Maintaining Good Health Even When You're Busy

Decreasing Depression Symptoms With A Chiropractor

by Caitlin Obara

Most people who go to a chiropractor know the benefits. Regular chiropractic adjustments can reduce pain, help prevent injuries, and have a variety of other physical health benefits. One little known fact about going to a chiropractor is that they can also help with mental health and even improve the symptoms of depression.

Chronic Pain and Depression

Many people suffer from chronic pain. Signs of chronic pain include:

  • Extended periods of pain that should have subsided after an injury or illness.
  • Constant discomfort that can include being sore, stiff, and other pain.
  • Having an oversensitivity to pain or experiencing pain by stimuli that would not normally cause pain.

According to the ACA, also known as the American Chiropractic Association, those suffering from chronic pain are more likely to be depressed. In fact, if you suffer from chronic pain, you are 3-4 times more likely to have depression than those who do not suffer from chronic pain.

This makes logical sense because if you are in serious and constant pain with no hope of real relief, it will begin to take a serious toll on your mental health as well.

Chiropractors and Depression Relief

A chiropractor can be a great way to find the relief that is necessary to many types of chronic pain. Back pain, neck pain and even constant headaches can be relieved by regular visits to a chiropractor. Many people have been able to get over serious chronic pain through these chiropractic adjustments.

It stands to reason that if you are able to find relief from the chronic pain, that you will also find relief from depression symptoms as well. A study that was published by The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation showed that 70%  of those who were treated for chronic pain by a chiropractor showed some kind of improvement in their mental health and depression symptoms.

Continued Treatment

Although chronic pain may never fully subside, there are things that can be done to mitigate the pain and depression that result from it.

  • Stay active. Even though you may feel pain, do not let that stop you from doing the things you love. Of course you will want to consult your doctor and chiropractor to see if the activity will cause more harm.
  • Don't let the pain control your life. Try to focus on other things that make you happy such as family, friends, hobbies, and other things that you love. This will help to decrease the depression that is caused from the pain.
  • Learn to relax when the times is right. Through certain relaxation methods, you will learn to overcome and control your pain and depression symptoms. You chiropractor can help you to learn these stretching and relaxation methods. 

For more information, contact a chiropractor at a clinic like Hidden Valley Chiropractic.

Share