CSA* Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments
😔Anxiety and depression are very common mood disorders.
Recent data shows about 1 in 5 adults (18–21%) experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past two weeks.
Symptoms often overlap: sadness, hopelessness, low energy (depression), along with nervousness, worry, dread, agitation, restlessness (anxiety). Many people have both at the same time.

💧 Brainwave Connection
Research shows people with anxiety and depression often have LOWER alpha brainwaves (8–12 Hz) in key areas: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe.
Higher alpha waves are linked to relaxation, reduced anxiety, calmer mind, and lower physiological stress. Neurofeedback often trains people to increase alpha for these benefits.

🌞 How Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments Make a Difference
Targeted Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments (CSAs) — high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts aimed specifically at dysfunctional spinal segments — create real neurophysiological changes. Key findings from studies (especially Haavik et al.):

✅Significantly INCREASED alpha brainwave activity after adjustments (measured by EEG and somatosensory evoked potentials).

✅These changes lasted at least 4 weeks in follow-up testing (control groups showed no change).

✅Adjustments promote neuroplasticity in important brain areas: primary somatosensory cortex, primary motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, cerebellum.

✅This affects the Default Mode Network (linked to introspection, self-reflection, sleep, and mood regulation).

💫Important distinction:
Not all spinal manipulation is the same.

🪃 Chiropractic spinal adjustment = thrust delivered to a VERIFIED dysfunctional segment ⚡creates central segmental motor control (CSMC) changes and better outcomes.

🪃 General manipulation/mobilization (e.g., physical therapy style) = thrust to any segment ⚡ does NOT produce the same nervous system changes or benefits.

Proven benefits from targeted CSAs (beyond mood):

✨38.4% better deep abdominal muscle activation (retained 19% at 6 months).

✨Increased neurological reflexes (H-reflex, V-wave) by 16% without fatigue.

✨Jaw strength up 55–60% after ONE adjustment.

✨Motor evoked potentials increased 44–55% in limbs.

✨Brain impulse changes (SEPs) improved ~17%.

Concerns with Long-Term Anxiety/Depression Medications
SSRIs, benzodiazepines, SNRIs, TCAs, etc., can be helpful short-term but carry many long-term side effects:

🌧️Emotional blunting / feeling “numb”

🌧️Sexual dysfunction (sometimes permanent – PSSD* Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction)

🌧️Weight gain

🌧️Sleep disturbances

🌧️Dependency and tough withdrawal

🌧️Cognitive issues, memory problems

🌧️Increased risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis, dementia (especially with long-term benzos)

🌧️Other risks: hypertension, sweating, heart rhythm issues, etc.

🧬 Clinical Take-Home Points
Chiropractic care is extremely safe — large 2023 data set of 960,140 patients showed adverse events at only 0.00021% (all minor). Targeted Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments offer a powerful, drugless option to help manage anxiety and depression symptoms by directly influencing brain function and relaxation pathways. Common-sense approach:
Drugless first 🚀 Medications only when needed 🚀 Surgery last.

(Original article references include Haavik et al. studies on neurophysiology, EEG/SEPs, and medication side effects.)

Be Blessed

Dr. Jeffrey G Boerger DC