Conditions
Anxiety and stress are not only in the mind. They show up in the body too: a racing heart, tight muscles, stomach trouble, poor sleep, or a feeling of being constantly on edge. This page explains how anxiety and stress are described by medical sources, how they can overlap with nervous system problems, and where our care fits. It is general information, not a diagnosis. We are not a mental health clinic, and our care does not replace counseling or psychiatric care.
Mayo Clinic describes anxiety disorders as intense, persistent worry and fear about everyday situations that is out of proportion to the actual danger and hard to control. They often include panic attacks that peak within minutes. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Symptoms can include feeling nervous, restless, or tense, a rapid heart rate, fast breathing, sweating, trembling, fatigue, trouble concentrating or sleeping, and digestive upset. The causes are not fully understood. Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, respiratory disorders, chronic pain, and IBS can cause or worsen anxiety. Mayo advises seeing a provider when worry interferes with work, relationships, or other parts of life, or is hard to control, and says early treatment is recommended (Mayo Clinic, July 2025).
Mayo Clinic lists effects of stress on the body, mood, and behavior. In the body: headaches, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, stomach upset, and sleep problems. In mood: anxiety, restlessness, trouble focusing, memory problems, and feeling overwhelmed. In behavior: eating too much or too little, withdrawing from friends, and exercising less. Its suggested ways to manage stress include regular exercise, relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi, social connection, enough sleep, and a balanced diet. It advises seeing a provider if you are unsure stress is the cause or symptoms continue despite your efforts, and says a counselor or therapist can teach coping skills (Mayo Clinic, August 2023).
Several of the conditions we see can come with anxiety, and anxiety can make them feel worse.
After a concussion. Anxiety, irritability, and sleep trouble can follow a head injury. See Post-Concussion Syndrome. Dizziness and balance problems. Cleveland Clinic lists anxiety among the symptoms of mal de debarquement. See Vertigo & Balance. Dysautonomia and POTS. A racing heart on standing can feel like anxiety but have a different cause. See Dysautonomia & POTS. Digestive symptoms. Gut and brain signals travel both ways. See the Gut-Brain Connection page. Chronic pain. Persistent pain and anxiety often travel together. See Chronic Pain. How we look at anxiety and stress at Strong Tower
Dr. Wright is a Doctor of Chiropractic with advanced training in functional neurology. He is not a psychologist or psychiatrist. We do not diagnose or treat anxiety disorders. What we can do is look at how your autonomic nervous system, balance, eye movements, and neck are working, because problems there can add to the physical side of feeling on edge. Care may include exercises, breathing and lifestyle guidance, and referral to a mental health provider when that is the better fit.
Our care is meant to be complementary to counseling and medical care.
We do not diagnose or treat anxiety disorders. If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, Mayo Clinic advises seeing a provider, since early treatment is recommended. We can look at the nervous system side of your symptoms and work alongside your mental health provider.
Yes. Mayo Clinic lists heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, and others as medical causes, so a medical evaluation is a good idea.
Not always. See our page on Dysautonomia & POTS and talk with your doctor.
Yes, we are glad to coordinate with your other providers with your permission.
Next steps
If you would like a closer look at the nervous system side of your symptoms,