity.
If chronic physical pain is affecting your mental well-being, visit Dr. McSweeney to see whether you’re a good candidate for chiropractic care. You might be surprised to experience how chiropractic care can affect your mental health.