Drs. Michael Shwartzstein and Robyn Croutch bring over 45 years of experience to their chiropractic practice, focusing on holistic care for brain and body health. Inspired by a close friend’s son with ADHD, they integrated BrainCore Neurofeedback, achieving life-changing results for patients with autism, anxiety, and attention challenges. Dr. Croutch holds Dr. Amen’s Brain Health Professional Certification, and they also use thermography for early health detection. Together, they provide compassionate, comprehensive care for whole-body wellness.

Mental health is a deeply personal and incredibly important part of our overall well-being. If you’ve been exploring natural ways to support your anxiety or depression, there’s a chance you’ve heard whispers about chiropractic care—and for good reason. While it’s traditionally associated with back pain or musculoskeletal issues, chiropractic care may also have broader effects on mental health. Curious? Let’s unpack this holistic approach to wellness together.

The Gut-Brain-Body Connection

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how chiropractic adjustments can ease anxiety or depression, it’s important to recognize that our bodies are deeply interconnected. The health of our spine and nervous system has a ripple effect on just about everything—our sleep, digestion, mood, and even how we process stress.

Think of your spine as the superhighway for your nervous system. It’s a core communication hub for your entire body. When the spine is out of alignment (what chiropractors call “subluxations”), it can disrupt the signals between your brain and body. This disruption can lead to physical tension, emotional stress, and yes, even a worsening of anxiety or depressive symptoms.

How Chiropractic Adjustments May Help Mental Health

1. Lowering Physical Stress Can Ease Emotional Stress

When your body is tense, it’s hard for your mind to relax. Many of us hold physical stress without even realizing it—tight shoulders, a stiff neck, or a clenched jaw might just feel “normal” during overwhelming days. Chiropractic adjustments can help release this physical tension, restoring balance to your body. Think of it as hitting a reset button, allowing your nervous system to calm itself.

2. Boosting the “Feel-Good” Hormones

There is early evidence suggesting that chiropractic care might impact the production of certain hormones, including cortisol (a stress hormone), oxytocin (the “feel-good” bonding hormone), and serotonin (which stabilizes mood). While more research is needed, many patients report feeling calmer and more grounded after an adjustment. Coincidence? Maybe not.

3. Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep and mental health go hand-in-hand, and here’s the kicker—spinal misalignments can sometimes interfere with how well you sleep. Subluxations may irritate nerves and muscles, making it harder for your body to fully relax and slip into restorative sleep. Regular adjustments can help your body fall more easily into that deep, dreamy, soul-healing slumber. And with better sleep often comes reduced anxiety and a lighter mood.

4. Reducing Fight-or-Flight Responses

If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, you’re likely familiar with the “fight-or-flight” response. Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve nervous system function, which can shift the body out of this constant “on-edge” mode into a more regulated, restful state.

The Mind-Body Connection in Action

One of the most empowering aspects of chiropractic care is how it taps into the mind-body connection. By caring for your physical self, you’re also sending a message to your brain—”Hey, we’re prioritizing health and healing.” That one small shift can change the narrative of your mental health. Over time, it can lead to a domino effect of positive habits, from being more open to meditation or yoga to fostering the energy needed for healthy relationships and routines.

What Real Patients Are Saying

Anecdotal evidence from patients is promising:

• “After my chiropractic sessions, I feel like a weight has been lifted—both physically and emotionally.”
• “I get fewer panic attacks since I started chiropractic care. I don’t know exactly how it works, but I’ll take it!”
• “The physical tension I carried for years is gone, and my anxiety is finally starting to improve. It feels amazing to breathe deeply again.”

While these stories are inspiring, it’s worth noting that chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a complementary therapy that works best alongside other mental health treatments, such as therapy, exercise, nutrition, or mindfulness practices.

How To Get Started with Chiropractic Care for Mental Health

If you’re intrigued by chiropractic care as a part of your mental health routine, here’s how to begin:

1. Research Holistic Chiropractors – Look for a chiropractor who understands the body-mind connection and incorporates a whole-person approach to their practice.
2. Discuss Your Goals – When booking your appointment, share specifics about your mental health goals (e.g., calming anxiety, improving sleep, reducing physical tension).
3. Be Patient – Like any wellness practice, chiropractic care works best with consistency. It may take several sessions to notice a profound difference.
4. Combine It with Other Treatments – For lasting mental health benefits, chiropractic care shines brightest when paired with mental health therapy, meditation, or other self-care practices you love.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to anxiety and depression, there isn’t a single magic solution—but there is hope, and there are tools to make your wellness pathway less bumpy. Chiropractic care may not cure mental health disorders directly, but its potential to reduce physical stress and support nervous system balance makes it a fascinating addition to your self-care toolbox.

If balancing your mental and physical health with a natural, empowering approach resonates with you, why not give chiropractic care a try? After all, your wellness deserves all the nurturing it can get.

Empower yourself. Heal deeply. Thrive holistically.