The Link Between the Hypermobile Spectrum and Anxiety/Nervous System Dysregulation
Treating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Derik Anderson
20% of the population is on the hypermobile spectrum and can struggle with chronic pain because of it. At the more extreme end of the spectrum is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a genetic disorder that affects not not muscles and joints but the whole body in ongoing feedback loops. Perhaps most significantly, 80% of people with EDS have generalized anxiety. Most doctors or practitioners seeing people with vague symptoms from chronic pain, allergies, SIBO, IBS, brain fog, POTS, autoimmunity, anxiety, and more are often unaware that EDS can be the cause. Even less know about holistic ways to intervene in the cycle of dysregulation. Three of my closest friends are diagnosed with EDS, and I know many more who struggle with it, so I spoke with a specialist, Dr. Derik Andersen to get some answers.
In this episode we discuss:
what is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
the mast cell activation and EDS cycle
what are the symptoms and how can someone test themselves?
why are anxiety and nervous system issues associated with it?
research on the Autonomic Nervous System and HRV
neurodivergence and EDS
holistic treatment approaches
focused shockwave therapy
nutritional interventions
breathwork for the nervous system
what practitioners should know
from: https://www.benthamscience.com/article/74778
Derik S. Anderson, DC, CPT, CSN is the Clinic Director of the Muscle and Joint Clinic in Northern California. He helps his patients be healthier by utilizing his education and personal and professional backgrounds. Dr. Anderson grew up wanting to help people and initially planned to go to business school to work in energy conservation. But, after a good friend’s life was positively changed by chiropractic care, he had a change of heart. His friend spent two years with horrific intestinal problems and saw over a dozen providers, but no one could help her – until she saw a chiropractor. The chiropractor knew that the vertebra and muscles around them affected the nerves that controlled the intestines. After treatment, she was no longer bed-ridden and went back to teaching, traveling and leading an active life. Dr. Anderson realized that health care was his calling and his passion for helping people was channeled into chiropractic.
Education:
Life Chiropractic College West, Doctor of Chiropractic
University of California, Santa Barbara, Bachelor of Arts, Economics
Completed more than 1,000 hours of post-doctoral education
Sports Nutritionist, Certified
Personal Fitness Trainer, Certified
Active Release Technique, Certified 2011
FAKTR, Certified
Myofascial Decompression, Certified
Ironman® Healthcare Provider
https://musclejointclinic.com/
Links
Dr. Jessica Eccles https://www.bsms.ac.uk/about/contact-us/staff/dr-jessica-eccles.aspx
Resources:
Get the book: Mad Studies Reader: Interdisciplinary Innovations in Mental Health
Become a member: The Institute for the Development of Human Arts
Train with us: Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum
Sessions & Information about the host: JazmineRussell.com
Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.