Many people ask whether there is a connection between chiropractic care and improved mental health. To understand why Dr. Gena Chiropractic, a leading family chiropractic care center in Plantation, is so passionate about mental health and wellness, it’s important to first understand the statistics of mental illness in this country.
Almost 20% of American adults are living with some form of mental illness, and almost 17% of adolescents between the ages of 6-17 can say the same. The scariest statistic when it comes to mental health, however?
That by the end of 2018, only 43% of people with mental illness were being treated - leaving over half the population that has been diagnosed with mental illness to fend for themselves.
Which is why we are so excited that, yes, there is a proven link between chiropractic care and improved mental health - primarily anxiety, depression, and common physical impacts of both of these mental health disorders.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. While the name can be misleading - many of us have felt “depressed’ from time to time, major depressive disorder, otherwise known as clinical depression, is far more serious. According to the Worldwide Health Organization, it is also the leading cause of worldwide disability.
Clinical depression can be classified in a few ways:
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Postpartum Depression
Anxiety
Like depression’s distant cousin, anxiety disorders are the MOST common mental health disorders in the world. Anxiety disorders take on a number of different forms, but all share a common underlying feature: excessive fear. People with anxiety are in constant anticipation of future threat.
Anxiety disorders can be classified as:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Agoraphobia
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Specific Phobias
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Selective Mutism Disorder
Common Physical Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression
Untreated anxiety and depression can affect health in many ways. The symptoms include:
Chronic Pain
Headaches
Acid Reflux
Eye Problems or Decreasing Vision
Upset Stomach
Fatigue
How does chiropractic care work to improve mental health?
According to this report from RTOR.org, “chiropractic care aims to find the right balance between your mind and body.” In addition to this, the same report went on to say “Several studies support the idea that chiropractic care and massage therapy can reduce blood pressure and stress symptoms. High blood pressure is a common symptom of anxiety and/or stress.”
The same article also describes that regular chiropractic adjustments trigger positive hormones - the kind your body and mind need to feel good. “Spinal health influences almost every region of your body. Studies show that after getting a chiropractic adjustment, your body triggers an increase in hormones such as neurotensin, oxytocin, and cortisol. These hormones are involved in positive nervous system functioning, such as:
Neurotensin: neutralizes stress-induced pain
Oxytocin: boosts neuro-communication and feelings of social bonding
Cortisol: blocks pain deriving from inflammation
For more information on chiropractic care and mental health, visit Dr. Gena Chiropractic today. Located minutes west of Fort Lauderdale, we know your health is in your hands - but our hands are here to help!
7119 W Broward Blvd
Plantation, FL 33317, US
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