Many people head to a chiropractor for back or neck pain. But chiropractic for anxiety? Not so much. This is unfortunate, as chiropractic care in Orland Park, IL can benefit your mental health just as much as your tight muscles. And yes, anxiety relief is one of its many perks.

So, how do chiropractors help with anxiety? It’s simple: by restoring the natural alignment of your spine. This can help release muscle tension and improve the function of your nervous system. And when the nervous system works optimally, it’s easier for your body and mind to relax.

So if you’re feeling stressed or anxious and looking for natural relief, read on. We’ll share five ways chiropractic care can help ease anxiety.

What is Anxiety?

Shows a man looking down due to anxiety. Represents how chiropractic care in orland park, il and a holistic chiropractor in the chicago area can help alleviate anxiety.

Anxiety is a feeling of dread, worry, or fear over an impending danger. The difference between fear and anxiety? Fear is short-lived and rooted in the present, while anxiety tends to last longer and is focused on the future.

And these days, anxiety is on the rise. Nearly one in five US adults has an anxiety disorder.¹ And 43% of Americans report feeling more anxious in 2024 than the year prior.² So if you suffer from anxiety, you’re not alone.

Between work stress, financial worries, relationship issues, and current events, we all feel anxious from time to time. But if anxiety persists and starts interfering with your daily life, it’s a sign you could use some support.

Signs of anxiety

Restlessness
Nervousness
Excessive worry
Tense muscles
Rapid heartbeat
Fast or shallow breathing
Sweating
Trouble sleeping

As you can see, anxiety symptoms are both mental and physical. This is all thanks to the mind-body connection. What affects one affects the other, and vice versa.

While medications are often the go-to treatment for chronic anxiety, many prefer a more natural approach. That’s where chiropractic care steps in.

How Do Chiropractors Help with Anxiety?

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Chiropractors restore the natural alignment of your spine. This can, in turn, have positive effects on your physical and mental health. Here’s how:

Your spine houses your spinal cord, which acts like an “information superhighway” for your nervous system.³ It connects the brain to nerves that travel all throughout your body.

When the spine is properly aligned, nerves can send signals freely without disruption. However, when the spine is out of alignment, nervous system communication suffers. It’s like trying to drive on a highway that’s full of potholes and debris.

Chiropractic treatments correct subluxations to reduce nerve interference. This can not only improve nervous system function but also ease muscle tension that may contribute to anxiety. Let’s dig a bit deeper into how chiropractic care helps with anxiety.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Anxiety

1 – Eases muscle tension

Anxiety often makes your body tense up, especially in the shoulders, back, and neck. This tightness can create a viscous cycle, as the pain only adds to your stress. Chiropractic adjustments help loosen that tension by improving alignment. As your muscles relax, it sends signals of safety to your body, which can help your mind feel calmer, too.

2 – Enhances nervous system function

Your nervous system controls how your body reacts to stress. If your spine is out of alignment, it can block nerve signals, keeping your body stuck in “fight or flight” mode. Chiropractic treatments remove these blockages so signals flow smoothly. With less stress on your system, it’s easier for your body and mind to shift into a calmer state.

3 – Stimulates feel-good hormones

Chiropractic adjustments do more than ease pain. According to research, they may also trigger the release of chemicals that support calm and well-being.^4,5 This includes:

Endorphins – your body’s natural pain relievers that boost your mood
Oxytocin – the “love” hormone that promotes trust and relaxation
Neurotensin – a hormone that helps reduce pain caused by stress
Cortisol – balancing levels of this stress hormone can help your body feel calmer

The combo of these chemical shifts can potentially help both your body and mind relax.

4 – Lowers blood pressure

Anxiety and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. The good news? Some studies show that chiropractic adjustments, especially in the neck, can help bring it down. As blood pressure drops, the body relaxes. And when the body feels calmer, the mind often follows.

5 – Improves sleep

Good sleep is a must for your body and mind to recharge. Yet restful sleep is often a struggle for those with anxiety. You may be lying in bed totally exhausted, but your mind won’t stop racing. The more you try to relax, the more agitated you get, and the harder it is to fall asleep.

If this sounds familiar, chiropractic care may help. It eases muscle tension in your body and helps balance your nervous system. And when your body and mind relax, it’s much easier to drift off and stay asleep.

The best part? Chiropractic adjustments are natural, drug-free, and non-invasive. So unlike conventional treatments like medications, there’s no risk of adverse side effects.

Other Holistic Remedies for Anxiety Relief

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Chiropractic care can be a powerful tool for anxiety on its own. But when paired with other natural remedies, many find even greater relief. Here are a few that our holistic chiropractor often recommends:

Acupuncture. This ancient practice uses tiny needles to stimulate energy pathways in the body. According to research, it may help reduce stress and anxiety.^6,7 To learn more about the benefits of acupuncture, check out this article.
Massage therapy. Massage eases muscle tension and lowers stress hormones to foster relaxation. And as your body unwinds, it’s often easier to get your mind to slow down, too.
Lifestyle changes. Small daily choices add up. Exercise, quality sleep, hydration, and a nutritious diet can all help relieve stress and regulate your mood.
Relaxation techniques. Practices like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and vagus nerve exercises teach your brain and body to relax. Even a few minutes a day can help you shift out of a stress response.
Functional medicine. Gut infections, hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, and certain genetic mutations can all make people more prone to anxiety. Functional medicine helps uncover and correct any imbalances that may be contributing to anxiety.

Visit a Chiropractor for Anxiety Relief in Orland Park, IL

If anxiety is weighing you down and you’re looking for a natural, drug-free approach, chiropractic care in Orland Park, IL may help. At Anchored in Health, we use gentle chiropractic techniques to support your brain and body.

Because when your spine is in proper alignment, everything in your body works better, including your nervous system. Whether you live in Orland Park or the greater Chicago area, our team is here to help you find relief from stress and anxiety naturally.

Ready to experience how chiropractic care can support your mental and physical well-being? Here’s how to get started:

Contact us with questions.
Book your first chiropractic treatment here.
Get natural relief from anxiety with chiropractic care in Orland Park, IL.

Other Holistic Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL

At Anchored in Health, chiropractic care isn’t all we do. We provide a variety of services to support your health and well-being. This includes acupuncture, functional medicine, massage therapy, and the Shape ReClaimed program. In addition, we offer genetic testing, thermography, and Vibrant Wellness testing to get to the root of health concerns. Ready to take the next step to a calmer, healthier you? Reach out to us today.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Anchored In Health or any of its practitioners. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.

Chiropractic for Anxiety: 5 Amazing Ways It Can Help