Can Chiropractic Adjustments Improve Sleep? What the Research Shows

by | Dec 17, 2025 | Chiropractic

Latest Articles

Categories

Tags

Archives

For many people, sleep is a constant struggle. Whether due to stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort, getting a good night’s rest can feel impossible. One common cause of sleep disturbances is pain, particularly back pain, which affects millions of people every day. As a result, many individuals seek alternative treatments that can address both pain and sleep issues.

Chiropractic care has gained popularity as a potential solution for people who struggle with both sleep problems and chronic pain. Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments may improve sleep quality by addressing musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the spine, that interfere with rest. In Anaheim, CA, more and more individuals are turning to chiropractors for relief from back pain and better sleep quality.

The Connection Between Back Pain and Sleep Disruptions

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people have trouble sleeping. Whether it’s from an injury, poor posture, or underlying conditions such as a herniated disc, back pain can significantly impact your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Pain often forces individuals to toss and turn, resulting in fragmented sleep that leaves them feeling fatigued and unrefreshed the next day.

Moreover, chronic pain can lead to a cycle of poor sleep. Lack of sleep can heighten sensitivity to pain, and pain can make it harder to sleep, creating a feedback loop that can be difficult to break. Chiropractic care addresses the root causes of back pain, which may, in turn, improve the quality of sleep for many individuals.

How Chiropractic Adjustments May Help Improve Sleep

Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore alignment to the spine, which plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the body, including pain management and the nervous system. When the spine is misaligned, it can lead to nerve interference, muscle tightness, and inflammation, all of which can contribute to back pain and sleep disturbances.

By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractors work to alleviate pressure on the nerves and improve overall spinal health. Here’s how chiropractic care may help improve sleep:

1. Relieving Pain and Tension

Back pain is often caused by misalignments or subluxations in the spine. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the pain and muscle tension caused by these misalignments. By restoring proper alignment to the spine, chiropractors relieve pressure on the nerves, muscles, and joints, which can lead to a reduction in pain and discomfort.

With less pain, individuals are better able to relax and fall asleep more easily. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free option for those struggling with back pain, helping to alleviate discomfort without relying on medications that can have side effects or cause dependency.

2. Promoting Relaxation

Chiropractic adjustments also promote relaxation by improving the function of the nervous system. When the spine is misaligned, it can create stress on the nervous system, causing heightened tension and discomfort. By addressing spinal misalignments, chiropractic care helps improve nerve function and reduce overall stress in the body.

This reduction in stress can have a direct impact on sleep quality. Many people with sleep issues also struggle with stress or anxiety, which can make it difficult to unwind at night. Chiropractic care helps to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, making it easier for individuals to transition into a restful sleep.

3. Enhancing Blood Flow and Circulation

Proper spinal alignment allows for better circulation and blood flow throughout the body. When the spine is misaligned, it can affect the flow of blood and oxygen to critical areas, including the brain. Good circulation is essential for healthy sleep, as it helps to nourish the body and promote relaxation.

Chiropractic adjustments can help enhance blood circulation, which may help improve sleep quality by ensuring that the body’s tissues, including the brain, receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to function properly. Better circulation can also help reduce muscle tension and alleviate discomfort, allowing individuals to sleep more soundly.

4. Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and sleep. Imbalances in the ANS, caused by stress or spinal misalignments, can affect sleep patterns and make it difficult to achieve restorative rest.

Chiropractic care helps balance the autonomic nervous system by addressing misalignments in the spine that may be causing dysfunction. When the nervous system is balanced, the body is better able to enter a state of relaxation and promote deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Research on Chiropractic Care and Sleep Improvement

Several studies have explored the connection between chiropractic care and sleep improvement. One study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that individuals who received chiropractic adjustments for musculoskeletal pain reported significant improvements in sleep quality and duration. The study showed that chiropractic care not only helped alleviate pain but also helped participants feel more rested and refreshed upon waking.

Another study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine examined the effects of chiropractic adjustments on individuals with chronic pain and sleep disturbances. The results indicated that patients who received regular chiropractic adjustments experienced improved sleep quality, reduced pain, and better overall health.

While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of chiropractic care on sleep, the existing evidence suggests that chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment for those dealing with both back pain and sleep problems.

Reliable Chiropractic Sleep Solutions in Anaheim, CA

If you’re struggling with back pain or sleep disturbances, chiropractic care may provide a valuable solution. Chiropractors can help address the underlying causes of pain and discomfort, improving your sleep quality and overall wellness. Through spinal adjustments, muscle relaxation techniques, and other therapeutic methods, chiropractic care works to enhance spinal health, alleviate pain, and promote relaxation.

For individuals experiencing chronic pain or sleep-related issues, seeking reliable chiropractic sleep solutions can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative that can help you achieve better sleep and improved overall health.

Similar Posts