When people think about chiropractic care, they usually associate it with back pain or posture problems. But Dr. Suhyun An, a well-known chiropractor and wellness expert, explains that subluxations or small misalignments in the spine can have a much broader effect on our overall well-being. They can directly influence your mood, energy levels, and even your mental clarity.

Understanding how the nervous system and spinal health are connected can help you take better control of both your physical and emotional health.

What Is a Subluxation?

A subluxation occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine move out of their normal position. This misalignment can put pressure on the nearby nerves and interfere with how signals are sent from the brain to the rest of the body.

These miscommunications in the nervous system can cause more than just discomfort—they can affect your body’s natural ability to regulate hormones, energy, and even emotional balance.

How Subluxations Affect Mood

Dr. Suhyun An highlights that the spine is not just a structural support system—it’s a critical part of the central nervous system. When the spine is out of alignment, the nerve pathways responsible for mood regulation can become disrupted.

Here’s how subluxations can affect mood:

1. Nerve Interference

Nerves that are pinched or irritated can impact areas of the brain responsible for emotional control. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

The spine is closely connected to glands such as the adrenal and thyroid, which regulate stress and mood hormones. Misalignments can interfere with hormone regulation, causing emotional highs and lows.

3. Increased Stress Levels

When the nervous system is under stress, the body releases more cortisol (the stress hormone). Chronic misalignments may keep your body in a constant “fight or flight” state, making it harder to relax or feel calm.

Energy Levels and Subluxations

Feeling tired all the time? Suhyun An notes that subluxations can be a hidden cause of low energy. Here’s why:

1. Poor Nerve Flow

Just like electrical wires carry current, nerves carry signals from the brain to the muscles and organs. If these signals are disrupted due to spinal misalignment, your body has to work harder, leading to fatigue.

2. Reduced Oxygen Flow

Misalignments can affect breathing patterns or blood flow, which reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your cells. Low oxygen levels can make you feel sluggish and unmotivated.

3. Sleep Disruption

Tension in the spine may interfere with sleep quality, leaving you feeling tired even after a full night’s rest. Proper alignment supports restful sleep and better energy throughout the day.

Signs You May Have a Subluxation

Not all subluxations cause pain. Dr. An suggests watching out for these subtle signs:

Ongoing fatigue
Frequent mood swings
Poor concentration
Trouble sleeping
Tension or stiffness in the neck or back
Headaches or migraines

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Dr. Suhyun An uses gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment. These adjustments relieve pressure on the nerves, allowing your brain and body to communicate more clearly.

Here’s how chiropractic care can help:

Improved mood through balanced hormones and reduced stress
Boosted energy from better nerve and blood flow
Enhanced mental clarity from reduced tension
Better sleep quality by addressing nervous system imbalances

Many patients report feeling more energized and emotionally stable after just a few sessions.

Lifestyle Tips for Supporting Spinal Health

In addition to chiropractic care, Dr. An recommends a few daily habits to protect your spine and support better mood and energy:

Practice good posture while sitting and standing
Stay active with regular stretching or walking
Use ergonomic furniture to reduce spinal stress
Drink plenty of water to keep spinal discs hydrated
Manage stress through mindfulness or meditation

Final Thoughts

Dr. Suhyun An emphasizes that subluxations can have a real, measurable impact on how you feel both physically and emotionally. If you often feel tired, stressed, or emotionally off-balance, your spine might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

By addressing spinal health and supporting the nervous system, chiropractic care can help you feel more energized, emotionally balanced, and mentally focused.

Suhyun An Explains the Impact of Subluxations on Mood and Energy