Balancing the Nervous System

With the holidays coming up we wanted to put a bigger emphasis on the care that chiropractic treatment can bring to our mental health, not just our physical. Chiropractic care is primarily associated with the physical benefits of alignments, where it provides pain relief and allows for more mobility in performing tasks from previous injury and general wear and tear. 

The holiday season is often filled with joy and celebration, bringing to life the saying, "happiness is in the air." However, for those dealing with mental health challenges or chronic pain, this time of year can be particularly difficult. Instead of feeling uplifted by the festive spirit, they may feel increasingly isolated, as they struggle to participate in the cheer happening around them. This sense of separation often heightens feelings of sadness, leading to what many refer to as "seasonal depression."

Looking more deeply at depression and anxiety, the body often remains in a heightened state of alert, with fight-or-flight responses regularly activated. This reaction is driven by the sympathetic nervous system, which, in response to external triggers, raises heart rate and blood pressure, increasing adrenaline to help the body brace for perceived danger (Alshak & Das, 2023).

With anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system is triggered even in non-threatening situations, causing the body to respond as if there’s real danger. This leads to a persistent sense of being on edge, which can occur in a variety of settings—social gatherings, school, work, housework, or sports, to name a few. When the sympathetic nervous system is over-activated, it can even lead to a "freeze" response, making it difficult to start or complete tasks and feel in control of daily life.

In depression, the sympathetic nervous system can remain stuck in a “freeze” state, where even basic tasks feel overwhelming. This prolonged freeze response often results from the overuse of the body’s fight-or-flight system, which, when activated too frequently, can lead to a sense of paralysis as a form of self-protection. For those dealing with depression, this can manifest as feeling immobilized—making even simple activities, like stepping outside or doing laundry, feel exhausting and insurmountable.

Chiropractic care can help counteract the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, to restore balance to the nervous system. This activation occurs during spinal adjustments, which help regulate the autonomic nervous system at a peripheral level, influencing its projections to the central nervous system. As noted by Kaini et al. (2020), “Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation regulate the autonomic nervous system and may activate the parasympathetic system to counterbalance the activity of the sympathetic system.” In essence, chiropractic care supports a harmonious balance between the two systems, calming an overactive sympathetic nervous system and reducing the effects of anxiety and depression on daily life.

At Sports and Family Care Clinic, we wish you all the best and are committed to providing the highest quality care to help you achieve optimal health. Whether you're dealing with back pain, anxiety, or any other challenge, our primary goal is to help you feel your best and support you in every way we can. Wishing you a wonderful winter and a joyful, healthy holiday season.

Written by: Sydney Burns, current psychology major at Southern New Hampshire University & SFCC Receptionist. Check out her profile here: https://sportsandfamilycareclinic.com/sydney-bio

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1  Alshak, M. N. & Das, J. M. (2023). Neuroanatomy Sympathetic Nervous System. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542195/ 

2  Chu, E. C. P. & Ng, M. (2018). Long-Term Relief from Tension-Type Headache and Major Depression Following Chiropractic Treatment. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30112321/

3  Kaini, A. K. Maltese, P. E. Dautaj, A. Paolacci, S. Kurti, D. Picotti, P. M. & Bertelli, M. (2020). Neurobiological Basis of Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment of the Spine in the Care of Major Depression. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33170171/ 

4  Liu, H. Sun, J. Meng, S. & Sun, N. (2024) Physiotherapy for Patients with Depression: Recent Research Progress. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38808078/