While we don’t have the same severe winter weather in West Palm Beach that other parts of the country experience when daylight savings ends, it can affect our overall health and mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically affects people during fall and winter months. It’s estimated that roughly 4 to 20% of the population suffers from seasonal affective disorder. If you dread the fall and winter months and have some of the below symptoms, SAD might be the reason. The symptoms of SAD include:
- Loss of interest in normal daily activities
- Loss of motivation
- Increased irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Change in sleep patterns
- Increased anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Increased stress
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Lethargy
- And more
Chiropractic Care for SAD
The above symptoms put added stress on your body, which just perpetuates the problem. Luckily, you can head off seasonal affective disorder with the help of chiropractic care. Chiropractors use various techniques to treat SAD, including spinal adjustments and also massage. If you thought a visit to the chiropractor was only necessary when you have back or neck pain, think again. Chiropractic care is a great way to keep your whole body functioning properly.
The physical, mental, and emotional stress associated with SAD can cause tense muscles and spinal misalignments. Your spinal cord is protected by the spine itself. When your spine is out of alignment, it impacts your central nervous system and all aspects of your overall health. When you are in pain due to spine-related issues, it’s even harder to overcome the problems associated with SAD. Once your spine is in alignment, your body is more capable of self-healing.
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive, and natural treatment option for a number of aliments. Once the spine is back in alignment and nerve-interference is eliminated, the brain communicates more effectively with the entire body. With corrected spine joints and decreased pressure on the brain stem sleep improves, as well as mood and energy. Chiropractic adjustments also increase endorphins in the bloodstream, which help relieve the mood changes you experience with SAD in addition to relieving pain.
Additional Treatments for SAD
In addition to chiropractic care, your doctor will help you come up with a comprehensive treatment plan for SAD. Treatment will usually include getting outside for twenty minutes a day to absorb more sunlight, which contains vitamin D. Regular exercise and good nutrition are also part of an overall SAD treatment plan. As mentioned above, massages might also be included in your treatment. Regular massages also help to eliminate emotional and physical stress. You don’t have to settle for feeling awful every time the fall or winter season rolls around. Take a proactive approach and visit an experienced chiropractor today.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from seasonal affective disorder, call our office to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Ken. Walk-ins are welcome and no insurance is required. Take the first step to better health today and come in for an adjustment!