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Some people might have problems equating what they know about chiropractic services with treating depression.  Studies have shown, however, that chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, sometimes quickly, and sometimes it might take awhile.

There have been many studies, large and small, which have determined that depression can be altered and sometimes cured.  Some of it involves people who have fallen into depression because of pain.  Some people may not have painful symptoms, but are still depressed.

It all starts out with an evaluation known as a BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), of which there are 3 versions.  Version II is the one used in the studies.  This is an evaluation of the level of depression, the possible symptoms leading to the depression, and any physical symptoms that may be impacting the depression.  Another BDI is performed after each treatment so there can be a comparison of results.

Most of the patients evaluated showed what’s known as a subluxation, which is defined as an incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint or organ.  Sometimes it’s due to a physical trauma; other times it’s something that’s a body.  Whatever it is, there seems to be a correlation between the depression and lower back pain of some sort.

Depending on the study seems to depend on how long results are seen or treatment takes.  In one study, a patient felt a lot better with just 11 treatments.  In another study, it took almost 11 months before the patient started showing a drastic turnaround.  Other studies have been somewhat in the middle.

One study tested 15 participants.  Out of those 15, 11 experienced great improvement, while 2 experienced minor improvement and 2 said they felt worse afterwards.

The explanations for why it works are mainly twofold.  One, it’s explained that helping people relieve themselves of pain helps to end their depression, which the researchers believe drove them into the depression.  Two, it’s thought that since chiropractic services not only address pain, but stress relief, that it helps the mind relax to a degree that a person is more able to cope with life situations.

Either way, the studies seem to indicate that using chiropractic services can go a long way in helping a significant part of the population come to grips with their depression.  No one is saying it will totally cure depression on its own, but it certainly helps in a long way.

See more:
Chronic Pain and Emotional Health
Stress Relief Strategies
How A Chiropractor Can Help With Fibromyalgia