Three Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Anxiety

Most people think of heading to the chiropractor when they have back pain, a pinched nerve, or have suffered an injury. But, chiropractic care can provide a wealth of other benefits that you may not know of. Emerging research is providing evidence that chiropractic care is actually beneficial for anxiety and depression. So, if you are suffering from anxiety or panic attacks that are unresponsive to medicine or psychotherapy, here are three ways that chiropractic care might benefit your anxiety issues.

Fewer Negative Side Effects

Chiropractic care does not come with a long list of harmful side effects that anti-anxiety or antidepressants come with. This is one of the biggest benefits of chiropractic care for anxiety. SSRIs and benzodiazepines may help relieve some of your anxiety symptoms, but the unpleasant side effects can be worse than the anxiety itself! With chiropractic treatment, if you experience any side effects, they are minor and temporary. These typically include muscle soreness and headaches which usually fade within 24 hours.

More Affordable

Another benefit of chiropractic care for anxiety is one of affordability. More and more insurance companies are covering chiropractic care these days, but even without insurance, a trip to the chiropractor is typically much less than the price of a doctor’s office visit, therapy sessions, and/or anxiety medications. Additionally, studies have shown alleviation of anxiety in just a few chiropractic visits, whereas psychotherapy and medications can take months or years (read about some of these studies here, here, and here.).

Treats the Root Cause

A third way that a chiropractor might help your anxiety is by providing a holistic, mind-and-body approach to health. Often times, we experience physical pain that is actually a manifestation of emotional pain. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as stiff and sore muscles, tension headaches, and migraines. While traditional medicine may treat these physical symptoms, chiropractors are trained to identify possible root causes of your pain which may reside more in the mind than the body. Through a well-rounded treatment plan that may include adjustments, therapies, exercise and stretching, diet, and herbs or supplements, a chiropractor will be able to help treat you as a whole person with longer-lasting results.