Condition Guide
Anxiety
Anxiety is common and treatable. Understand how it can affect the mind and body, where to find help, and how Credence supports coordinated care.
What Anxiety Is
Anxiety is the body’s response to perceived threat or uncertainty. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, but an anxiety disorder causes persistent or intense fear, worry, or avoidance that interferes with daily activities, relationships, sleep, school, or work. Anxiety can also produce strong physical symptoms, and medical conditions can sometimes mimic or worsen it.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent worry, dread, fear, or feeling on edge
- Restlessness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
- Racing heart, sweating, trembling, dizziness, or shortness of breath
- Chest, jaw, shoulder, or muscle tension
- Sleep disruption, fatigue, nausea, or bowel changes
- Avoiding places, sensations, responsibilities, or social situations
Common Causes
- A combination of genetics, brain biology, learning, and life experiences
- Ongoing stress, trauma, grief, illness, or major transitions
- Sleep deprivation or chronic pain
- Caffeine, stimulants, alcohol, cannabis, or medication effects
- Thyroid, heart, breathing, hormonal, or other medical conditions
- Anxiety may also occur with depression, ADHD, or other mental health conditions
Risk Factors
- A personal or family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or sustained stress
- Chronic illness, pain, or caregiving demands
- Major life changes, pregnancy, or the postpartum period
- Poor sleep and heavy caffeine or substance use
- Limited social support or avoidance that reinforces fear
When to Seek Care
Call 911 for severe chest pain, fainting, major breathing difficulty, or symptoms that may be a medical emergency rather than anxiety. If you or someone else may act on thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 in the United States or go to the nearest emergency department. Arrange professional help when anxiety is persistent, causes panic attacks, disrupts sleep or daily life, leads to avoidance or substance use, or is accompanied by depression.
Treatment Options
Effective options include psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based approaches, clinician-prescribed medication, or both. Regular sleep, movement, balanced meals, reduced stimulant use, breathing skills, mindfulness, and social support can complement professional treatment. New or severe physical symptoms should be medically evaluated. Do not stop psychiatric medication abruptly; discuss changes with the prescribing clinician.
How Credence Evaluates Anxiety
Credence listens to the full history, including stress, sleep, physical symptoms, pain, medications, current mental health care, and medical warning signs. A chiropractic assessment may evaluate breathing patterns, posture, muscle tension, movement, and nervous-system responses. Chiropractic care does not diagnose or replace evidence-based mental health treatment. With permission, we coordinate with primary care and licensed mental health professionals and refer promptly when symptoms fall outside our scope.
Important: This page provides general education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from an appropriate medical or mental health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Anxiety can affect heart rate, breathing, digestion, sleep, concentration, and muscle tension. Because other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, new or severe symptoms should not automatically be attributed to anxiety.
Can chiropractic care treat an anxiety disorder?
Chiropractic care is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medication, or evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. Credence may support comfort, movement, and stress-management goals as part of coordinated care.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that may include racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, chest discomfort, or fear of losing control. First-time or unusual symptoms may need urgent medical evaluation.
Where can I find immediate mental health help?
In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 or go to an emergency department when there is immediate danger, a suicide attempt, or severe medical symptoms.
Ready to Talk With Our Team?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns, your health history, and the most appropriate next steps.