Maggie Martin
We’ve all been in the fight or flight mode at some point; the human body automatically responds to what it perceives as imminent danger by increasing the heart rate and flooding the body with chemicals that prepare the body to perform. This response is helpful in times of crisis; however, for some people, this is a chronic condition. Rapid or irregular heartbeat, panic attacks, shortness of breath, and chest pain are the most common symptoms of anxiety, although chronic anxiety can produce other symptoms as well. This condition places much wear and tear on the body and can lead to serious health problems if it continues for long periods of time.
When people with chronic anxiety go the doctor, the doctor will usually perform a physical exam and run a variety of blood tests to see if there is a physical cause for the anxiety symptoms. If no physical cause is apparent, most doctors will prescribe an anti-depressant or a drug in the benzodiazepine class.
Unfortunately, some nutrient deficiencies or physical problems will not show up in these tests. One source of help that some people may not consider is their local chiropractor and/or nutritionist. If there are problems with the spine, the spinal cord is not able to relay messages properly to the rest of the body. Medical News Today describes a study that appears in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR jvsr.com), in which a 19-year-old female had been suffering from General Anxiety Disorder for two years. After four months of chiropractic care, the patient reported an 80% reduction in anxiety and a 90% reduction of headaches. Dr. Madeline Behrendt, co-author of the study and Associate Editor of JVSR, states, “A simple, non-invasive spinal screening ultimately provided the findings that made the difference: her spine was subluxated, impinging on nerves, and altering the proper function of her nervous system” (medicalnewstoday.com).
If there are nutritional deficiencies or other problems in the body, some chiropractors or nutritionists may be able to pin-point these problems and suggest whole-food supplements that will feed the deficiencies or provide support for the body functions that handle stress. For example, one common test chiropractors may perform is the Ragland test. The blood pressure is taken while the person is lying down and then again as the person stands. The adrenal gland is functioning properly if her blood pressure rises a few points when she stands. If her blood pressure falls when she stands, that is a sign that her adrenal gland is not functioning properly. Whole food supplements can provide support for the adrenal gland.
It makes sense to treat the deficiencies or problems in the body rather than medicate the symptoms. Before hastily using anti-depressants or benzodiazepines to treat their anxiety symptoms, people should consult their local chiropractor and/or nutritionist. The relief may not come as quickly as with a pill, but over time, the body will heal and strengthen.
Maggie Martin has been visiting a chiropractor for more than fifteen years. She and her family have made it a routine to book a chiropractor visit once every two months at Markham Chiropractic Centre and it has helped them greatly. Follow on Twitter @MaggieBiosource