Some commentary and case studies from the chiropractic research literature:

• Kent C. Chiropractic and Mental Health: A Brief Overview. Chiropr Dialog. 2013 Winter;2013(1):Online access only p 1-3.

"The scope of chiropractic is as broad as the scope of influence of the nervous system. Although many chiropractors and those they serve tend to focus on disorders associated with the physical body, it is obvious that abnormal nervous system function may also affect emotional and psychological health."

"Research addressing mental health issues and chiropractic care have been published, ranging from single case reports to randomized clinical trials. It is recommended that further research be done to explore the relationship between reduction of vertebral subluxation and mental and emotional health."

• Bales S. A case report on the management of a patient presenting with post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder, using the upper cervical chiropractic technique [case report]. Top Integr Health Care. 2015 ;6(1):Online access only 10 p.

"A 42 year old man presenting with symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, and diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression."

"The Kale Upper Cervical Procedure was utilized to assess, monitor, and correct the effects of an upper cervical subluxation in a patient over an 8 week period. The patient reported significant improvement in symptoms of post- concussion syndrome, and small positive improvements in PTSD symptoms. Follow up at 11 months showed continued improvement in most symptoms."

• Roth L, Zelman D, Clum L, Roth J. Upper cervical chiropractic care as a complementary strategy for depression and anxiety: A prospective case series analysis [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2013 Spring;2013(2):Online access only p 49-59.

"A post-treatment interview conducted by a psychology researcher evaluated subjective effectiveness and effects on other domains (e.g. pain). Repeated measures and paired ANOVAs evaluated change on the psychological measures."

"Five of six patients completed all 12 recommended chiropractic visits. Repeated measures ANOVA detected significant decreases in both GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores across treatment (p<.01). The SCL-90-R General Symptoms Index significantly decreased from pre- to post-treatment (p<.05). Four of five study completers expressed satisfaction with the outcome and that they would recommend similar care to others with anxiety or depression. Participants also reported decrease in muscle tension and pain and increase in mental clarity and physical energy."

• Genthner GC, Friedman HL, Studley CF. Improvement in depression following reduction of upper cervical vertebral subluxation using orthospinology technique. J Vert Sublux Res. 2005 ;Nov(7):Online access only 4 p.  

"15 adults were selected by their treating chiropractors as both clinically depressed and having an upper cervical subluxation, then treated with this intervention in 3 private practice settings in the southern United States. These participants were administered the Beck Depression Inventory II prior to an a Grostic correction of the upper cervical complex, as well as post-procedurally."

"A paired t-test demonstrated significant improvement in depression test scores (t=3.96, df="14," p<0.001). Conclusions: The data supports the hypothesis that the orthospinology technique to correct the occipito-atlantoaxial subluxation complex using the Grostic procedure may relate to reduced depressive symptoms."

• Elster E. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a nine-year-old male with Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, asthma, insomnia, and headaches: a case report. J Vert Sublux Res. 2003 ;JUL(12):Online access only, 5 p.

"This nine-year-old boy suffered from asthma and upper respiratory infections since infancy; headaches since age 6; TS, ADHD, depression and insomnia since age 7; and neck pain since age 8. His mother reported the use of forceps during his delivery. His medications included Albuterol, Depakote, Wellbutrin, and Adderall. During the patient's initial examination, evidence of a subluxation stemming from the upper cervical spine was found through thermographic and radiographic diagnostics. Chiropractic care using an upper cervical technique was administered to correct and stabilize the patient's upper neck injury. Diagnostics and care were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the International Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. Evaluation of the patient's condition occurred through doctor's observation, patient's and parents' subjective description of symptoms, and thermographic scans. After six weeks of care, all six conditions were no longer present and all medications were discontinued with the exception of a half-dose of Wellbutrin. At the conclusion of his case at five months, all symptoms remained absent."

• Desaulniers AMJ. Effect of subluxation-based chiropractic care on quality of life in a patient with major depression [case report]. J Vert Sublux Res. 2008 ;APR(23):Online access only pp. 1-7.

"A 46-year-old male presented with major depression. He was suffering from his third bout of depression at the time of his first visit. He presented with many symptoms related to his depression, such as generalized bilateral neck and low back pain, anxiety, fatigue, and a small appetite. He presented with many symptoms associated with effects from his medication, including a decrease in sex drive, dizziness, overall muscle weakness, and insomnia. Initial chiropractic exam, including prone and supine leg length inequality, static and motion palpation, static surface electromyography, thermography and x-ray analysis, revealed vertebral subluxations."

"The man received specific chiropractic adjustments for the correction of vertebral subluxations using Diversified Full Spine (contact specific, high velocity, low amplitude) and Palmer Toggle Recoil (contact specific, high velocity, low amplitude with recoil thrusts of the C1 vertebra) techniques. During the course of care, there was a significant increase in self-assessed quality of life and wellness indicators, including Global Wellness scale, Daily Living Health Questionnaire (SF36), and a retrospective Health, Wellness and Overall Quality of Life Self Assessment questionnaire."

• Behrend TM, Olsen N. The impact of subluxation correction on mental health: reduction of anxiety in a female patient under chiropractic care [case report].  J Vert Sublux Res. 2004 ;SEP(20):Online access only 10 p. 

"In December 2001 the patient presented for a chiropractic evaluation. Her history revealed physical, emotional, and chemical stresses including multiple motor vehicle accidents, childhood emotional abuse from an alcoholic father, and smoking daily since age 17. Exams and EMG scans revealed evidence of chronic vertebral subluxations in multiple locations, and altered spinal curves in cervical and thoracic areas. The patient was educated on chiropractic principles and consented to care. Diversified Technique was utilized, with adjustments applied to specific vertebra to promote restoration of proper nerve function. Improvement was noted after the first adjustment, 50% reduction in anxiety, 30% reduction in headache symptoms, and increased mobility in neck."

"Results were documented over a four month course of care. Medication was discontinued successfully, symptoms of anxiety and headache reduced 80% and 90% respectively, function and Quality of Life increased. These improvements suggest positive changes in mental health function may be associated with subluxation correction from the application of chiropractic care. As anxiety conditions burden the U.S. with $42 billion annually in health care expenses and lost productivity, clearly this is a serious problem calling for full attention and broad resources. Research funding is called for to examine the benefits, safety, and cost effectiveness on the impact of chiropractic subluxation correction in mental health."

• Alibhoy N. Resolution of fibromyalgia following upper cervical chiropractic care: A case study [case report]. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2011 Spring;1(2):Online access only p 39-44.

"A 45 year old female presented for chiropractic care. Her history included two major traumas and 10 car accidents leading to complaints of an 11 year history of fibromyalgia. Other complaints included migraine headaches, chronic neck pain, upper and lower back pain, numbness in fingers, sciatica, right knee pain, depression, and duodenal ulcer."

"Upon examination the patient had an upper cervical subluxation determined by x-ray and pattern analysis. Upon correction of the upper cervical subluxation utilizing a specific knee chest technique, the patient experienced resolution of fibromyalgia as well as most of the concurrent complaints."

These are highlights from just a few case studies from the chiropractic literature describing results in patients with depression along with other health concerns. These studies represent countless unpaid hours to produce written records that document results in the chiropractic practice. They are a testament to the health potential of the human body with the help of corrective chiropractic care.

Depression and anxiety are serious issues that reduce the life quality of untold multitudes. Is the public missing the link between the spine and neuro-emotional abnormalities?