Chiropractic Care for Anxiety in Overland Park: How Spinal Alignment and Nutritional Support Work Together

A man seated in a neutral-toned room, showing visible signs of anxiety with a tense expression, furrowed brows, and slight eye bags. His body language, with hands clasped and shoulders slightly hunched, illustrates inner stress, capturing the need for anxiety relief. This image reflects a realistic portrayal of anxiety symptoms as addressed through chiropractic care in Overland Park.

Chiropractic Care for Anxiety

At Dopps Chiropractic in Overland Park, we recognize that anxiety is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including spinal health, nervous system balance, and nutrition. Our approach to chiropractic care for anxiety goes beyond traditional methods by addressing spinal misalignments that impact the nervous system’s ability to regulate stress. Coupled with a targeted nutritional protocol, we offer a holistic approach to help manage anxiety symptoms and improve overall well-being. Here’s how chiropractic adjustments and nutritional support can work together effectively to alleviate anxiety.

1. The Nervous System’s Role in Anxiety: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Balance

Anxiety is closely linked to the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the nervous system:

• Understanding Nervous System Dynamics: The sympathetic nervous system (spanning T1-L2 vertebrae) is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for stress. Conversely, the parasympathetic system (regulated by cranial and sacral nerves) promotes "rest and digest" functions, calming the body. In a healthy system, these two branches work in harmony, but chronic sympathetic overactivity can lead to persistent anxiety.

  
  

• Impact of Upper Cervical Misalignments: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can interfere with the brainstem’s communication with the body, over-activating the sympathetic nervous system. This state of chronic stress prevents the parasympathetic system from functioning fully, leaving the body in a constant “fight or flight” state and fueling anxiety.

  
  

• Chiropractic Care for Nervous System Balance: At Dopps Chiropractic, upper cervical adjustments aim to restore proper alignment, enabling the parasympathetic system to function optimally. By rebalancing the two systems, chiropractic care helps reduce stress hormones, promote relaxation, and offer a more comprehensive approach to managing anxiety than symptom-focused treatments alone.

2. How Chiropractic Adjustments in the Upper Cervical Spine Help Reduce Anxiety

Targeted adjustments to the upper cervical spine provide effective relief by addressing structural misalignments and supporting nervous system health:

• Addressing Spinal Subluxations and Their Effects: Subluxations, or misalignments, in the upper cervical spine place pressure on the brainstem and surrounding nerves. This not only triggers physical pain but also stimulates an exaggerated stress response, making it challenging for the body to achieve a relaxed state. Chiropractic adjustments relieve these subluxations, reducing nerve compression and stress responses.

  
  

• Reducing the “Fight or Flight” Response: By realigning the upper cervical spine, chiropractic care reduces involuntary “fight or flight” reactions, thus diminishing symptoms of chronic anxiety. With a properly aligned spine, the nervous system can function without interference, allowing patients to experience a natural sense of calm and mental clarity.

  
  

• Achieving Consistent Relief: Unlike temporary symptom relief from medications, chiropractic adjustments address the structural issues contributing to anxiety, offering a long-term solution. With consistent care, many patients report reduced anxiety, improved sleep quality, and enhanced mental resilience.

3. Nutritional Protocol for Anxiety Support at Dopps Chiropractic

Our Anxiety Support Protocol provides targeted nutrients and supplements that address the biochemical factors that can intensify anxiety. When combined with chiropractic adjustments, this protocol offers a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety.

Primary Supplements for Neurotransmitter and Inflammatory Balance

• NeuroCalm™: Formulated with GABA and L-theanine, NeuroCalm™ helps balance neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting calm without drowsiness. These compounds interact with GABA receptors, responsible for reducing excitatory activity and encouraging relaxation.

  
  

• CannabOmega™: This supplement combines omega-3s with phytocannabinoids to reduce inflammation and stabilize mood. Omega-3s are essential for brain cell health, while phytocannabinoids balance neurotransmitter release for enhanced mood stability.

  
  

• PharmaGABA®: A natural form of GABA that reduces neural excitability, decreasing the body’s stress response and helping relieve anxiety. Unlike synthetic forms, PharmaGABA® is better absorbed and utilized by the body.

  
  

• Magnesium Glycinate Powder: Magnesium is vital for neurotransmitter regulation, especially serotonin and GABA. Magnesium glycinate is a highly absorbable form that minimizes digestive upset and supports muscle relaxation, easing both mental and physical tension linked to anxiety.

  
  

Dietary Recommendations to Enhance Supplementation

• Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and ginger help counteract inflammation, which can worsen anxiety symptoms. Anti-inflammatory diets promote brain function and mental clarity.

  
  

• Magnesium and Zinc Sources: Foods high in magnesium (e.g., leafy greens, nuts) and zinc (e.g., shellfish, pumpkin seeds) support neurotransmitter synthesis, essential for mood stability.

  
  

• Probiotic-Rich Foods for Gut Health: Including fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi supports gut health, which is linked to mental health. A balanced microbiome enhances serotonin production, a key factor in regulating mood.

  
  

4. Lifestyle Modifications for Anxiety Management

Supporting chiropractic and nutritional care with lifestyle changes can further relieve anxiety symptoms:

• Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic system to promote relaxation. Practicing this regularly enhances chiropractic care, helping patients maintain calm between sessions.

  
  

• Mindfulness and Meditation Practices: Integrating mindfulness and meditation into daily routines retrains the brain’s response to stress. Mindfulness increases awareness of thought patterns, reducing habitual reactions that fuel anxiety.

  
  

• Physical Activity and Its Role in Anxiety Relief: Exercise is well-known for its positive impact on mood. Activities like walking, and strength training release endorphins, counteracting stress hormones and supporting a balanced nervous system.

5. Diagnostic Testing with the DUTCH Test for Personalized Anxiety Care

DUTCH Testing (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) provides valuable insights for personalized anxiety management, assessing adrenal hormone levels, nutrient status, and overall biochemical balance.

• Comprehensive Hormone Profile: The DUTCH test analyzes adrenal hormones like cortisol and DHEA, as well as sex hormones. Imbalances, particularly elevated cortisol, can significantly contribute to anxiety. Understanding these patterns allows for more precise care.

  
  

• Identifying Nutrient Deficiencies: DUTCH testing also reveals deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D, all of which play key roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and nervous system balance. Addressing these deficiencies enhances the effectiveness of both chiropractic and nutritional interventions.

  
  

• Tailoring the Approach: Using DUTCH test insights, Dr. Dopps tailors the anxiety support protocol to address specific imbalances, optimizing the benefits of both chiropractic care and nutritional support.

  
  

6. Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Benefits of Combining Chiropractic Care and Nutritional Protocols

A comprehensive approach that includes chiropractic care, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle changes provides lasting anxiety relief and supports overall health:

• Achieving a Balanced Nervous System: By reducing spinal subluxations, chiropractic adjustments support a more effective parasympathetic response, creating a foundation for reduced anxiety and improved stress resilience.

  
  

• Improved Neurotransmitter Function and Mood Stability: Nutritional support enhances neurotransmitter balance, resulting in consistent mood stability and reduced anxiety symptoms.

  
  

• Enhanced Overall Health and Wellness: This integrated approach not only relieves anxiety but also supports immune function, cognitive performance, and physical energy, contributing to a higher quality of life.

  
  

Conclusion

For those seeking a holistic approach to anxiety management, chiropractic care for anxiety in Overland Park provides an effective solution by addressing the root causes of anxiety. At Dopps Chiropractic, we combine spinal adjustments with a personalized nutritional protocol and the insights provided by DUTCH testing, offering comprehensive, lasting relief from anxiety symptoms.

Schedule a consultation with Dopps Chiropractic Overland Park to begin your journey toward a balanced nervous system and a more resilient, calm state of mind. And for ongoing health insights, subscribe to our blog and tune into our podcast, where we share holistic solutions and the latest in chiropractic and wellness care.