Chiropractic

One of the wellbeing practices I return to most consistently.

Part of my Wellbeing Toolbox.

• Anna’s Wellbeing Tool: Chiropractic — my go-to for stress and physical tension release, and for feeling more grounded in my body.

• What it is: A holistic healthcare approach that aims to restore and maintain the body’s function. Traditional chiropractic philosophy focuses on correcting spinal misalignments that are believed to affect the nervous system.

• Practitioner needed: Yes.

• How it works: Founded in the U.S. in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, chiropractic care is based on the idea that the main causes of disease are rooted in three categories of stressors: physical stress, toxins, and emotional stress. According to traditional chiropractic philosophy, these stressors can contribute to spinal misalignments that are believed to disrupt the flow of nerve energy. In this philosophy, disease isn’t treated as a standalone condition, but as the result of a loss of balance in the body due to nervous system interference.

  Within this philosophy, the goal is to correct these misalignments to support the body’s natural ability to function and heal, often without medication or surgery. Chiropractors vary considerably in their approach — some focus mainly on evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal pain, others on a broader holistic philosophy.

  This article reflects my personal experience, not the profession as a whole.

• What it can help with: Back and neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint pain, and postural imbalances.

• Techniques commonly used: Spinal manipulation adjustments (manual or instrument-assisted), soft tissue therapy, exercise therapy, and lifestyle guidance.

• Who it’s not for: People with certain spinal conditions, fractures, or severe osteoporosis should check with a doctor before starting. Always worth confirming with a qualified practitioner if you’re unsure.

• How it helps me: Makes my body feel freer from tension, often leaves me feeling emotionally lighter, and helps with shoulder and back pain.

• How often I use it: Every 2–4 weeks, depending on how I feel.

My Experience

My journey with chiropractic care started a couple of years ago, quite unexpectedly. I was listening to a podcast and the guest happened to be a chiropractor. He was talking about how chiropractic care isn’t just about treating pain, but about optimizing your overall health and well-being. The idea of treating the whole person, not just symptoms, resonated with me. After the podcast finished, I sent a note to the practice where this chiropractor worked and asked them for a recommendation for a practitioner near me. Through them, I found a really experienced chiropractor who made me feel comfortable right away.

The first session was the longest one, involving a thorough examination of my body, my lifestyle, stress level, and health history. At that time, I was self-employed and had lots of existential fears. This resulted in muscle tension and bad sleep, which in turn caused shoulder and neck pain — my primary complaint.

From there, each session followed its own rhythm. The chiropractor used different techniques to work on the muscles and tissues around my spine. Neck cracking is also an often-used technique which requires a lot of trust in the practitioner’s abilities — and I’m lucky to have that trust.

My practitioner sometimes applies kinesiology tape after the session as additional support, or incorporates acupuncture into the treatment. After chiropractic adjustments, I experience physical relief — I tend to carry neck and shoulder tension from sitting at my computer most of the day.

But something else happens too. Afterward, I sometimes feel tired, sad, or unexpectedly overwhelmed by emotions I wasn’t aware I was holding. I’ve come to see the physical adjustment as something that also loosens what’s been suppressed — letting it surface so I can actually let it go, rather than carry it.

During pregnancy, I visited my chiropractor every two weeks. My body felt constantly tense — from sleeping almost exclusively on my sides, adapting how I sat, and the general physical demands of carrying a baby. The adjustments helped me feel better and more comfortable in my body during that period.

After giving birth, however, my chiropractor recommended waiting a couple of months before resuming treatment, to allow the body to realign itself naturally. My first session after birth was three months later.

Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.

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