Holistic and Chiropractic Care for Mental Health

Though it’s been dismissed and stigmatized for much of our history, mental health is incredibly important—just as important as physical health, in fact. After all, how can the body function at maximum effectiveness if the brain—and all of the psychological factors that go along with it—has been neglected?

Just under 10 percent of American adults are now living with a mood disorder, including anxiety or depression. Typically, these common conditions are treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. But the causes of mood disorders are unique to the individual, and often complex. At PMR, we believe in individualized, holistic approaches to health—and mental health is no different.

Beyond Medication

Antidepressants and other psychiatric medications are often the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety. Though these medications can be effective, they carry many of the same problems as medications for physical illnesses and ailments. Namely, they tend to treat the symptoms of the disorder, rather than the underlying causes. In addition, they often cause side effects, and can even lose their effectiveness over time.

Chiropractic Approaches

In a holistic approach to mental health, diagnosis is especially important, because it typically reveals the underlying causes of a mental health issue. Depending on those causes, chiropractic treatment may help.

In fact, studies have proven the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation in treating both anxiety and depression. Spinal alignment can reduce muscle tension and stress, leading to improvements in mood. Also, depression is often caused at least in part by chronic pain, which chiropractic care can reduce or eliminate.

Other Considerations

At PMR, we believe that holistic care should also be comprehensive—involving as many modalities as necessary—and that applies to mental health, too.

For example, our certified nutritionists and registered dietitians may recommend dietary changes that can help to improve mood and overall well-being, while our physical therapists may suggest an exercise regimen tailored to mental health treatment. Among other modalities, acupuncture and massage therapy may also help by reducing stress and improving mental clarity.

To learn more about holistic, comprehensive approaches to health—both mental and physical—contact us at PMR today!