How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Stress and Contribute to Mental and Physical Health

Unsurprisingly, research has shown that more than half of U.S. adults feel that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the current COVID-19 pandemic. Add on the stress of the wildfires that we have been dealing with local and stress levels as a community are at or near an all-time high. Fear for the health of ourselves and loved ones and the general uncertainty of the time means that for many of us, just getting through each day can feel like a monumental achievement.
 

Many people tend to think of physical and mental health as being two separate and disconnected areas of wellbeing, but many experts agree the two are intrinsically linked. Poor mental health can have a negative impact on our physical wellbeing and vice versa. For example, studies have found that patients with severe depression are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. A connection between diabetes and depression has also been discovered. However, there are some other much more common physical symptoms of stress, which include:

• Digestive problems

• Headaches/migraines

• Low energy

• Increased Aches and pains

• Insomnia

In addition to this, there are many behavioral and cognitive effects that patients may experience, including:

• Poor concentration and memory

• Brain fog

• Mood swings

• Paranoia

• Generally uncharacteristic behavior

Patients who are experiencing an episode of poor mental health may think that their only choices are to take prescription medications or to suffer, but actually, there are many treatments that can help them to overcome their issues and enjoy better mental and physical health. One of these is chiropractic care.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to conventional medication. The treatment involves a variety of different techniques being used to reduce pain, improve body mobility, accelerate the natural healing process, and improve the function of all of our body systems, thus boosting overall wellbeing. Usually performed as a series of treatments, chiropractic care is tailored entirely to meet the specific needs of each individual patient.

Chiropractic treatment can help you to de-stress

Stress is a normal part of everyday life, but there are times and occasions where it becomes so consuming that it threatens to overwhelm us. Whether in our professional or personal lives, excess stress can cause very real physical symptoms that can make us quite unwell. Stress may not seem like an obvious reason to visit your chiropractor, but regular chiropractic treatments can actually help to relieve the symptoms of chronic stress, which in turn can benefit your overall health.

When we are experiencing high levels of stress, we naturally hold tension in our bodies. Just think of that tightness you feel in your shoulders and neck. Then with chronic stress apply that to your entire body. Chiropractic techniques can safely and effectively be used to reduce the amount of tension in the body and allow the body to get back to moving how it is designed, reducing the effects of chronic stress and anxiety, as well as the subsequent impact on the wider body, can help get you back to feeling like you again.

Chiropractic treatment improves your physical health

Spinal health influences virtually every part of our body. Studies have shown that after getting a chiropractic adjustment, our overall health can improve in a myriad of different ways. These include:

• Relaxing tight muscles

• Improving joint mobility and function

• Decreasing inflammation, which is a key feature in many diseases

• Decreasing degeneration of joints and connective tissues

• Improving nerve function

• Encouraging natural pain-relieving endorphins to reduce discomfort without pain medications

Your chiropractor in Salem, OR will ask you about any health concerns that you have currently, and will explain how chiropractic treatment can help you.

Chiropractic treatment gives you some time alone

On top of the overall health benefits above. If you have a busy life and are surrounded by people all the time, you almost certainly crave a little peace and quiet – alone! Time by ourselves to focus on our own physical and mental wellbeing is absolutely crucial, yet so few of us take the opportunity to do this. Chiropractic appointments provide an ideal window in which to achieve some space away from the rest of the world. Many chiropractic techniques focus on muscle relaxation, so you will find that your appointment doesn’t only help to increase your body's overall function, but that you will leave each session feeling calmer and more relaxed than before.

Chiropractic care can help you to relieve the stress you may be experiencing and will boost your overall mental and physical health, BUT if you need to talk to someone right now, know that you aren’t alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline today: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or TTY: 800-799-4TTY (800-799-4889). Locally there are many services available as well in Marion County for example you can call (503)588-5351 or if in crisis call (503)585-4949. There are also many local churches and organizations with outreach services available. If you would like some local help feel free to call the clinic (503)362-5555 and we will do our best to assist you in finding the attention/help you need. If you do not make time for your wellness you will be forced to take time for your illness.