By: Dr. Tod Williams

Most people when they think of chiropractic care, they may only think it can be helpful for issues like back pain and headaches. However, chiropractic care focuses on removing interference in the nervous system to allow our bodies to function and heal at its optimal ability. Now, first we have to understand the three types of stress on the nervous system that causes our body to have dis-ease; physical stress, chemical stress, and emotional stress.

Physical Stressors

-Major impacts to the body, such as car accidents, slips, or falls that impact the spine immediately.

-Repetitive daily motions that slowly change how our spine is shaped, such as looking down at a cell phone for extended periods of time or sitting at a desk with poor posture for work.

Chemical Stressors

-The food and drinks that we put in to our body or the air that breathe. Especially those living in areas that are susceptible to wild fires.

-The chemicals that we put on our body that are absorbed through our skin such as our shampoos, sunscreen, lotions, etc.

Emotional Stressors

-These come in many different forms for each person. The stress that comes with our work, family, school, and all other things that we deal with throughout the day can be very emotionally stressful.

Now, how does chiropractic care help stabilize our mood and help with anxiety? Chiropractic adjustments stimulate what we call “happy hormones”. These include cortisol, oxytocin, neurotensin, dopamine, and serotonin. These hormones working together are responsible for regulating our stress level.

Cortisol: It is responsible for assisting the body in dealing with stress.

Oxytocin: It is also known as the “love hormone” and is connected to the reliability, understanding others’ feelings, or creating/maintaining a connection.

Neurotensin: It modifies the discomfort caused by stress.

Dopamine: Plays a role in how we feel pleasure. It helps us strive, focus, and find interest in activities and topics.

Serotonin: It helps regulate mood, social behavior, appetite, digestion, sleep, and memory.