Addressing the Physical Side of Anxiety & Depression in Los Angeles

While anxiety and depression are mental health conditions, they profoundly impact physical well-being. Many people in Los Angeles experience physical symptoms like chronic pain amplification, fatigue, muscle tension, digestive upset (IBS), and sleep disturbances alongside emotional distress. At Body and Mind Pain Center, Dr. Zev Nevo offers an integrative, evidence-based approach to address these  physical and physiological aspects, complementing primary mental health treatment.

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Understanding the Mind-Body Connection:

Anxiety and depression are deeply intertwined with nervous system function and physiology:

  • Nervous System Dysregulation: Chronic activation of the stress response (“fight-or-flight” or “freeze”) contributes to both emotional and physical symptoms.
  • Pain Amplification: Anxiety and depression can lower pain thresholds and worsen the perception of chronic pain (central sensitization).
  • Inflammation & Gut Health: Chronic stress and mood disorders are linked to systemic inflammation and gut microbiome imbalances, further impacting physical health.
  • Muscle Tension: Emotional stress often manifests as chronic muscle guarding and pain (e.g., neck pain, back pain, headaches, TMJ).
  • Fatigue: Dysregulated stress hormones and neurotransmitters contribute to persistent fatigue.

Our Integrative Support Strategies:

Dr. Nevo provides patient-centered support in Los Angeles focusing on the body’s response:

  • Mind-Body Rehabilitation: Core focus – Utilizing tools like SSP and HeartMath to regulate the autonomic nervous system, build stress resilience, and improve emotional balance. PRT techniques can address associated pain amplification. Polyvagal-informed exercises enhance feelings of safety.
  • Functional Medicine:  Investigating physiological contributors – assessing neurotransmitter precursors, nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B vitamins, magnesium, Omega-3s), gut health (gut-brain axis), hormonal balance (thyroid, cortisol), and inflammation. Personalized nutritional and supplement support.
  • OMT: Gentle techniques to release chronic muscle tension associated with stress/anxiety, improve posture, balance the autonomic nervous system, and enhance body awareness.
    Lifestyle Guidance: Focusing on sleep hygiene, movement/exercise appropriate for energy levels, nutrition for mood support via our Wellness Clinic.

Patient Empowerment & Goals:

Our goal is to help you understand the mind-body link, reduce the physical symptoms associated with anxiety/depression, improve nervous system regulation and resilience, enhance overall well-being, and provide tools that complement your primary mental health care.

The Body and Mind Pain Center Difference:

We offer a unique focus on the physiological underpinnings and physical manifestations of anxiety and depression in Los Angeles. Dr. Nevo integrates Functional Medicine insights, advanced Mind-Body tools, and OMT within an empathetic, evidence-based, fiduciary care model, working collaboratively with you and your mental health providers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can regulating my nervous system help anxiety/depression symptoms?

Anxiety and depression often keep your nervous system stuck in high alert or shutdown. Mind-Body techniques like HeartMath or SSP help train your nervous system to shift more easily into a calm, safe state (parasympathetic/ventral vagal). This physiological shift can directly reduce physical symptoms like racing heart, muscle tension, fatigue, and improve emotional balance.

Can functional medicine testing provide insights relevant to mood?

Yes, Functional Medicine testing can uncover underlying physiological imbalances that significantly impact mood. This might include identifying nutrient deficiencies (like B vitamins, Omega-3s), assessing gut health (which influences neurotransmitters), checking thyroid and adrenal hormone balance, or measuring inflammatory markers, allowing for targeted support.

How does OMT help with the physical effects of stress?

Chronic stress manifests physically as muscle tension (shoulders, neck, jaw), altered breathing patterns, and fascial restrictions. Gentle OMT  techniques can release this stored tension, improve posture, enhance breathing mechanics, and help balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting physical relaxation which supports emotional well-being.

Is this a replacement for therapy or medication?

No. Our approach focuses on the body’s contribution to and experience of anxiety and depression. It is designed to be complementary to standard mental health care (psychotherapy and/or medication management) provided by mental health professionals. We aim to support your overall well-being from a physiological perspective.

What mind-body techniques are most helpful?

Techniques that build self-awareness and improve nervous system self-regulation are key. HeartMath  biofeedback for coherence, SSP for foundational safety, mindfulness practices for observing thoughts/feelings without judgment, and gentle somatic exercises to connect with body sensations are often very beneficial.

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