Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help with Depression?

What is Depression?

As one of the most prominent mental health issues in the United States, depression remains a debilitating and difficult condition to live with. Although there is no single cause of depression, poor lifestyle choices, genetics, or environmental factors can all trigger depressive episodes. Another often overlooked cause of depression is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. 

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression will take on a different form for every individual depending on the severity of their condition. Common symptoms of depression include a lack of motivation or interest in hobbies, chronic fatigue and tiredness, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, withdrawal from family and friends, and a lack of appetite. 

In some cases, symptoms of depression may be subtle and difficult to notice. If you believe a loved one is suffering from depression but you’re unsure of their symptoms, be sure to seek professional help. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Depression

In addition to supporting the neck and base of the skull, the upper cervical spine facilitates the connection between the brainstem and spinal cord. As a result, a vertebral misalignment in this region of the spine can place pressure on the brainstem and interfere with its ability to send and receive nerve signals. Left untreated, nerve dysfunction can subsequently inhibit the production of important happy hormones and chemicals like serotonin. Over time, these low hormone levels can lead to the development of mental health issues like depression.

How Our Natural Depression Treatment Works

A progressive form of chiropractic care, the Blair Chiropractic Technique focuses on the health and function of the upper cervical spine. Combining traditional chiropractic methods with gentle, precise, and non-invasive correction techniques, Blair Chiropractic practitioners aim to cure conditions like depression by addressing the root cause alongside symptom management. 

Before your Blair Chiropractic treatment can begin, an initial assessment of your upper cervical spine will be performed by a certified Blair Chiropractic practitioner. During this preliminary assessment, you may undergo a cone beam computed tomography scan (CBCT) or X-ray; this allows a Blair specialist to pinpoint the location of any upper cervical misalignments that could be triggering your depression. 

If there is a misalignment in your upper cervical spine, a Blair practitioner will perform certified Blair Chiropractic techniques to restore the upper cervical spine back to its natural alignment. This will restore nerve function and allow your body to produce the important happy chemicals it needs to remain healthy and depression-free.