Chiropractic adjustments involve a chiropractor applying a controlled, rapid force to a spinal joint to restore mobility and improve neurological function. While this intervention typically leads to pain relief and relaxation, the sudden physical stimulus can sometimes result in an unexpected physiological response. This article explores the nuanced relationship between chiropractic adjustments and the experience of anxiety.
Is Anxiety a Common Reaction to Adjustments?
Anxiety following a chiropractic adjustment is rare, especially compared to the anxiety reduction many patients report. Spinal adjustments generally help reduce symptoms of psychological stress by regulating the nervous system. However, some individuals may experience a temporary increase in heart rate or feelings of unease immediately following the procedure. This brief reaction is often a physiological byproduct of the body rapidly shifting its internal state, and should be distinguished from a sustained anxiety disorder.
The Sympathetic Nervous System Response
The core of the connection lies in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is divided into the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branches. Adjustments aim to shift the ANS toward a parasympathetic-dominant state, promoting calm and lowering stress hormones like cortisol.
The Physical Trigger
However, the acute, high-velocity nature of the spinal manipulation acts as a sudden sensory input to the central nervous system. For a brief moment, the brain may interpret this rapid stimulus as a physical stressor, causing a momentary surge of adrenaline or sympathetic activation. This sudden activation, though temporary, can mimic the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or shallow breathing. This is especially true for people whose nervous systems are already hypersensitive. The stimulation of surrounding spinal nerves can trigger this short-lived physiological alarm before the body settles into the intended relaxed state.
Factors Beyond the Physical Adjustment
Many feelings of anxiety experienced during a chiropractic session are caused by external or psychological triggers, not a neurological misfire. The sudden, loud popping noise (cavitation) can be startling to an unprepared patient. Also, the physical vulnerability of certain adjustment positions, such as lying face-down, can feel unsettling. This feeling of losing control, even momentarily, can activate the emotional centers of the brain.
The clinical environment itself can also contribute to a patient’s nervousness. An unfamiliar setting, the smell of disinfectants, or a rushed provider can compound existing apprehension. For individuals with a history of trauma, the act of being physically touched or positioned can unconsciously trigger hypervigilance. These non-physiological factors create a psychological context that increases susceptibility to an anxious reaction.
Communicating and Mitigating Pre- and Post-Adjustment Anxiety
Patients can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of experiencing anxiety during their treatment. Open communication with the chiropractor is essential, including disclosing any history of anxiety disorders or sensitivity to sudden noises or movements. This information allows the provider to modify the treatment approach and manage expectations.
The chiropractor can employ several mitigation strategies:
- Using lower-force techniques, such as instrument-assisted adjustments or gentle mobilization, to correct spinal mechanics without a high-velocity thrust.
- Encouraging conscious breathing techniques, like slow, deep diaphragmatic breaths, during the adjustment to engage the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Suggesting simple grounding techniques following the session, such as quiet sitting or a brief walk, to help the nervous system integrate the benefits.