As an evidence-based concussion chiropractor, Dr. Ben performs an elite differential diagnosis to locate the root cause of your symptoms.
While science has not determined the exact cause of depression, research has pointed towards a likely involvement of the brainstem and upper cervical spine in many mood disorders. In fact, the brainstem (whose lower portion is located in the uppermost part of the spine) is involved in the regulation and control of brain chemistry as well many other vital functions.
Even a mild concussion to the head, neck or upper back can increase the risk of depression. Studies show that depression is a common diagnosis in patients with whiplash, an injury that can directly affect the upper neck and lower brainstem. Following the trauma, mood disorders can be triggered immediately, or they can take months or even years to develop. Exciting new studies show “significant improvement” in depression test scores after specific upper cervical corrections. This noninvasive and safe alternative should be the beginning point for all who believe that they are suffering from depression.
Standard psychiatric care generally relies on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) to categorize psychological symptoms and prescribe symptom-suppressing medications.
However, as an evidence-based depression chiropractor, Dr. Ben performs an elite differential diagnosis to look beyond the symptoms. Depression and anxiety are frequently driven by a highly sensitized central nervous system (central sensitization) and prolonged sympathetic upregulation.
By comprehensively evaluating your nervous system using functional outcome measures like the BDI-II (Beck et al., 1996), we can identify the physiological "static" that is preventing your brain from experiencing normal, healthy emotional regulation. For authoritative information on the clinical definitions of mood disorders, you can review the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) resources on depression.