What do you think of when you think of a chiropractor? You probably think about getting your spine adjusted, maybe a massage, or maybe some treatments for TMJ or migraines. But chiropractics can do a lot more than help back pain. A good chiropractor will be able to treat a myriad of maladies. Even drug addiction. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the ways chiropractics can help treat drug addiction.

The Power of the Spine

Your backbone is incredibly important. It is the anchor point for hundreds of muscles and houses the spinal cord. When your vertebrae are out of alignment, it wreaks havoc on the rest of your body. Every single nerve passes through your spine. When nerves become pinched, it can do more than just cause pain. Pinched nerves and tissue can interfere with the limbic system, preventing your brain from sending the right signals. Endorphins and neurotransmitters are blocked from reaching the right part of the body, and your bodily systems do not perform as properly. This can even affect the way we process emotions.

Drug Addiction and The Brain

Drug addiction is complicated. While you’re using, your brain becomes dependent on those chemicals. That makes quitting that much harder. When your brain doesn’t receive the chemicals it has come to depend on, your body goes into withdrawals. Withdrawals can lead to a number of symptoms, ranging from uncomfortable to life-threatening. You might face headaches, anxiety, insomnia, or depression. In more serious cases, withdrawals can cause hallucinations, heart attacks, or seizures. When you stop using drugs, it is important to try to restore the chemistry of your bodily systems. Freeing pinched nerves and lessening the tension on your muscles can give your nervous system a leg up in restoring a healthy balance.

Chiropractics and Recovery

Beyond restoring your body’s chemistry, a good chiropractor can also help lessen the less dangerous—but no less awful—symptoms of drug withdrawal. As we mentioned earlier, withdrawals can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Living in this agitated state is stressful. And this stress collects in the neck and shoulders, tightening the muscles and causing pain and discomfort. In turn, pain causes more stress, which causes more pain, and so on. Regular appointments with a good chiropractor can ease the pain and discomfort caused by stress, making your drug recovery process easier.

A Good Chiropractor is Not Enough

The road to recovery is a long one. Chiropractics is one weapon in your arsenal, but it is not enough. You will need to reach out in many directions. Build a strong support system, perhaps turn to the spiritual world, and, if your withdrawals are serious, walk through detoxing with a medical doctor. Chiropractics is just one piece, but it is a vital one. Don’t wait any longer to live the healthy life you deserve. If you are fighting through addiction and want the help of a good chiropractor, contact us today.