Tag Archives: depression

Your Sleep Quality and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined, with each influencing the other in complex ways. Chiropractic care, often associated with pain relief and spinal alignment, also plays a significant role in enhancing both sleep quality and mental well-being.

sleep quality

Many patients have trouble sleeping due to physical discomfort or stress. Spinal misalignments, also known as subluxations, can disrupt the nervous system’s normal function. This disruption can lead to heightened stress levels, resulting in difficulty falling or staying asleep. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, helping the nervous system function more efficiently, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep.

In one study, researchers found that regular chiropractic care, focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function, significantly improved sleep quality in patients suffering from insomnia. The study observed that after just a few weeks of consistent adjustments, patients reported falling asleep faster and enjoying longer, more restful sleep periods. This improvement in sleep quality had a direct positive effect on their mental health, as better sleep is associated with reduced anxiety and depression levels (5). This underscores the importance of regular chiropractic care in maintaining good sleep and mental health.

Mental health is closely tied to the body’s overall condition

Chronic pain, poor posture, and physical stress can all contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Chiropractic care addresses these physical stressors by improving posture, reducing pain, and enhancing overall bodily function. As physical symptoms improve, many patients notice a corresponding improvement in their mental outlook.

A review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine underscores the potential of chiropractic care to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by addressing the physical discomfort often associated with these mental health challenges. The review emphasizes that when patients experience relief from chronic pain or discomfort, their mental health often improves, leading to a better quality of life (1).

Chiropractors also often incorporate lifestyle advice into their care plans, including recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and stress management techniques. These elements contribute to a more comprehensive approach to improving sleep and mental health. For example, regular exercise and a balanced diet are known to enhance mood and reduce stress, which further supports better sleep and mental health.

Personal Stories

Many patients have shared personal stories of how chiropractic care has changed their lives, not just by alleviating pain but by restoring their ability to sleep well and feel mentally refreshed. One patient, for instance, struggled with insomnia and anxiety for years before seeking chiropractic care. After a few months of regular adjustments, they reported sleeping through the night and feeling less anxious and more positive during the day.

In summary, chiropractic care offers more than just physical relief. Addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances and physical stress helps patients achieve better sleep and improved mental health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Call us today for an appointment! 517.627.4547


1.”The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Anxiety and Depression: A Review.” *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*, vol. 25, no. 3, 2019, pp. 176-182.

Posture and Depression

Research shows that poor posture or abnormal spinal alignment can take years off your life! And create stress associated with mental depression and other disorders. If that doesn’t tell you posture is important, what does?

For over a century chiropractic care has been improving posture and function. As you continue through your care in our office you will notice drastic improvements in your posture as well as your overall health. Including your mental attitude. There have been many studies relating posture to physical and mental health.

posture and depression

Depression

Researchers found that people who were depressed experienced an improved mood after they changed their posture to be more upright. In one study sixty-one men suffering from mild to moderate depression were chosen to sit with their usual posture or upright posture. Changes in facial expression, fatigue, and speech were assessed. 

Results

Those who assumed better posture had less fatigue compared to those keeping their usual posture. Also, the upright group exhibited less negative affect and lower anxiety. It seems that developing good posture habits can help you feel more confident, energetic, and happy. If you’re slouching as you read this, pause and pull your shoulder blades back and together, relax your shoulders down away from your ears, and look up. The more you work on it, the easier it will get, and simple changes like this can result in a noticeable difference in how you feel day in and day out.  (1, 2)

Severity of Depression

It was found that there was a relation between the severity of depressive symptoms and the degree of spinal curvature. This was especially noticed in working environments. (3) 

Chiropractic helps promote a natural body alignment. Do you know anyone who is miserable and sad all the time?  Send them our way.

Call us to make an appointment today!

(517) 627-4547


  1. Wilkes C, Kydda R, Sagarb M, Broadbenta E. Upright posture improves effect and fatigue in people with depressive symptoms. Psychiatry, Vol. 54, March 2017, Pp. 143-149. 
  2. Canales JZ, Fiquer JT, Campos RN et el. Investigation of associations between recurrence of major depressive disorder and spinal posture alignment: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Gait Posture, 2017 Feb; 52:258-264.
  1. Kim YK. The Association between Working Posture and Workers’ Depression Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Mar 3;10(3):477.

Researching Chiropractic: GERD, Low Back Pain, Sleep Problems

How many people suffering, on drugs, or facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?   Probably most of them.

Eight-month-old with GERD, sleep disorders, torticollis, and more…

An 8-month-old boy who experienced birth trauma was suffering from severe gastrointestinal disorders (GERD), constipation, torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental delays, and abnormal sleeping patterns after a traumatic delivery. Medical care and physical therapy had failed to help.

Chiropractic care was applied to correct vertebral subluxations.

The patient’s mother reported complete resolution of his GERD. He was able to discontinue the use of Zantac and Prilosec. His sleep problems and constipation were resolved. In addition, he had complete resolution of his torticollis with a full neck range of motion. He began to reach his developmental milestones. (1)

Low Back Pain, Radiculopathy, and Concomitant Depression

The patient is a 44-year-old man with low back pain and nerve symptoms going down his legs. His symptoms occurred after a fall 6 months prior. 

After six weeks of care, all lumbar radiculopathy symptoms resolved. (2) 

Sleep Problems, Digestion, Behavior, and Allergies in a 5-year-old girl

A 5-year-old girl with a CASK gene mutation presented for chiropractic care complaining of poor sleep, allergies, poor digestion, and other issues.  The patient was under care over the course of three months and her mother reported:

“[Her] sleep improved very soon after we started to care. Prior to chiro care, she was waking 2-3 times per night…soon decreased to less than once a night within the first month of care…digestion improved; bowel movements previously occurred 3-5 times a week and within the first month or so they began occurring daily… would crumble to the floor in absolute despair, and if left to ‘cry it out’ would last upwards of 45 min…the episodes were shorter, less dramatic, more manageable, and less stressful for the whole family… [her] allergies [were] so bad…she was not able to blow her nose or clear her sinuses, and would have an open mouth just to breathe, allowing for drool…allergy attacks have been completely manageable with a couple of days of allergy medicine, natural remedies, and adjustments. No more need for bibs….”

Both subjective and objective improvements were observed in our patient progressively throughout her care plan and guided the practitioner in his application of care. (3)


  1. Boman C, Allen J. Resolution of Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Chronic Constipation, Sleep Disturbance & Developmental Delays Following Chiropractic in an Infant with Birth Trauma: A Case Report & Selective Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ July 14, 2020, ~ Pages 18-25
  2. Gianopulos SG and Harris J. Chiropractic Care of a Patient with Low Back Pain, Radiculopathy and Concomitant Depression: A Case Report. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ April 20, 2015, ~ Pages 39-42
  3. Bronstein D, Clifford C.  Improvement in Sleep, Digestion, Behavior, Allergies, and Gait in a Child with a CASK Gene Mutation Undergoing Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ February 4, 2022, ~ Vol. 2022 ~ Pages 1-5.

Researching Chiropractic: ADHD

There seems to be no end to the conditions that respond to chiropractic care – physical as well as psychological conditions.

That is because chiropractic does not “treat” a particular condition. Chiropractic care “corrects” a serious interference to the brain, nervous system, and energy function known as the subluxation. 

No matter what condition you or a loved one may have, you and they will always function better when free from subluxations. Chiropractors are uniquely trained to locate and correct subluxations. Enjoy this month’s cases and see more next month. 

Low back pain, headaches and fibromyalgia

A 31-year-old female with low back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia began chiropractic care; she was seeking an alternative to pharmacological pain medications.

Spinal analysis established the location of the patient’s subluxations and she received five specific adjustments in the span of 18 months. The patient reported a decrease in fibromyalgia symptoms after two months of care and recently reported that she is no longer taking any medications. (1) 

Chiropractic and ADHD, depression and learning disabilities. 

An eight-year-old boy was brought into the chiropractor’s office for care. The child was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability regarding working memory and processing speed. The patient’s mother said that his medications were ineffective, causing nausea, heart palpitations, and low appetite. She brought him in for chiropractic care for an alternative treatment plan to manage these concerns.

The child was analyzed for subluxations and care was initiated to reduce and correct them using spinal and cranial techniques. He had significant improvements in irritability, mood swings, social interaction, temper, energy, memory, and immune function. After eight months of care, he continued to progress as evidenced by positive reports from his teachers and parents. (2)

If you know anyone who may be experiencing these issues, please share this article with them and encourage them to make an appointment with us. Call 517.627.4547 today!


1. Soriano W, Apatiga A. Resolution of fibromyalgia & polypharmacy concomitant with increased cervical curve & improved quality of life following reduction of upper cervical subluxation: a case study. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. October 21, 2014:61-67.

2. Zielinski BA, Mankal K. An epidemiological approach to the effects of subluxation-based chiropractic care on the management of ADHD, depression and learning disabilities in an 8-year old: a case study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 15, 2014:153-160.

Researching Chiropractic: Depression, anxiety and chiropractic

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care.

Chiropractors release serious stress (subluxations) from your body. This releases energy for healing, regeneration, and growth. 

All people (especially children) need a body free of blockages and stress so they’ll have strong, happy, and healthy lives.

How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? 

Probably most of them.

Below are some clinical cases illustrating the potential of chiropractic adjustment to correct subluxations. 

Depression, anxiety, and chiropractic

Two groups of men in a residential addiction treatment center were studied for 90 days. One group received chiropractic adjustments three times per week. The non-care (placebo) group received a sham adjustment three times per week. 

Both groups were assessed with the Beck’s Depression Inventory and the Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire at intake and every 30 days.

Depression scores improved by 97%; anxiety scores improved by 36.5% with a 100% retention rate in the chiropractic group. The placebo group showed no improvement with a 0% retention rate (no one continued care). (1)

Untitled design (79)

Amenorrhea and infertility

A 29-year-old woman received a medical diagnosis of secondary amenorrhea. She and her husband were trying unsuccessfully to conceive for several months. 

She was analyzed for vertebral subluxations. Subluxations were found and adjusted. She was under chiropractic care for 14.5 weeks (33 visits). Her menstrual cycles began again, and she ultimately had a successful conception. (2)

Untitled design (80)

TMJ pain following an accident

A 36-year-old woman was suffering from chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. The pain began several years prior to the trauma. 

She complained that her TMJ pain increased with movement, sleeping, and straining. A chiropractic examination revealed spinal subluxations and postural distortions. Using chiropractic adjustment procedures, the patient’s subluxations were reduced, her posture was restored and her TMJ pain completely resolved. Months later she remains pain-free. (3)

Untitled design (81)

Night terrors and headaches

A female adolescent with recurring headaches and night terrors (parasomnia) began chiropractic care. The headaches and sleep disturbances were interfering with her school performance and academics, sports, and her social life.

Upon examination, the chiropractor discovered that she had cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) subluxations.

With one month of care, her postural abnormalities and associated vertebral (spinal) subluxations were corrected during which time there was a reduction in headaches and complete resolution of night terrors.

Sleep disturbances in children are common and often develop without explanation. To date, there are few interventions that can help alleviate these problems. Vertebral subluxation should always be considered when a child is suffering from health issues. 

Brachioradial pruritis (BRP)

Brachioradial pruritis (BRP) is a condition characterized by non-stop itching on the top of the forearms (overlying the brachioradialis muscle). Scratching seems to make the itching worse.

In this case, a thirty-seven-year-old female with a history of Brachioradial pruritis began chiropractic care. In addition to the itching, she also had complaints of neck stiffness and vertigo (dizziness). Vertebral subluxations were identified using chiropractic analysis which included palpation, heat scanning, and X-ray.

After 2 ½ months of chiropractic care, the symptoms associated with BRP as well as her neck and dizziness had completely resolved.

Do you know anyone suffering from these things?

Please share this article with them and gently suggest they make an appointment to see us.  517.627.4547


  1. Vaden CD, Holder JM, McCoy M et al. P300 wave outcomes in subluxation-based chiropractic in residential addiction treatment: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. December 28, 2020:178-192.
  2. Teets B, Jodon J. Resolution of secondary amenorrhea & infertility with successful conception following chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation: a case study & review of mechanisms. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. March 17, 2021:24-28.
  3. Paxton SW, Oppelt M. Resolution of chronic temporomandibular disorder in a 36-year-old female following chiropractic care: a case study. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. October 27, 2020:63-67.

 

Researching Chiropractic: Depression and Anxiety, paralysis, and Diabetes

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care?

Probably most of them.

anesthesia-4677401_1920

Depression and Anxiety

A 30-year-old woman who had a clinical diagnosis of depression and anxiety presented for chiropractic care. She was analyzed using x-ray and heat scanning for subluxations and adjusted where and when needed.

Her depression and anxiety resolved. Her sleep, energy and quality of life improved and she was able to cease taking medications. Her spinal imbalance, neck curve and overall nervous system imbalance greatly reduced. (1)

Dogs with hind end paralysis

24 dogs with hind end paralysis and inability to walk were found to have intervertebral disc disease by their veterinarian. Rather than have an MRI to be followed by surgery, the owners wanted to explore a different route. Each dog was evaluated and adjusted using chiropractic techniques approved by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Each dog eventually regained the ability to walk. The amount of time needed to recover varied by the severity of the spinal damage in each dog. (2)

Diabetes and mid-back pain

A 26-year-old man with chronic mid-back pain for 9 years and type 1 diabetes mellitus began chiropractic care. X-ray and MRI imaging revealed flattening of the curve of the mid-back (hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine) with spinal misalignment consistent with vertebral subluxations.

The patient reported improvement in his mid-back pain and quality of life. X-rays showed normal mid-back curve. Glucose monitoring showed a dramatic drop in blood glucose immediately after each visit. The patient reported he reduced his insulin by half during chiropractic care. (3)

Do you know anyone with the above issues?

Please refer them to us. We can help! 517.627.4547


Sources:

  1. Ochsner A, DelVicario J. Resolution of anxiety and depression along with decreased medication usage in a 30-year-old female undergoing chiropractic care: case report & review of literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 12, 2018:152-159.
  2. Cole C, Tully G. Reversal of paraplegia secondary to intervertebral disc disease in 24 canines with vertebral subluxation: a retrospective of outcomes following chiropractic. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 26, 2018:173-179.
  3. Fedorchuk C, Lightstone DF, Comer RD et al. Improved glycosylated hemoglobin, hyperglycemia, and quality of life following thoracic hypokyphosis vertebral subluxation correction using Chiropractic BioPhysics®: a prospective case report. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 19, 2018: 160-172.

 

 

Researching Chiropractic

Chiropractic Case Studies

Chiropractic clinical case histories have been a regular feature of our patient newsletter since its inception. There seems to be no limit to the health problems that respond to chiropractic care. How many people suffering, on drugs, facing a life of limitation could be helped by chiropractic care? 

Probably most of them.

Labor and Deliverypregnant woman's belly

A 28-year-old woman began seeing a chiropractor for wellness care. Her first pregnancy had been long and difficult and afterwards she experienced tailbone pain.

She received regular chiropractic care before the conception of her second child and continued to receive chiropractic adjustments throughout the pregnancy. Her second labor and delivery experience was both shorter and easier than the first birth. In addition, her earlier pain disappeared. (1)

Scoliosis and Pregnancylabor and delivery

A 21-week pregnant 28-year-old woman visited a chiropractor. She presented with shoulder and neck pain due to scoliosis and with pregnancy-related complaints. Her pain was constant and rated at 6/10. Seven years earlier she had scoliosis surgery with rods surgically implanted into her spine. The rods locked her spine from T2 (just below the neck) to L3 (the middle of the lower back).

Even with the rods she was able to receive chiropractic care for subluxation correction.

Each visit saw a reduction in pain. By her 13th visit (6 weeks) her pain reduced from 6/10 to 2/10, her quality of life improved and she successfully delivered a 7 lbs. 5 oz., 20″ baby vaginally. (2)

Fibromyalgia, fatigue, depression and headacheslabor and delivery

A 40-year-old woman with an eight-year history of fibromyalgia presented for chiropractic care. She complained of widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression and headaches that limited her ability to function and enjoy life.

Analysis revealed postural distortions and spinal distortions indicative of spinal subluxations. She received chiropractic care 44 times over 5 months. She showed improvements in all aspects of life that had been evaluated: emotional well-being, energy/fatigue, general health, pain, physical functioning and social functioning. (3)

“Stabbing” neck and shoulder pain, arm numbness and weakness.

A 16-year-old girl threw a discus and felt an immediate stabbing, burning pain in her neck and shoulder that she described as 10 out of 10. Within 40 minutes of the injury, her left arm went numb and weak.

She had a history of fatigue, dizziness and headaches, and depression. Medical examination including MRI could not find the cause of her problems so the MDs decided it was psychological and referred her for psychiatric evaluation. She refused and instead received chiropractic care.

After her first visit, she reported a 50% increase in her arm muscle strength. By her 4th visit her arm was back to normal but she still had neck pain and stiffness. By the 6th visit, all the pain and stiffness was gone.

She returned five months later with similar complaints after being hit in the head with a basketball. This time her symptoms completely disappeared after one visit. (4)


1.Kent D, Vanderslice KD, Beachum AR. Reduction of labor and delivery time in a pregnant patient undergoing subluxation centered chiropractic care. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;2:40-43.

2.Edwards J, Alcantara J. The chiropractic care of a patient with Harrington rods, scoliosis & back pain during pregnancy. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;1:32-39.

3.Fedorchuk C, Lightstone D, Moser JH. Improvement in symptoms, cervical alignment & quality of life in a 40-year-old female with fibromyalgia following Chiropractic BioPhysics® Technique: a case study and selective review of literature. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. March 13, 2017:34-46.

4.Michaeli S, Russell D, Alcantara J. The chiropractic care of a teenager with possible conversion disorder. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic. 2017;1:24-31.