What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect over 40 million people in the United States. The cause of anxiety disorders is not fully understood, but it is believed that they are triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some common environmental triggers include stress, traumatic experiences, and transitions. Although there is no guaranteed cure for anxiety disorders, therapy, prescription medication, and natural treatments can all be used to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are characterized by a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, chest pain, shortness of breath, and diarrhea.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Anxiety
The relationship between the upper cervical spine and anxiety has been the subject of an enormous amount of research in recent years. Much of this research has focused on the connection between the upper cervical spine and the brainstem.
The brainstem is responsible for controlling the autonomic nervous system, which regulates many of the body's involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone production. When the upper cervical spine is out of alignment, the misaligned vertebrae can place pressure on the brainstem, causing inflammation and interfering with its ability to properly regulate major bodily functions. Left untreated, misalignment-induced dysfunction in the brainstem can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety disorders.
How Our Upper Cervical Spine Treatment for Anxiety Works
Dr. Gordon Elder, our in-house chiropractic specialist, is an expert practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This approach to chiropractic care focuses on the use of precise and gentle chiropractic adjustment techniques to reboot the body’s natural healing mechanisms and restore natural alignment to the upper cervical spine.
At our office, treating an anxiety disorder begins with a 25-30-minute consultation with Dr. Elder. During this time, Dr. Elder will discuss your symptoms and spinal health in a safe and comfortable space. If, at any time, you feel uncomfortable or need time or space alone, just let us know! To determine whether you are suffering from a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine, Dr. Elder will employ a range of diagnostic techniques, including physical exams and advanced 3-D imaging tools.
If the diagnostic process reveals a misalignment, Dr. Elder will perform a series of low-force, non-invasive adjustment techniques to correct the affected vertebrae. If you’re concerned about pain during the adjustment process, don’t worry — Dr. Elder will never use techniques that require painful cracking or twisting of the spine.
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for anxiety. For best results, we strongly encourage first-time patients to return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months) with Dr. Elder to monitor their symptoms and ensure their adjustment has set. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve long-lasting results.
If you’re tired of living with anxiety, we can help! Get in touch today to speak with Dr. Gordon Elder about your spinal health. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.