The benefits of consistently seeing a chiropractor go far beyond the physical aspects for both adults and children. Indeed, the mental health benefits of excellent chiropractic care extends to mental health as well. In this post, we’ll discuss the possible benefits of easing anxiety or aiding in other behavioral issues in children.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits are Intertwined

The way our bodies work on a physical level deeply impacts the way our bodies work on a mental level. When there are subluxations (a point where joints are not aligned correctly) in the spine, nerves cannot connect where they are supposed to and signals from the brain to different parts of the body are inhibited. Why does this matter for mental health? Because if the brain senses danger, it cannot properly emit the signals to help the body process that danger, which can lead to intense anxiety and possible behavioral issues.

By working to heal those subluxations through consistent adjustments, exercises, and sometimes natural vitamins and minerals, we are opening up the avenues of communication the body needs to work properly.

Restoring Balance in Kids

Kids are constantly in motion, which is a very good thing but it also allows for ample opportunity for subluxations to occur. This is normal yet most parents do not understand how this affects their child’s everyday life on a deeper level of mental health.

Coping mechanisms

Kids often do not have advanced coping mechanisms to handle the stresses they face. By making sure their smaller bodies are in alignment, it helps to restore order to their nervous systems, helping them to handle stress a bit better.

Behavioral issues

As us adults know, stress and tension can adversely affect how we behave. The same goes for children. Chiropractic adjustments tailored to the exact needs of your kids can help restore that balance they need to help relieve stress by removing subluxations blocking communication channels from the brain to the nerves. One study in 2019 of a patient with Asperger’s Syndrome found that after two months of consistent Gonstead chiropractic adjustments, his “musculoskeletal symptoms improved as did his behavioral challenges as measured by the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist for parents and quality of life as measured by the PROMIS-25 parent proxy measure.”¹

Sleeping

Everyone wants to sleep better! In children, anxiety can take that away from them, which then can lead to behavioral issues because of overtiredness and lack of proper rest. Sleeping is one of the biggest complaints my patients have, both in children and in adults, and it is also one of the biggest success stories at our practice due to consistent chiropractic care focusing on proper adjustments, stretching, and correction of bad habits.

A study done on a two-year-old little girl who had sleep disordered breathing and medically diagnosed hypertrophy of her adenoids and tonsils. She was recommended for surgery but before that, began chiropractic care after a subluxation was found in the atlas and right ilium. Her treatment lasted for 12 weeks and she saw her chiropractor for 15 visits. Afterwards, in a follow-up visit with her pediatrician, “[T]here was no evidence of hypertrophy of adenoids/tonsils surgical intervention was not indicated.”²

Taking the next step

We are not claiming chiropractic care will magically take away your child’s anxiety but we have seen enough success stories to understand that, in many cases, this drug-free, natural approach is an excellent place to start. Give us a call at (864) 631-1420 and let’s see how we can help your child.

¹ Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ April 8, 2019 ~ Pages 28-35
² Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ August 14, 2019 ~ Pages 95-99