SAD?? What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and How to Cope

It's that time of year again! Days become darker, the fire place is a comfy spot to snuggle up and the white stuff comes down from the skies... it's winter! While skiing, hot chocolate and building snowmen are activities we can look forward to, some people are negatively affected by this change in weather. For some, Seasonal Affective Disorder rears its ugly head.

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects roughly six percent of the U.S. population. Another 14 percent are effected by some form of winter blues. So how do you know if you are affected? What can you do about it? And, how does chiropractic help?

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are usually the same as depression that come on during late autumn and late winter months. Feelings of loss of energy, lethargy and loss of interest in activities are all symptoms. People may experience social with drawl and increased time spent sleeping. The difference between depression and SAD is SAD sufferers experience symptoms during the long days of winter and persons affected by depression have symptoms all year around.

Lack of sunlight seams to be a big contributor to these symptoms. Sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder have relief of symptoms during the summer months. Unfortunately there are no tests to diagnose SAD, so your health care provider will take a detailed history of your symptoms.

Conventional treatments include light therapy, medications and talk therapy. Exercise can be prescribed as well. Symptoms are typically improved in 3 to 4 weeks.

So, how can chiropractic care help? Chiropractic adjustments have far-reaching affects to consider. An adjustment is a controlled force placed into a joint to realign it correctly. If a joint is not aligned correctly, local pain from that joint can result. Also, pain in distant areas may be experienced. Since muscle attach to bone, a joint that is misaligned can make the muscle that attaches to it tight as well.

By aligning the joints of the body correctly, pain can decrease. This can allow for a better night's sleep, less irritability and increased energy. This is big news for SAD sufferers! With less pain, people with SAD can have the energy to go for a walk, fall asleep faster and be less irritable with family and coworkers.

You can learn more about chiropractic, massage therapy and Seasonal Affective Disorder at CWCchirorpactic.com or call 636-825-6555 to speak to one of the chiropractors directly. Email is welcomed at CWCchiropractic@gmail.com