What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It is a feeling of unease that can be mild or severe. Anxiety is a normal response to stress and can be beneficial in some situations, as it can help you stay alert and focused, motivate you to solve problems, and keep you safe. However, if you experience anxiety that is chronic, excessive, or out of proportion to the situation, it can interfere with your daily life and may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause excessive anxiety and worry. These disorders can cause physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, as well as emotional symptoms, such as feelings of panic, fear, and unease. Some common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
The signs and symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include constant worrying or feeling anxious most of the time, restlessness or feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing, and stomach problems (such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation).
It's worth noting that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and some people may experience only a few of these symptoms while others may experience many. If you are experiencing anxiety that is severe, chronic, or interferes with your daily life, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Anxiety
Despite major research advances, the relationship between the upper cervical spine and anxiety is still not well understood. One theory is that misalignment or dysfunction of the upper cervical spine may disrupt the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid to the brain, leading to changes in brain function and possibly contributing to the development of anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Additionally, the upper cervical spine is closely connected to the function of the brainstem and nervous system. A vertebral misalignment in this region of the spine could place pressure on the brainstem or nearby nerves, leading to changes in the function of the autonomic nervous system. This, in turn, could cause the onset of the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as a rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing.
How Our Upper Cervical Spinal Treatment for Anxiety Works
At Upper Spine Knoxville, our treatment for anxiety is premised on the understanding that the upper cervical spine is closely connected to the central nervous system and can influence the way we experience and respond to emotions.
Prior to treatment, our upper cervical specialist, Dr. Bejian Shamloo, will use advanced 3D imaging and infrared thermography to identify misalignments in the upper cervical spine that may be contributing to your anxiety disorder. If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Shamloo will perform a series of gentle and precise adjustments to restore proper alignment to the upper cervical spine, removing pressure on the brainstem and allowing your body to regain its natural ability to heal and manage anxiety.
If anxiety is stopping you from living the life you want to live, Dr. Shamloo services patients with upper cervical chiropractic treatments across Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.