Let’s face it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cracking your back. The sense of release can take the tension out of our shoulders. So, it’s no surprise that many swear by their chiropractors, not just for relieving pain and tension but for better mental health and quality of life.
This raises the question of whether chiropractic care can actually improve our mental health. Can seeing a chiropractor help with problems like depression and anxiety? Let’s look at what the science says about the benefits of chiropractic treatment for mental health as part of a holistic treatment program.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on the connection between the spine and nervous system and how this affects our entire body and mind. The basic idea is that the body can heal when the spine is properly aligned because it lets the nervous system work without interference.
Chiropractors use techniques like spinal adjustments to correct small misalignments in the spine, called vertebral subluxations. When our spine and joints are misaligned, they physically affect the 31 pairs of spinal nerves branching off from them. By realigning the spine, they address pain, movement issues, and even our mental health[1].
It’s a fairly simple principle. When everything is properly aligned (with that deeply gratifying “crack”), the aim is to take the pressure off the nerves. This should also help postures, and since the nervous system can work properly, it should help the body heal itself better.
People tend to go to chiropractors for reasons like back pain, neck pain, and headaches, but the benefit of seeing a chiropractor may extend beyond physical problems. Remember, the body and mind are connected, and what affects one affects the other. If you feel physically better, you tend to feel mentally better.
Now, not everyone in the scientific community agrees about chiropractic care. It’s a bit of a hot topic. Even so, a lot of interesting research, such as an article in the Journal of Surgery, Operative Techniques and Anesthesia, suggests that properly aligning the spine is good for you. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally.
Remember, chiropractic treatments should always be gentle and tailored to each person’s needs. Beyond physical care, chiropractors usually try a holistic approach to healing, including nutrition, movement, and therapy[1][2].
The Connection Between Chiropractic Care and Mental Health
Firstly, physical and mental health are not two different things. They are so closely connected that it is nearly impossible to have one without the other. We can see this mind-body connection in something as simple as how we may get a headache from stress. This is why, by supporting our physical body, a good chiropractor can also support our emotional well-being.
The simple explanation is that spinal spinal misalignments can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls stress responses, heart rate, and mood.
Specifically, this concerns the vagus nerve that runs from the organs. In polyvagal theory, the vagus nerve is key to the autonomic nervous system, or involuntary functions like digesting food or controlling heart rate. The vagus nerve can also be protective, activating our fight-or-flight reactions during times of distress.
The autonomic two branches. The sympathetic nervous system essentially dumps adrenaline and cortisol into our system to help us survive, and the parasympathetic nervous system is there to help us calm down and go into a “rest and digest state” to refuel.
When we struggle with our mental health, our sympathetic nervous system basically can get stuck in overdrive, leaving us in a constant state of stress. This is very bad for both our minds and bodies.
So, How Does Seeing a Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractic adjustments may help calm the nervous system by improving parasympathetic activity and helping the vagus nerve function more effectively[1][2].
For one thing, it often improves heart rate variability (HRV), which shows how well the body handles stress. A stable heart rate means a calmer mind. A calmer mind means better emotional stability.
There is another key factor in why it helps us. Many people turn to chiropractors for chronic pain. Dealing with pain on a daily basis is a massive component behind challenges like anxiety and depression. So, it stands to reason that when patients get some natural pain relief from a chiropractor, they also feel better mentally.
In one case study, a patient with tension headaches and major depression reported lasting relief from both conditions after six months of chiropractic treatment[3]. Ultimately, a better quality of life with less pain will always mean less trouble with our mental health.
Chiropractic Techniques for Mental Well-Being
There are a number of techniques a chiropractor may use that can also help your mental state. Let’s review some of them.
| Technique | Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Spinal Adjustments | Adjust the spine to correct misalignments. | Helps the nervous system work more efficiently, improving communication between the body and brain. This can ease stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to a more balanced emotional state and better mood regulation. |
| Massage Therapy | Use massage to ease muscle tension. | Helps you relax and feel better by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in the body that make you feel good. This can also take the edge off physical symptoms of stress like headaches and muscle stiffness, improving your overall mood. |
| Trigger Point Therapy | Focus on specific tight or painful areas in muscles. | Targeting these areas can ease physical discomfort and help clear up mental fog, making you feel more focused and clear-headed. |
| Mind-Body Techniques | Incorporate practices like deep breathing, guided relaxation, and mindfulness. | Helps you relax by tapping into your body’s natural response to stress. These techniques also work well with spinal adjustments to address both the body and mind. |
| Nutritional Counseling and Lifestyle Modifications | Offer advice on food and lifestyle choices. | A well-rounded approach that focuses on how what you eat and your daily habits can affect both your body and your mind. Making changes in these areas can help improve your mood and mental resilience. |
| Neuromuscular Rehabilitation | Work on relaxing tight muscles and improving spinal function. | It can help balance the nervous system and might stimulate areas in the body that help improve mood. This includes the release of neurotrophins like BDNF and NGF, which support mood and help manage depression. Studies suggest spinal manipulation can help improve psychological well-being. |
Mental Health Conditions That Chiropractic Care May Help Treat
Now that we’ve gone over some techniques a practitioner might use, let’s look at the different mental health problems that seeing a chiropractor can help.
| Mental Health Condition | Potential Benefits of Chiropractic Care |
|---|---|
| Depression | Chiropractic care may help balance the nervous system activity, allowing moods to stabilize. Patients show less depressive symptoms, especially with techniques like spinal manipulation and neuromuscular rehabilitation[1][2][3][4]. |
| Anxiety | Chiropractic adjustments can help stress and anxiety by addressing spinal misalignments that may affect the nervous system. It’s particularly effective when used with other therapies, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT[1][5][6]. |
| .ADHD and Autism | Some case studies suggest long-term chiropractic care may help, although evidence is mixed[1][9]. |
| PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) | Chiropractic care may help with hypervigilance and emotional instability by targeting the nervous system. Spinal adjustments may also promote relaxation and better sleep, which is crucial for PTSD recovery[5]. |
| Sleep Disorders | Chiropractic adjustments help regulate the nervous system, improving sleep quality by addressing pain or discomfort. Better sleep leads to better mental health, leading to emotional stability and improved cognitive function[1][3]. |
| Chronic Pain | Chiropractic care aims to reduce musculoskeletal pain, which can alleviate the psychological burden that often accompanies chronic pain.[2][3][5]. |
| Stress | Chiropractic care, particularly when combined with therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help reduce stress. Techniques like spinal manipulation and adjustments focus on balancing the nervous system, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, creating a calmer body and mind[6][7]. |
| Cognitive Decline | Chiropractic care may help prevent cognitive decline by addressing the physical effects of stress, such as elevated cortisol levels, and supporting nervous system health through spinal manipulation[7][8]. |
Integrating Chiropractic Care into Mental Health Treatment Plans
The important aspect of seeing a chiropractor is that, in the right hands, it’s a great way to complement other treatments for your mental health.
It starts with easing pain, reducing your stress, and lifting your mood. With less discomfort, it’s easier to address other aspects of your mental health, like therapy.
Chiropractic adjustments can also help you sleep better, addressing the musculoskeletal issues that might keep you awake. And as anyone who’s struggled with sleep knows, better rest can make a huge difference in how we feel emotionally and think during the day.
Your spine is a key part of how your nervous system functions. It can help your body and mind communicate more smoothly when aligned correctly. Chiropractic adjustments can bring that balance back.
On top of that, chiropractic care can help improve the vagal tone, or the measure of activity in your vagus nerve. The vagal tone plays a big role in how well we manage stress. This can support other treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), by making it easier to handle tough emotions.
Chiropractors don’t just focus on your spine; they often use mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help you feel more at ease. This creates a peaceful, calm state that supports mental health healing.
In short, seeing a chiropractor can help your mental health if you use it alongside therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness techniques. This makes it part of a complete and holistic approach to healing.
Choosing a Chiropractor for Mental Health Support
When going to a chiropractor for mental health purposes, it’s important to find the right one. Here is a list of points to consider when finding a practitioner.
- It’s not rude to ask to see qualifications. This means checking that they are licensed to practice in your country or state. Also, ask for their qualification, which should be a Master’s degree in Chiropractic. For mental health purposes, they get bonus points if they have any other certificates, especially anything related to mental health.
- Experience counts. The longer somebody has been practicing, the more likely they will be to have a stronger understanding of the mind-body connection. Also, look for any kind of specialization. Some specialize in mental health problems or chronic pain, and both can help.
- Ask for a consultation where you speak to them first. Take this time to assess their understanding of the connection between spinal and mental health and discuss your concerns and goals. They should also be able to offer a holistic treatment plan that goes beyond spinal adjustment to help problems like anxiety or depression.
- During your consultation, note how you feel about the clinic as well as the practitioner. Are the staff professional? Does the chiropractor take you seriously, and are they willing to discuss options? Is the clinic clean?
- If possible, speak to other patients for referrals, preferably those who have experienced similar issues. You can also go online and look at reviews of a chiropractor before committing.
Finally, beware of red flags. No chiropractor should guarantee results or promise to fix everything. A good practitioner is honest and realistic about what they can offer you. They should also be transparent about their methods, prices, and treatment plans.
Conclusion
Seeing a good and knowledgeable chiropractor can help you physically. But it goes beyond cracking your back. When you feel good in your body, you feel better in your mind. While a chiropractor on their own may not be a good substitute for therapy, they can definitely be part of an integrated, holistic plan for better mental health.
- Kent, C. (2018). Chiropractic and mental health: history and review of putative neurobiological mechanisms. Jou Neuro Psy An Brain Res: JNPB-103. https://kosmospublishers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Chiropractic-and-Mental-Health-History-and-Review-of-Putative-Neurobiological-Mechanisms.pdf
- Daniels, C. J., Anderson, D. R., & Cupler, Z. A. (2022). Coordination of Care Between Chiropractic and Behavioral Health Practitioners Within the US Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System: A Report of 3 Patients With Pain and Mental Health Symptoms. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370722000025
- Chu, E. P., & Ng, M. (2018). Long-term relief from tension-type headache and major depression following chiropractic treatment. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 7(3), 629. https://journals.lww.com/jfmpc/fulltext/2018/07030/long_term_relief_from_tension_type_headache_and.29.aspx
- Kiani, A. K., Maltese, P. E., Dautaj, A., Paolacci, S., Kurti, D., Picotti, P. M., & Bertelli, M. (2020). Neurobiological basis of chiropractic manipulative treatment of the spine in the care of major depression. Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 91(Suppl 13). https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/10536
- Cupler, Z. A., Daniels, C. J., Anderson, D. R., Anderson, M. T., Napuli, J. G., & Tritt, M. E. (2021). Suicide prevention, public health, and the chiropractic profession: a call to action. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 29(1). https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-021-00372-7
- Brockman, S. (2007). The role of chiropractic manipulation in promoting an individual’s perception of psychological well-being. Clinical Chiropractic, 10(1), 8-23.
- Williams, T. F. (2017). The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy and chiropractic care on stress reduction (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
- Innes, S. I. (2017). The relationship between levels of resilience and coping styles in chiropractic students and perceived levels of stress and well-being. Journal of Chiropractic Education, 31(1), 1-7.
- Karpouzis, F., Bonello, R., & Pollard, H. (2010). Chiropractic care for paediatric and adolescent Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A systematic review. Chiropractic & osteopathy, 18, 1-11.
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.
Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.
Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.
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Further Reading
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.