We ❤️ Chiropractic! 

Written By Orange County Chiropractic .

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, pain, and inflammation are common struggles that can take a toll on overall health. Many people are looking for less invasive solutions to relieve tension, improve circulation, and decrease pain without relying on medication. Chiropractic care and manual therapy provide a holistic approach by supporting the body’s ability to heal itself. Through gentle adjustments and hands-on techniques, chiropractic care helps reduce stress, decrease muscle tension, and improve joint mobility. Read on in this blog to find out the specifics of how care at Orange County Chiropractic can help. 

Chiropractic care is a natural way to relieve stress and lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. High cortisol levels can contribute to anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep, and muscle tension. Research shows that chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy help regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation (Thibaut et al., 2023). When the body experiences prolonged stress, it can trigger excessive cortisol production, making it harder to relax. Chiropractic care helps ease this tension by manipulating the musculo-skeletal system, allowing the body and joints to move more freely. 

Studies also show that hands-on therapies, like chiropractic adjustments, can significantly improve mood and overall well-being (Taşkaya et al., 2024). Many patients feel calmer and more refreshed after an adjustment because it aids in the proper motion of joints and decreases pain. When in pain the body is tipped in the direction of distress causing anxiety and fatigue. Another study found that manual therapy methods, including chiropractic care, consistently help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality (West & Huzij, 2024). 

Manual therapy has been shown to enhance blood flow, promoting better circulation and overall tissue health. Increased blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles while aiding in the removal of metabolic waste. Matsuda et al. (2022) evaluated skeletal muscle blood flow during manipulative therapy using diffuse correlation spectroscopy and found that manual therapy significantly increased local circulation. This improved perfusion can help reduce muscle tension, promote healing, and enhance overall function. When muscles experience restricted blood flow due to stress, poor posture, or injury, they can become tight and fatigued, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Manual therapy techniques, such as chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue mobilization, help stimulate blood vessels and improve vascular function, leading to better muscle recovery and relaxation. Regular chiropractic care and manual therapy may support optimal circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting long-term musculoskeletal health.

Chiropractic care and manual therapy can help lower inflammation, which is often a major cause of pain and stiffness. Inflammation happens when the body reacts to injury, stress, or chronic conditions, leading to swelling and discomfort. Research shows that spinal adjustments and hands-on therapy can help calm this response by reducing certain chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation.

A study by Teodorczyk-Injeyan et al. (2006) found that chiropractic adjustments lower levels of inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which play a role in pain and swelling. Similarly, Roy et al. (2010) discovered that chiropractic treatments help people with chronic back pain by reducing their body's inflammatory response over time. Another study by Liu et al. (2024) showed that manual therapy helps clear out excess immune cells, which can speed up the healing process. By improving circulation and easing tension, chiropractic care supports the body’s natural ability to heal, making it a great option for managing pain and inflammation. 

We love chiropractic care because it is more than just a solution for back pain—it’s a natural way to support overall health and well-being. By reducing stress, lowering cortisol levels, and improving circulation, chiropractic adjustments help the body function at its best.  If you’re struggling with chronic pain or stiffness, chiropractic adjustments may provide relief. Contact our office today to learn how we can help!

  • Thibaut, D., Santarlas, V., Hoppes, J., Vásquez-Castillo, A., Morrow, A., Oviedo, E., & Toldi, J. (2023). Osteopathic Manipulation as a Method of Cortisol Modification: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 15(3), e36854. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36854

  • Taşkaya, B., Taşkent, İ., Çakıllı, M., & Yılmaz, Ö. (2024). The Effect of Manual Therapy on Psychological Factors and Quality of Life in Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients: A Single Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. International journal of environmental research and public health, 21(9), 1234. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091234

  • West, K. L., & Huzij, T. (2024). A systematic review of manual therapy modalities and anxiety. Journal of osteopathic medicine, 124(11), 487–497. https://doi.org/10.1515/jom-2024-0001

  • Matsuda, Y., Nakabayashi, M., Suzuki, T., Zhang, S., Ichinose, M., & Ono, Y. (2022). Evaluation of Local Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow in Manipulative Therapy by Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 9, 800051. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.800051

  • Teodorczyk-Injeyan, J. A., Injeyan, H. S., & Ruegg, R. (2006). Spinal manipulative therapy reduces inflammatory cytokines but not substance P production in normal subjects. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 29(1), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.10.002

  • Roy, R. A., Boucher, J. P., & Comtois, A. S. (2010). Inflammatory response following a short-term course of chiropractic treatment in subjects with and without chronic low back pain. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 9(3), 107–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2010.06.002

  • Liu, H., Yuan, S., Zheng, K., Liu, G., Li, J., Ye, B., Wang, Y., Yin, L., & Li, Y. (2024). Manual Therapy Exerts Local Anti-Inflammatory Effects Through Neutrophil Clearance. Journal of immunology research, 2024, 5556042. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5556042

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