A case study authored by Alain M.J. Desaulniers credits regular chiropractic care with helping a 46-year-old man overcome his major depression and increase his quality of life.
This case report was published this year in the “Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.” The report shows the important role chiropractic care can play in the management of depressions. Previous studies have shown a correlation between injury or trauma to the spine and the onset of social disorders, in addition to biochemical changes in the brain.
In this particular study, the man suffered from major depression and was taking an antidepressant with unwanted side effects, such as decrease in his sex drive, dizziness, muscle weakness and insomnia. A chiropractic evaluation revealed that he had suffered physical trauma in the past, which led to vertebral subluxations.
A subluxation is a condition in which the body is unable to function properly because of interferences with the nervous system, and the condition may be corrected with chiropractic adjustments. The patient had a total of 34 adjustments done on various parts of his spine over a period of 11 months.
After the first visit, his dizziness subsided and he experienced a decrease in lower back and neck pain. After three visits, he felt less anxious and fatigued and reported an increase in muscle strength. Over time, his depression significantly improved and he was eating healthier.
One of the areas that chiropractic care focuses on in the spinal cord is enriched with neuropeptides receptors, which are responsible for the so-called brain reward cascade that triggers a feeling of well-being. An impairment of these receptors due to subluxation in the corresponding area of the spine can be one of the underlying causes for depression and for mood or social alterations.
More studies of this kind are needed. But one thing is clear: An adjusted spine is vital to our health, to our overall state of well being and to our quality of life.
Dr. Scott Glocke is the director of Upper Cervical Health Centers of America in Yarmouth. He has been a family wellness chiropractor for the past six years and specializes in wellness for the entire family. Contact him at drscott@backcovechiro.com.