Depression helped with Chiropractic

A documented case study appearing in the April 23, 2008 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, showed the improvement of a patient with major depression with chiropractic care. In this case study a 46-year-old man suffering from his third bout of major depression, presented himself for chiropractic care.

In addition to the diagnosis of depression the man also had many symptoms related to his depression such as generalized bilateral neck and low back pain, anxiety, fatigue, and a small appetite. He was also suffering from the effects of the medications he was taking, which included a decrease in sex drive, dizziness, overall muscle weakness, and insomnia.

A standardized questionnaire known as the SF-36 was used to determine the patients initial status as well as his responses to chiropractic care. The SF-36 is a health survey questionnaire with 36 questions. It has been tested by the federal health authorities and is used to predict quality-of-life improvement after a particular healthcare treatment or intervention. The average American scores a 50 on the SF-36 test.

The case study notes that Mood disorders affect 18.8 million American adults (9.5% of the population) in any given year. The study points out that clinical depression is quite different than just feeling depressed. They note that most everyone occasionally has such experiences, in times such as grieving for the death of a loved one.

As noted in this case a 46-year-old occupational software support engineer presented for chiropractic care with the diagnosis of major depression and with the intention of improving his overall health. He was currently suffering his third bout of depression and was on medical leave due to this situation. The severity of his situation was highlighted by the addition of many symptoms related to his depression which included loss of appetite, malaise, fatigue, joint stiffness, neck pain, low back pain, as well as thoughts of suicide and anxiety. He was taking the medication Paxil which then added the symptoms of decreased libido, increased perspiration, weakness, and dizziness.

His self rating according to the SF-36 initially showed a score of 40 for physical component summary, and a score of 25 for mental component summary, compared to the average of 50. The patient's initial chiropractic evaluation consisted of x-rays and a number of tests and procedures that revealed multiple findings of vertebral subluxations.

Specific chiropractic adjustments were initiated to correct the subluxations. He received a total of 34 adjustments over an 11 month period. After just three visits, the patient reported a decrease of anxiety and fatigue and an increase in muscle strength. Over the course of his care his low back and neck discomfort had resolved. He no longer experienced dizziness. His depression improved considerably, according to his SF-36 scores and his Global Wellness Scale scores.

The author of the case study concluded, "This report details the life history and symptomology of a 46-year-old man suffering with major depression; the 11 months of chiropractic care; and the man’s physical, social and mental response to correction of vertebral subluxations. This report supports the previous literature written regarding correction of vertebral subluxation, and it’s positive effect on physical, mental and social well-being.

Source:Now You Know Newsletter

Chiropractic Improves Depression

Overcoming depression and boosting your mood may be just a few chiropractic adjustments away.

According to an a November 2005 research article, 15 adults who were clinically diagnosed with depression and also suffered from upper cervical spinal misalignment were given chiropractic adjustments on three different occasions. Before and after the adjustments, each patient was given the Beck Depression Inventory test to determine their level of depression.

Results from the depression test show that patients experienced a significant reduction in feelings of depression.

This is great news, but what’s even better news is that chiropractic adjustments can do so much more than help people suffering from depression. Chiropractic adjustments help improve your body’s overall ability to fight off sickness and improve your quality of life.

[Source: Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, November 2005]

10 Steps to Being Happier and Healthier

If you have 10 reasons to be sad and depressed, there are 100 reasons to be happy. It all depends on the way you handle stress and problems. If you really want to be happy, you first need to make a conscious decision that you are going to be happy no matter what. There are numerous benefits of being happy - you will be more healthier and have a positive outlook towards life.

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Music Reduces Pain and Depression

Did you know that listening to music for an hour a day can reduce chronic pain by 21 percent and depression by 25 percent? That’s what England’s Journal of Advanced Nursing reports.

60 patients who averaged the age of 50 and suffered from a range of painful conditions including osteoarthritis, disc problems and rheumatoid arthritis for at least 6.5 years volunteered to be a part of a clinical trial. Patients were divided into two music groups and one control group that did not listen to any music.

Before the study began, each patient rated their pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the most intense pain. Pre-study results showed that the group’s usual pain levels averaged around 6 on the pain scale.

The study began with group one listening to their favorite music, which spanned rock and pop to sounds of nature commonly used to promote sleep. Group two chose from five predetermined tapes: orchestra, piano, synthesizer, jazz and harp. All patients kept track of their pain each day.

At the end of the study the results were tallied and the clear winner was music therapy. The type of music listened to did not have much bearing on the outcome, as both music groups experienced significantly less pain and depression during the trial. In fact, both music groups reported a feeling of having more power over their pain, when compared to the control group that did not listen to any music.

Several other studies have also concluded that music promotes many positive health benefits.

To maximize your health and alleviate pain, turn to natural healing remedies like chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy, music therapy, etc. It will do your body good.

[Source: www.topix.net 5/24/06]