smiling girl stretching in front of the windowWhen the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ends, winter officially sets in. The temperatures plunge below freezing and we spend more time indoors, which may lead to feelings of sadness. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mild form of depression that commonly occurs when the seasons change.

According to Psychology Today, an estimated 10 million Americans are diagnosed with SAD each year, while as many as 20 percent of people experience the symptoms.

How can The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury help you beat the winter blues?

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care is a natural approach to pain relief, independent of medication and surgery. Treatment alleviates discomfort and gives patients the renewed ability to move and participate in their favorite activities.

The primary focus of chiropractic care is the spine. A prominent symptom of SAD, stress is also a common trigger for spinal misalignments. Chiropractors specialize in correcting these misalignments, which place excess stress on vertebral discs. We improve range of motion, relieve discomfort and ease feelings of stress and anxiety that stem from chronic pain.

The spinal cord and brain are extensions of the central nervous system, which controls the body and mind. Spinal misalignments put pressure on the nerve root, disrupting the path of nerve signals. When messages to the brain are blocked, mood swings can result.

According to the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 76 percent of patients with SAD who underwent chiropractic care reported improved emotional and mental health.

2. Better Sleep Patterns

If you feel extra tired this time of year, it could be caused by your circadian rhythm. When Daylight Saving Time starts, our internal sleep-wake cycle gets thrown off and never fully adjusts before spring arrives. Fatigue is another symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

To combat poor sleep patterns, take time to wind down before bed. Relax your mind and body with meditation, rather than your cell phone or watching TV. Make sure you aim to get enough sleep for your age – 7 to 9 hour per night for adults.

3. Nutritional Advice

Beyond chiropractic care, our team can also provide nutritional advice for overall health and wellness. Eating more fruits and vegetables boosts your immune system and helps ward off illnesses that will ultimately make you feel worse.

Lean proteins and oily fish also have omega-3s and amino acids that boost energy levels and overall mood.

4. Functional Exercises

People who enjoy outdoor activities may pause their regular fitness routines this time of year. It can be discouraging to be kept from your favorite activities, but it’s important to keep moving to avoid feelings of sadness. Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood.

5. Massage Therapy

The American Massage Therapy Association cites several ways massage can help ease the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Regular treatments decrease the production of stress hormones, lower blood pressure and improve mental health.
 
Whether you have symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder or simply want to improve your wellbeing, learn what our team at The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury can do for you. Contact us today!

"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra K.
"Best chiropractor ever! Highly recommend! The people here are so nice! 10/10"
Rich A.
"Dr. D has to be one the most caring and supportive individuals I have ever met, I consider him a friend. Doc has taken care of me, my family, and a group of my friends. I will always recommend chiropractic care as a needed practice to maintain a healthy body and will only recommend Dr. Patrick DeFrancesco and the Chiropractor Health Center of Glastonbury to anyone I come across who is in need."
Christopher B.
"From the moment you walk into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every single patient's name. They treat you like family and put a lot of emphasis on your care. I started coming to this office when my son was about 4 months old and now at 11 months old, I have seen SO much progress with his neck that I myself started to see Dr D. and I am very grateful to have found such a wonderful place."
Nichole C.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"I lost my cousin (who was also a lifelong best friend) tragically back in November and happened to mention it during an adjustment, and a few days later, I received a handwritten sympathy card from Dr. Joe and the team. Things like that go a long way! I recommend CHCG without reservation."
Maxwell T.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"Our family has been clients since 1994 and since 2005, we have been one of his long distance clients moving to New Hampshire! We have continued with monthly adjustments as he is truly The Best of The Best!"
Skip G.
"Dr. Wade has been wonderful! I never thought spinal care was a preventative health measure until I started here. The entire staff are very accommodating and friendly! My back has never felt better! I plan to continue to come for maintenance."
Amanda S.
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth M.
"Best Chiropractic center in the State. I went to three chiropractors and none of them got my lower back back into place. I went to see Dr. D. and he snapped me back to normal in the first visit. Look no further. This place is the pinnacle of Chiropractic."
Joseph B.
"Best chiropractor in town!!! This office is amazing and always there when you need them! I’ve been a patient of Dr. D for over 25 years can’t say enough about him...you won’t be disappointed!"
Amy W.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
"Such a great experience in understanding and learning how to treat my chronic pain! The office staff is wonderful, informative and empathetic! Dr. D is also invested in making you to your best self! They found a convert here!"
Debby D.
"This is an outstanding office focused on not just relieving discomfort, but promoting optimal health. I look forward to my maintenance visits to keep my neurological system in tuned up condition."
Ellen P.
"At my first appointment, I couldn’t stand up straight. I am now able to go back to my regular exercise routine. The staff is very knowledgeable, very friendly and organized. I have never had to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment, even when the office is very busy."
Amanda B.
"Dr. D has been providing an integrative approach to the health and well being of my family for over 25 years. He is not only a highly skilled practitioner, but is a compassionate and caring person, not only to his patients but to the community.
Susan K.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"If I could give more than five stars, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. The office staff are all very professional and accommodating. There have been several instances where I had to make a last minute change to my appointment - either a cancellation or different time - and the office responded right away to make it happen. Not only this, but my appointments are always quick, yet very efficient. The doctors take their time in addressing my questions and explaining things so that I receive the best possible care."
Zach G.
"Dr. D has to be one the most caring and supportive individuals I have ever met, I consider him a friend. Doc has taken care of me, my family, and a group of my friends. I will always recommend chiropractic care as a needed practice to maintain a healthy body and will only recommend Dr. Patrick DeFrancesco and the Chiropractor Health Center of Glastonbury to anyone I come across who is in need."
Christopher B.
"I have had amazing experiences here, from the front staff to the doctors. They explain everything to you in detail and in a way you understand. I would highly recommend them."
Marguerite R.
"I strained my lower back a month prior to an Ironman race. I was unable to sleep, walk or sit, never mind continue training as planned. The entire office staff is beyond kind, caring, professional and runs extremely smooth. I was explained every step and procedure, along with a patient education class that really helped me understand what was wrong with my back and steps to fix it. Dr Wade was able to get me sleeping, walking and able to compete in my triathlon. 5 stars for many reasons and would highly recommend."
Dylan H.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
"Dr. D has been providing an integrative approach to the health and well being of my family for over 25 years. He is not only a highly skilled practitioner, but is a compassionate and caring person, not only to his patients but to the community.
Susan K.
"Dr. Wade has been wonderful! I never thought spinal care was a preventative health measure until I started here. The entire staff are very accommodating and friendly! My back has never felt better! I plan to continue to come for maintenance."
Amanda S.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
"Great staff. Listen, understand, and educate you throughout the process. Flexible with scheduling and will do everything they can to accommodate you."
Hunter R.
"I still can't say enough good things about Dr. D. and his staff. My level of care remains excellent and Dr. D continues to go above and beyond to take care of my family's health, even helping my daughter find and transition to a new chiropractor when she moved out of state. Truly a practice that cares about its patients!"
Lisa C.
"I started my chiropractic journey a few weeks before having my 3rd baby. They were amazing, patient and gentle during the pregnancy. They weren't pushy when I took my time, post pregnancy, to come back. They were amazing with my schedule and did everything to work with me. I felt so comfortable with them that I brought my new born baby and my 3 year old in to get adjusted!"
Candace L.
"Being a fitness instructor and lifetime athlete, it is important that I keep my body healthy and moving. Pat DeFrancesco has been a huge help in this process. He is extremely knowledgeable, but more importantly he truly cares about my wellness & well being. He goes above and beyond & I feel lucky to have him on my wellness team. He leads by example in all areas of health & to me that is so important. Pat and team are top notch!"
Darcy
"Amazing place to get realigned! Everyone in here is highly knowledgeable and genuine. I've been a patient here for 10+ years and recommended it frequently!"
Kyle M.
"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra K.
"Our family has been clients since 1994 and since 2005, we have been one of his long distance clients moving to New Hampshire! We have continued with monthly adjustments as he is truly The Best of The Best!"
Skip G.
"The administrative staff and practitioners are all friendly, capable, efficient, and very responsive. In addition, Dr. Keith Wade is knowledgeable, passionate about his craft, patient and thorough in answering questions. As a direct result of all that, my low back, ankles an knees feel much better, I am in less pain, and I am less afraid that my back will keep hurting or "going out." I am very grateful."
Malinda B.
"I'm a very active individual and lower back pain was getting in the way of activities I love. While my back is still a work in progress, the time spent with Dr. D has been well worth it. I just ran 2 marathons in 2 weeks and these sessions helped me run these races with no back pain."
Matt from mission FITNESS
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