By Dr. Gina Marino

Many people of all ages experience depression and/or anxiety, whether on an occasional, frequent or consistent basis. These symptoms may be transient, only occurring at a particular stage in life, or they may represent a specific condition such as a depressive disorder or a panic disorder.

Panic disorders are marked by episodes of intense anxiety and overwhelming fear, known as panic attacks. During a panic attack, individuals may experience symptoms such as a pounding or racing heart, breathing difficulties, dizziness, weakness, chills, and nausea. They may also feel a loss of control and a sense of impending doom.

Chiropractic care has a distinct and specific role to play in the management of panic attacks. Spinal biomechanical dysfunction and spinal nerve irritation may be implicated in the causation of panic attacks, as such dysfunction and irritation can heighten physiological stress and contribute to triggering feelings of anxiety. In other words, if your body is already on high-alert status owing to internal biomechanical stress and neurophysiological irritation, then emotional and/or environmental triggers can more easily shift your adaptive responses into panic mode.

Regular chiropractic care helps prevent detrimental, cascading effects by detecting, analyzing and correcting sources of spinal biomechanical dysfunction and spinal nerve irritation. By reducing baseline levels of internal physiological stress and restoring improved function throughout the body, regular chiropractic care aids in mediating the response to anxiety-provoking situations. It also helps alleviate muscular tension and pain, improving the functioning of the cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal, immune and hormonal systems. Consistent chiropractic care supports higher levels of health and well-being while reducing the overall frequency and severity of panic attacks.

Engaging in healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a nutritious diet and participating in regular vigorous exercise, enhances the benefits of chiropractic care in improving overall health. Consuming nutritious foods daily enables the body to function optimally by building strong cells and tissues while helping to eliminate toxins accumulated through metabolic processes. Routine high-intensity exercise, such as 30 minutes a day of walking, running, cycling, swimming or weight training, five days a week, further supports this process. These healthy habits work together to boost energy levels, promote restful sleep, and foster a positive mental attitude. Additionally, as the body and mind begin to work in harmony, unexpected benefits may emerge. Overall, combining healthy lifestyle activities with regular chiropractic care optimizes bodily function and reduces the impact of internal and external stressors that can contribute to anxiety.