The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, has stated major depression strikes 3% – 5% of the population at any point and there is a 17% chance a person develops at some point in their life. Depression caused by the new novel Corona Virus is likely to cause these statistical numbers to increase.

An individual’s depression may be caused by one primary root cause or can be the result of many causes. Studies reveal the rate of depression occurs 4 times higher in chronic pain sufferers when compared to healthier populations. A cycle of chronic pain along with the depression generally continues unless it is broken. One reason that chiropractic care can help mental health is by decreasing any physical pain that may be clouding the mind. Some with depression discover imbalances within their body were contributing to their depressive symptoms. Misaligned spinal vertebrae can place pressure on surrounding nerves creating a blockage in a nerve in the lower back – that can actually affect your emotional, mental, and physical state. This is why regular chiropractic adjustments have demonstrated to be effective in decreasing pain, depression and anxiety and allow for a healthier (mentally and physically) existence. 

The connection between chiropractic care and its impact on mental health was researched and a study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. This research noted prior research revealing of the 2818 patients receiving chiropractic care, 76% declared an improvement in their mental/emotional health.   Furthermore this 76% also stated positive changes in stress and increased life enjoyment several months after receiving chiropractic care.

However for many people depression is more pronounced in a subconscious level. This is why people suffering from this condition often cannot understand why they are experiencing these “heavy” feelings and struggle with finding a way out. While medications such as antidepressants seem to be a quick fix, they do not address the underlying problems and are rarely a long term solution. Not only do antidepressants come with significant side effects and dangers but recent studies have raised questions as to their effectiveness. 

Healing depression generally requires that we discern and remove the cause of the condition.  For the depression sufferer who is unsure about what is causing their symptoms consulting a Chiropractor can be an excellent first step to finding relief. One preferred Chiropractic adjustment technique for depression and many other conditions is Craniosacral Therapy.  Cranial Sacral Therapy is a viable treatment for depression as it involves light touch and gentle manipulation moving restricted cranial bones providing physical relief.  Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on adjustment that focuses on the cranium, skull, and correcting any misalignment of the bones located there. The bones of the skull experience very slight, but significant movement. Because movement is possible, and necessary for cranial mobility, there is also the possibility of these bones becoming misaligned. 

Misalignment in the cranial bones can result in flow restrictions of cerebrospinal fluid and create tension and stress in the entire nervous system. Our moods are regulated by our body’s chemistry,  all which is regulated by the nervous system. Misalignment of the spine can cause pressure in the area of the brain stem causing chemical and neurological interference.  People routinely rely on medications to alter their brain chemistry but those looking for a healthier treatment often find re-aligning vertebrae in their spine can resolve their mental and emotional strain.  Craniosacral therapy discerns the correct ”pressure spots” or points of tension in the craniosacral system manipulating them in order to reduce tension and increased relaxation.  Because the nervous system is comprised of the brain and spine any restriction in the nourishing fluid reaching those areas leads to dysfunction in the rest of the body, especially in terms of mood and emotions. This is where chiropractic care can positively influence depression symptoms.  This change may also affect the emotional body creating positive attitudinal changes in an individual. 

Chiropractic treatment combined with Craniosacral Therapy can be relaxing for the individual with depression as well.  One of the most beneficial things about craniosacral massage is that it often helps people to relax, reduce muscle tension in their body, and deal with various types of stress better. Receiving this form of therapy can release any blockages of cerebral spinal fluid as well as relax the body and reduce tension. The combination of each of these effects from Chiropractic care can lead to a significant reduction in depression symptoms. 

A 2011 descriptive outcome study that was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine reviewed the effectiveness of CranioSacral Therapy treatments received by 157 patients being treated for a variety of reasons. Patients sought relief for headaches, neck and back pain, or anxiety and depression. The results showed that 74% of patients announced a “valuable improvement in their presenting problem,” 67% announced an improvement in general well-being and secondary symptoms tied to pain or chronic stress, and 70% were able to decrease their medication use or discontinue use altogether.

Multidisciplinary approaches to treating depression can be very effective and Chiropractic care should be a top methodology used in this treatment regimen. Living with depression does not have to be a reality and Chiropractic care is proving to be a promising treatment method.  Reach me if I may be of help to you.

About Dr. Kaminsky & Craniosacral Therapy

Dr. Kaminsky earned his Chiropractic degree in the year 2000 and is licensed to practice in NY. He has since completed close to three thousand hours of continuing education seminars in various healthcare fields.

Since 2015, he is implementing primarily the hands-on techniques of Craniosacral Therapy (CST), a gentle, non-invasive, laying of the hands that brings about reversal and restoration.

The Craniosacral Mechanism is the driver of moving fluid in the body and head called cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), which is produced by the Choroid Plexus of the brain and encapsulated within the head and spine.

The craniosacral system is the hydraulic mechanism of a human being and is a component of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and (ANS) Autonomic Nervous system.

There is a function inside of your brain that autonomically generates rhythmic impulses that function to pump CSF throughout your body via the craniosacral pathways, regulating your central and peripheral nerves, nervous system and organ systems, musculoskeletal system, etc.

This moving fluid is palpable to a trained craniosacral therapist, like the heart rate, pulse rhythm, breath, that can all be seen, heard or felt, so too can the Cranial Sacral Rhythm (CSR) be palpated and diagnosed for its health.

By placing his or her hands on your body, including your head and sacrum, the therapist can detect, feel and evaluate the SQAR (symmetry, quality, amplitude, rate) of this fluid rhythm.

The health of your body and mind are dependent on the vitality of this fluid. Compromises of your CSR’s rhythmic impulse correlates to CSF flow restrictions in the system which, when the fluid isn’t flowing optimally, your bodily rejuvenation and recovery is affected.

With anatomically correct hand placement on different parts the body during a session, through gentle manipulation and mobilization the therapist guides and facilitates a positive change in that region of the body which brings forth a correction. A myofascial release in a sense.

A craniosacral therapist stimulates and helps your rhythm refocus, allowing for improvement of musculoskeletal tightness and spasms, neurological issues, organ function, many common conditions, pain, and the mind-body re-connect.

Through a practitioners properly focused and individually attuned touch, your body is facilitated to release channels of fluid stagnation and flow restriction, which ultimately breakthrough, overcome and improve your rhythmic fluid and your potential for health improvement.

The existence of the Craniosacral mechanism was first discovered by Osteopath Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900’s, who called it Cranial Osteopathy. And many years later, renamed to Craniosacral Therapy by Osteopath, Dr. John Upledger.

Dr. Alex Kaminsky is an advanced and certified Craniosacral Therapist, having studied advanced levels including SER, Brain and Pediatric courses. He has built a significant skill-set with many years of experience treating adults, children and babies. To learn more, visit the other pages on this website. Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kaminsky.