Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Martha Michael

If you’ve ever had family members who checked and rechecked the locks on doors or friends who were acutely aware of the presence of germs, it could be they were suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When everyday behaviors such as hand-washing go from surgically safe to Howard Hughes level, it’s an example of symptoms getting severe enough to need treatment.

While OCD is known for its quirks—like counting steps, items, or even syllables in conversations or avoiding sidewalk cracks—it can also take a toll on health beyond mental well-being. From chronic pain to sleep struggles, its impact reaches beyond the hand sanitizer aisle. Let's explore how treating OCD isn't just about calming those rituals—it's about reclaiming a balanced life.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Previously classified as an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental condition causing a person to have persistent, distressing thoughts cycling through their mind as if on a film loop, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Whether or not the individual believes the fears or perceptions are true, they can feel compelled to follow through with an action that’s typically a time-consuming, repetitive behavior.

Though everyone has distressing thoughts at times, a person diagnosed with OCD is experiencing a disruption to their lifestyle. Affecting two to three percent of Americans, the disorder is more prevalent among women than men and it has varying degrees of impact on a person’s health.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

Features that define OCD are patterns of behavior that can include obsessions and/or compulsions, according to the Mayo Clinic. These patterns are designed to lower internal distress experienced by the individual but may cause a negative cycle of emotions because feelings of shame and embarrassment often result from an inability to hide symptoms of OCD.

Symptoms tend to become long-term habits and can be ritualistic in nature.

Obsessive symptoms

While OCD can manifest in visible behaviors, its true grip lies beneath the surface. Imagine a mind caught in a loop, replaying thoughts like a broken record—efforts to silence them often feel like trying to catch smoke with bare hands. The struggle isn't just what's seen; it's the silent battle within that truly defines the challenge of living with OCD.

Common obsessions experienced by someone with OCD include the following.

• Driving a car into a crowd
• Stress at a lack of order
• Fear of germs
• Sexual images
• Thoughts of acting inappropriately
• Fears about uncertainty or lack of clarity
• Extreme need for order and tidiness
• Fear of dirt or contaminated surroundings
• Thoughts of self-harm or hurting others
• Unwanted thoughts, such as religious or aggressive desires

Compulsive symptoms

Failing to follow through with compulsive behavior can cause stress and anxiety for a person with OCD. Repetitive behaviors can be driven by the urge to obtain something or a strong desire to prevent something from happening. The relief an individual gets from a compulsive act is only temporary.

Common themes for compulsive symptoms are:

• Cleaning
• Checking
• Counting
• Ordering
• Routines
• Reassurance

Examples of common compulsions include:

• Excessive hand washing
• Checking locks on doors repeatedly
• Checking the stove to be sure it’s off
• Counting in patterns
• Repetition of prayers or words
• Replacing bad thoughts with good thoughts
• Arranging cupboards so things face the same way

A person with OCD can have any combination of obsessions and compulsions. High-functioning patients are able to keep their symptoms at bay when socially necessary. Moderate symptoms can become severe when they’re under a high level of stress.

What is the physical impact of OCD on the body?

Like many mental health disorders, OCD can have a significant effect on your physical well-being. Its impact is more than just an energy drain, according to an article by PsychCentral. Suffering from OCD can cause uncomfortable feelings that signal physical sensations and trigger behaviors threatening your health.

Compulsions and pain

Physically painful symptoms are sometimes related to a patient’s battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some of the most common behaviors associated with OCD, such as pulling out hair or repeatedly washing your hands, can cause skin problems, and repetitive body movements can cause muscle strain and fatigue from overuse.

Obsessive thoughts can lead to unsustainable actions, such as a person losing because they check the locks on doors throughout the night. Obsessions can trigger sensations, such as a repetitive need to urinate, impacting your sleep cycle, social life, or career prospects.

Physical effects of anxiety

Living with OCD means living with high levels of anxiety that triggers the stress hormone cortisol. There is plenty of research linking the presence of cortisol with resulting physical problems, including:

• Digestion issues
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Tingling/burning sensation
• Aching

Serious conditions such as arthritis are also associated with high levels of anxiety, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Feelings of pain are heightened when a person is struggling with anxiety, so they have a hard time handling illnesses causing chronic pain. The extreme focus on their physical health can draw greater attention to pain points.

OCD and self-harm

When dangerous patterns of thought lead to action, it can be a direct threat to your health and even become fatal. People with OCD sometimes imagine harming someone as a form of dealing with intrusive thoughts. One of their biggest battles is restraining themselves from acting on their obsessions. It’s important that they find treatment options that reduce their internal distress.

Benefits of chiropractic care for individuals with OCD

If you’re suffering from physical symptoms associated with OCD, a chiropractor can help you manage the disorder by reducing pain symptoms and optimizing your overall health. You can benefit from a greater level of comfort and lessen the impact on your body.

Stress reduction

A chiropractic adjustment reduces muscle tension and often leads to the release of endorphins from your brain, which are “feel-good” hormones. You gain the benefit of restoring function in your nervous system and help with forms of relaxation to counter the pressure from compulsive tendencies associated with OCD.

Pain management

For people with OCD who also live with chronic pain, a chiropractor can be a frequent source of confidence in their efforts to manage the disorder. Regular visits enable you to get an accurate health assessment and establish a structure to lean on when you need grounding.

Holistic Health

Even when the challenges of living with OCD do not involve painful symptoms, chiropractic care can play a role in expanding your health options and elevating your level of comfort. Boosting your overall health through routine chiropractic treatment increases your ability to stay healthy and handle the burden of living with a mental health condition. You may be able to manage OCD and other health challenges better if you have routine chiropractic care.

What role do lifestyle changes play in managing OCD?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to counteract the burden of OCD. Early intervention can lead to effective coping strategies for people dealing with symptoms. You can personally make changes to your lifestyle to boost your health and benefit your mind, says an article in the British Medical Journal.

• Exercise - Aerobic exercise has been shown to benefit people with symptoms of OCD, such as anxiety and depression.
• Mindfulness - Reducing mental “noise” is a good strategy to reduce distressing thoughts and promote positive feelings.
• Group Interventions - Opportunities to gain feedback, including non-judgmental attitudes, can make it easier to accept themselves and their limitations.

When you see the public image of OCD (think of the title character “Monk” or “The Big Bang Theory’s” titular Sheldon Cooper), it may seem a bit exaggerated, but they aptly point out the level of success a person can achieve when they manage their symptoms. Obtaining balance is possible when you address overall wellness because a healthy body gives you the strength to develop a healthier mind.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.