The fundamental beliefs and goals, which is essentially the treatment concept of the Chiropractor, is the non-surgical and drug-free return of spinal mobility back to normality, or at least to substantially improve functionality in their patients. This in turn reduces or completely alleviates irritation and or pressure on the nervous system. Their focus is on the intimate connection between the spine and the nervous system, and how structural misalignment of the spinal bones can cause ill-health in the patient.

Neurological tissue is highly sensitive and consequently any pressure or blockages caused by biomechanical injuries, tension, over-exertion, falls, accidents or other injury mechanisms, can carry serious consequences and not only in terms of back pain; in terms of many different aspects of health.

It is the goal of the chiropractor to restore structural integrity to the spine by means of manipulation or realignment, but they do not only play a healing role. Their role is to also educate the patient to be responsible for their own good health, and ergonomics, exercise and other means are used treat and educate, with good overall spinal health as the goal.

Chiropractic therapies have proven in research to alleviate, and even return to normal health many conditions which appear to the lay-person, to have absolutely no connection with the spine. We have seen positive results in the reduction of high blood pressure, hyperactivity, allergies, colic in babies, ADD and ADHD in children, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and other illnesses of the blood vessels, headaches, arthritic pain, and other pain associated with the neuro-musculoskeletal system. However, this major bodily system and the rest of the body is by no means mutually-exclusive.

The Chiropractor is a well-trained health-care professional, who by the most part is consulted by patients seeking non-surgical, drug-free treatments for problems such as, but not limited to:

• Low-back pain

• Neck pain

• Repetitive strains or sprains

• Headaches

• Sports injuries

• Car accident injuries

• Arthritic pain

Chiropractic clinics and the health-care individuals who practice from these, use standard medical procedures of examination for diagnosis and treatment plans. However the examination itself is aimed at the evaluation of the spinal structure and function. Treatment is also focused on the spine, and it is this that stands Chiropractic apart from other health disciplines.

They are trained to evaluate the condition of the bones, joints, tendons and musculature of the spine, neck, head, extremities and other areas to check for misalignment, defects, asymmetry, tenderness, motor strength, coordination, nerve root compression, deep tendon reflexes or problems which may result in pain and/or ill health. Chiropractic training also encompasses neurological and physical tests, and their skills include both cardiovascular and orthopedic examinations, as well as well as other common
medical examinations. Specialized assessment skills include but are not limited to testing muscle tone, pathological and deep tendon reflexes, range of motion, stability, muscle strength and more.

They also have a clear understanding of laboratory diagnostics, radiography and neuro-diagnostics which may or may not be required for the Chiropractic care of a patient. And that is in a nutshell, who the Chiropractor is and what he does. This is a well-recognized and very accessible form of alternative therapy, and Chiropractic therapy is becoming more widely used than ever before, today.

Questions asked during an initial exam may or many not include:

• Where the pain is felt (location)

• What the pain feels like

• Whether it is as the result of an injury

• Frequency of symptom(s)

• Duration

• What eases the pain

• What makes it feel worse

Questions regarding the patients’ family history, what their diet is like, whether they have received other treatment, who current health-care providers are, their occupation, any pre-existing conditions, social background, and so on are asked. More questions may be asked based on responses to these questions from the patient.

In terms of the physical examination, a variety of methods may be used and this does not exclude general medical exam methods such as taking blood pressure, testing reflexes, measuring respiration and others.

Chiropractic examination includes both static and motion palpation techniques; in other words the Doctor will have a good hands-on feel of the spine, or may use diagnostic equipment, but this is not always necessary. Depending on the results of this physical exam, more tests may be called for or diagnostic equipment may be required to be used. X-rays are able to locate subluxations, whereas palpation techniques may not, although this is not generally the case. Palpation can reveal spinal bones which are restricted or fixated, and even enable posture analysis. There is also other equipment used to determine the skin temperature in the spinal region, this is a tell-tale sign for an area which requires manipulation. Muscle tone, muscle strength and neurological integrity must also be determined.

Once a diagnosis has been established, a good chiropractor – and most are today – does everything they possibly can to relieve symptoms in a patient as quickly as possible; with as few treatments as possible. Chiropractic treatment approaches very often use exercise as a primary component, as well as educating the patient what to, and not to do, to avoid future pain episodes.

The patient may be required to move in a specific way, and any exercise given is designed to strengthen the underactive muscles of the body, back and pelvis, as well as stretch over-tight muscles. Together with manipulation, this strengthening process generally results in better long term results.

Some Chiropractic practitioners use a biomechanical concept which is holistic in its approach, and treats the body structure in its entirety. This concept attempts to balance the body structure from the feet up. Sometimes weak links may be identified far from the area of complaint, which might appear to be strange but is actually not, and even arch supports are also often prescribed.

A Chiropractor examines the function and structure of the spine, to determine what type of chiropractic treatment is appropriate for a patient. This determination is completely separate from any other medical discipline; however, the examination itself is very similar to that of any standard medical examination procedure. For example when low-back pain is the problem, a consultation takes place according to the Chiropractors clinical judgment. A medical history will be recorded, and a physical examination may even include such tests as X-rays/MRI (an MRI may need to be taken elsewhere) and laboratory analysis. A first examination may take as long as 45 minutes or more.

Questions asked during an initial exam may or many not include:

      Where the pain is felt (location)

      What the pain feels like

      Whether it is as the result of an injury

      Frequency of symptom(s)

      Duration

      What eases the pain

      What makes it feel worse

Questions regarding the patients’ family history, what their diet is like, whether they have received other treatment, who current health-care providers are, their occupation, any pre-existing conditions, social background, and so on are asked. More questions may be asked based on responses to these questions from the patient.

In terms of the physical examination, a variety of methods may be used and this does not exclude general medical exam methods such as taking blood pressure, testing reflexes, measuring respiration and others.

Chiropractic examination includes both static and motion palpation techniques; in other words the Doctor will have a good hands-on feel of the spine, or may use diagnostic equipment, but this is not always necessary. Depending on the results of this physical exam, more tests may be called for or diagnostic equipment may be required to be used. X-rays are able to locate subluxations, whereas palpation techniques may not, although this is not generally the case. Palpation can reveal spinal bones which are restricted or fixated, and even enable posture analysis. There is also other equipment used to determine the skin temperature in the spinal region, this is a tell-tale sign for an area which requires manipulation. Muscle tone, muscle strength and neurological integrity must also be determined.

Once a diagnosis has been established, a good chiropractor – and most are today – does everything they possibly can to relieve symptoms in a patient as quickly as possible; with as few treatments as possible. Chiropractic treatment approaches very often use exercise as a primary component, as well as educating the patient what to, and not to do, to avoid future pain episodes.

The patient may be required to move in a specific way, and any exercise given is designed to strengthen the underactive muscles of the body, back and pelvis, as well as stretch over-tight muscles. Together with manipulation, this strengthening process generally results in better long term results.

Some Chiropractic practitioners use a biomechanical concept which is holistic in its approach, and treats the body structure in its entirety. This concept attempts to balance the body structure from the feet up. Sometimes weak links may be identified far from the area of complaint, which might appear to be strange but is actually not, and even arch supports are also often prescribed.

From the Greek words “cheiros” (hand) and praktikos (“done”), we derive the etymology of the name ‘Chiropractic’, as simply meaning ‘done by hand’. Today it is also important that we understand, modern spinal adjustments are not only performed by hand.

Dr. Solon Langworthy is responsible for adding the term ‘subluxation’ to the vocabulary of this practice, which took place in 1906 with the publishing of the first Chiropractic book. The term is still used today by many chiropractors, although at least one school of Chiropractic refers to subluxation only in a historical context. It basically means – in lay-mans terms – spinal vertebrae or joints being out of alignment, placing pressure on nerves; thereby impairing function in many areas of the body; preventing natural healing processes and also general good health.

Even prior to the 20th century, Palmer began to study the role of the spine on peoples’ health. He also studied anatomy and actually taught himself spinal manipulation techniques, based on ancient health texts. As far back as 1895, a man who was deaf in one ear had told him about his problem, and possibly approached him for help (stories vary). He performed a spinal manipulation (hands-on) and restored hearing to the mans ear – although according to one tale, all he did was slap him on the back with a book, after hearing him tell a joke. This is believed to be the event which started Chiropractic in the USA.

DD Palmer also founded the ‘Palmer School of Chiropractic’, which still exists as the Palmer College of Chiropractic. This took place in 1897, and was used to teach students the principles of this school of healing. His son BJ (Bartlett Joshua) continued to develop and promote Chiropractic manipulation and healing principles, and provided training and education in both the general public and the medical profession during the first part of the 20th century.

Slowly the core principles of this practice grew in popularity as a safe alternative to dangerous surgery and/or drugs, and became more widely accepted by the general public. Continued research has seen Chiropractic wellness emerge as one of the most highly regarded, accessible and popular branches of alternative health care.

Throughout its chequered history Chiropractic care has battle with mainstream medicine. Has been called ‘pseudoscientific’ and worse, but now has the attention of scientific scholars who are seeing good research results. Clinical guidelines have been established which have improved service and quality, and this branch of alternative treatment has become a recommended therapy for the treatment of acute low back pain.

Over a century after Daniel David Palmer said that “manipulation is the cure for all diseases for the human race”, which also landed him in jail. This form of therapy has become mainstream today.

There is believed to be 100 000 new cases diagnosed every year, and as many as 1.5 million people already suffering with Parkinson’s Disease in the US. In countries such as Italy, France and the Netherlands, as many as 1.6 cases of Parkinson’s are diagnosed for every 100 people. The estimated annual cost for caring for patients with PD in the USA was $24 billion, as far back as 1997.

In the case of the research study, a 66 year old woman presented at the chiropractor with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and various accompanying symptoms. According to the medical history, the problems had started after a fall while she was ballroom dancing. This led to her being shaken, but no apparent injury was caused. The woman needed no medical treatment, went home to rest and in all respects seemed to be fine. Symptoms began to appear the following day with a left leg limp and difficulty swinging her left arm. These symptoms developed and worsened, and two year search for the cause led to tests which revealed she was suffering from PD.

Her chiropractic examination included x-rays, thermography and palpation; the result was that subluxations were present. We know that subluxations cause central nervous system interference. Care was therefore initiated which involved chiropractic adjustments, and positive changes were already noted immediately after the first specific adjustment. At the completion of the study, the woman reported that the vast majority of symptoms had completely gone away. She found a return to normal energy levels and her depression, was also relieved. The tremor which had become constant had gone, as was rigidity of muscle tone, and she had also regained the use of both her left leg and arm. The woman was quoted by the author of the study as saying “I have my life back”.

This is only one of many case studies where patients with PD have benefitted substantially from chiropractic care. As far back as 1934, B.J. Palmer reported using upper cervical chiropractic care for PD patients. Patients were referred to as being diagnosed with “shaking palsy”, and improvements in “tremor, shaking, muscle cramps, muscle contracture, joint stiffness, fatigue, incoordination, trouble walking, numbness, pain, inability to walk, and muscle weakness,” were listed. It is thought that this 70 year old study was the first of its kind.

In an additional study to investigate the effectiveness of modern upper cervical chiropractic care; ten individuals were selected to undergo upper cervical adjustment performed by hand – they ranged in age from 47 to 76 years. They were chosen as interested volunteers from PD support groups. The conclusion of this study revealed that upper cervical misalignments were present in all ten sufferers and after three months of chiropractic treatment, eight out of ten of the volunteers showed improvements from associated PD symptoms.

It therefore stands to reason that poor posture affects spinal health, as well as the health of brain and all other vital organ function.

Dr. Roger Sperry is a Nobel Prize recipient; he has said that the spine is the engine which powers the brain. According to his research – the movement of the spine stimulates 90% of the nutrition which goes to the brain. Only 10% of the energy of the brain is used for immunity, healing, metabolism, and yes…thought. 90% of brain energy is used to maintain the relationship the body has with gravity.

The curve in the neck is what neurosurgeons and Chiropractors refer to as ‘the arc of life’. Ideally the arc of life should contain a 40 – 45 degree curve. This curve is designed to protect the spinal canal, cord and nerve pathways to the entire body, as well as the brain stem. Loss of this natural curve of the spine is responsible for an entire host of associated health problems.

When the spine is misaligned it causes compressions and blocks neural pathways. This irritation of the nervous system affects every other organ and body function. The scientific term used for this misalignment is ‘subluxation’. Subluxation can manifest in pain, but this is not necessarily the case, as only a very small proportion of the spinal nerves actually transmit the sensation of pain, so, the condition can be deceiving. If the individual does not notice any pain with poor posture, this does not necessarily mean that no problem exists. The most dangerous forms of subluxation patterns are scoliosis, loss of the arc of life in the neck, and forward head posture.

Poor posture and/or trauma are the most common causes of loss of neck curve and forward head posture. Trauma may be caused as far back as the birth process or from sporting injury, falls and car accidents, amongst others. Typically many individuals today also spend at least three to four hours daily if not more, slumped in front of a TV, computer, or cell phone while sending texts. All of these activities are responsible for an enduring posture pattern referred to as “forward head posture”.

Forward head posture can result in as much as 30% of lung capacity loss, may add as much as 30lbs of leverage which pulls the spine entirely out of alignment, and has been known to lead to asthmatic conditions, heart disease, blood vessel and even digestive disorders. Oxygen deficit can affect the gastrointestinal system and decrease endorphin production. This problem is so prevalent that some chiropractic practitioners specialize in corrective care only for forward head posture. The aim of this rehabilitative treatment is to address postural abnormalities, and restore the natural curves of the spine for lasting change.

Research has shown that chiropractic care can effectively reduce forward head posture and restore or enhance the arc of life. This dramatically improves lung function, which in turn enhances blood flow, improves respiration so more oxygen is delivered to the entire body. Essentially all health concerns improve from addressing postural problems.

There are many other health issues besides blood pressure problems which benefit considerably from spinal realignment. Any results are researched based, which proves that this is not just some new health hype – and Chiropractic practitioners have known this ass fact for a considerable length of time.

There have been consistently remarkable results achieved in assisting to stabilize blood pressure by means of Chiropractic care. So let’s go into this in a little more depth, shall we?

It is the central nervous system which helps the internal physiology of the body to adapt to stress situations externally. The CNS is protected by the skull and the spine, therefore when external stress is too much; this compromises the integrity of the structure of the spine, and results in subluxation.

Subluxation is interference in the nervous system, caused by the spinal bones being out of balance. Ongoing stress is akin to being in constant fight or flight mode, which increases inflammatory processes, the secretion of stress hormones and blood vessel tone. This in turn results in high blood pressure. So, external stressors compromise the spinal structure resulting in CNS interference.

Sympathetic (fight or flight) dominance results in higher blood pressure for many individuals. Chiropractic adjustment removes subluxation which in turn restores harmony to the CNS. This promotes stabilization and the ability of the body to heal itself appropriately.

During a 1988 double blind study of 75 patients – chiropractic care was found to help stabilize high blood pressure in patients. During the research one control group of patients with higher than normal blood pressure received adjustments to the thoracic and/or cervical spine. The second control group received placebo adjustments (manipulations which appeared be adjustments but were actually not). A third control group received no treatment at all.

Result showed that the control group receiving adjustments also experienced a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings; while changes were not noted in either the second control or placebo group. From these results it can be safely surmised that Chiropractic adjustment to spine is able to significantly lower high blood pressure.

Other studies at the University of Chicago hypertension center also suggest; that Chiropractic adjustments have the effect of treating the problem of high blood pressure in the same way in which two highly effective blood-pressure medications combined. The treatment is also found to be adverse-event free; in other words, no side-effects or other problems were encountered. Eight weeks into the study, twenty-five early-stage blood pressure patients showed notably lower blood pressure readings than twenty-five similar patients undergoing placebo chiropractic adjustment. Average drops in Systolic readings were 14mm Hg, while in Diastolic readings this was 8 mm Hg.

“G Bakris, M Dickholtz Sr, P M Meyer, G Kravitz, E Avery, M Miller, J Brown, C Woodfield, B Bell. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study. Journal of Human Hypertension. March 2, 2007″.

More often than not, the following common ailments find their way to Chiropractic Healthcare practices:

•      Neck/shoulder pain
•      Headaches/migraine
•      Lower back pain
•      Scoliosis – Side-to-side curvature of the spine
•      Poor posture
•      Numbness/Tingling
•      Low Energy/Fatigue
•      Sports injury

Neck/Shoulder Pain

This condition generally affects working adults, and most typically when they are involved in a desk job. Desk and computer work as well as a sedentary lifestyle causes spinal dysfunction in many office workers. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to – joint and/or muscle stiffness, neck pain – which may even be associated with vertigo. Other common symptoms of neck and shoulder pain can be a tingling sensation and/or numbness which runs down the arms and into the fingers.

Headaches/Migraine

Headaches have many causes, symptoms and types – we find the famous migraine, cluster, tension and dehydration headaches as well as others. An often overlooked cause is the spinal bones in the neck and upper back being misaligned. These vertebrae being out of alignment affects both blood supply and nerve messaging to the head, causing headache. Spinal tissues which are irritated by mechanical restrictions can engender throbbing headaches. Aspirin or other medication may relieve pain but does not correct the underlying cause. Chiropractic care sometimes brings instant relief, in other patients this may take longer, dependent on the extent of the damage. However this treatment does promise drug-free results. Millions of headache patients enjoy this relief.

Lower Back Pain

This is the most common Chiropractic complaint – when even picking up something as light as a newspaper can cause pain. Contrary to popular belief, picking up heavy items is not the most obvious cause of damage or this pain – the common cause is everyday activity. They may not feel painful at the time, but micro-traumas build up and cause significant structural damage to the spine. These ongoing little irritations can cause a lot of trouble.

Scoliosis – Side-to-side Curvature of the Spine

This condition is most often first noticed in childhood. The spine should be straight when viewed from behind and people who suffer with this ailment present with a distinct ‘C’ or ‘S’ shaped curvature. Chiropractic alignment lets the spine develop normally by maintaining mobility of the joints. Correct care can prevent a worsening of the condition and even reduce its appearance. In this instance; prevention is definitely better than cure.

Poor Posture

Stand up straight – shoulders back – pull the tummy muscles in. It’s not always easy to permanently stand or sit in this way. Poor posture puts the spine out of balance – again unhealthy pressure is placed on the spinal tissue. Sports injuries, car accidents, birth trauma, stress, work accidents, and even standing, sleeping or walking, can result in an unaligned spine. The spine affects posture and vice versa, and often therefore good health.

Numbness and Tingling

These sensations or lack of sensation may be felt in the arms, legs, hand, feet, finger or toes. It is often caused by subluxated spinal bones, which cause pressure on nerves and blood supply. Symptoms such as this may progress to muscle weakness and pain.

Low Energy/Fatigue

This is a common Chiropractic complaint and is found in these offices, virtually every day. Poor posture again is often the culprit – it takes more physical and neurological energy to maintain a poor posture believe it or not? This then causes pressure on the nervous system and affects optimal body function and its ability to self-repair.

Sports Injury

Injury to soft tissue which includes muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints is an occupational hazard in the pursuit of sports perfection. These injuries might lead to chronic future health problems. The Chiropractic adjustment approach is a balanced approach to return normal mobility and function. Chiropractors may also help with better exercise strategies to reduce chances of further or future damage.

Vertical Subluxations occur when the vertebra move out of alignment; this places damaging pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord – causing interruption of vital nerve-flow in the human body. The nerves found between the spinal bones (vertebrae), are extremely delicate tissue – which transport messages from the brain to body and vice- versa – the transportation of these messages is vital for all body functions. Understandably therefore, if the nerve transport channels are blocked or disturbed, illness of all shapes, sizes and levels of severity can ensue. Subluxation of the vertebrae chokes off virtually all life energy flows.

Spinal imbalances also create the necessity for the spinal column to work even harder as it compensates for the imbalance. The innate healing ability and immune systems of the body are affected adversely by this. The end result is health problems – these may often be serious. What is really interesting to note is that Chiropractors have known about the presence and dangers of subluxations for more than a century. More scientific evidence in the form of ongoing research proves this to be true, more and more today. Health benefits for the correction of subluxations cannot be denied, and the aim of Chiropractic treatment is to return the body to its most optimal functioning level.

There are various common conditions which can be subluxation related, and only a Chiropractic health professional is trained in the location, diagnosis, analysis, and correction of vertebral subluxations. These conditions include but are not limited to:

• Neck/shoulder pain – Usually affects adults in a desk-job situation, together with a sedentary lifestyle
• Headaches/migraine – Spinal problems are frequently overlooked as the cause of these conditions
• Lower back pain – Most commonly seen symptom in a chiropractic office
• Scoliosis – Side-to-side curvature of the spine; most often seen starting in childhood
• Poor posture – Puts the spine out of balance considerably
• Numbness/Tingling – May progress to muscle weakness and/or pain
• Low Energy/Fatigue – Usually due to poor posture and a resulting vertebral subluxation – life energy channels are blocked

Sports injuries – Chiropractic takes a holistic and balanced approach to treatment and healing.

All of these commonly treated ailments have a great deal more to them than we have discussed here briefly – we shall go into them in a little more detail in a later article. In the meantime it is vitally important to remember, that many different things contribute to the health and well-being of our spines, or lack thereof. The quality of the food and water we ingest and the air we breathe. How well we handle stress or emotional problems; what inherited weaknesses and strengths we have a proclivity to. How much exercise we take and whether or not we use drugs. A good level of relaxation is also vitally important for a healthy spine – in some people this is so important it could mean the difference between being dangerously ill or being strong and vital. Periodic spinal checkups with a good Chiropractor, promotes good spinal health and a general overall sense of well-being.

It is estimated that as many as 10,000 distinctive assaults from ROS (reactive oxygen species) or free radicals, takes place on each cell of the human body. Scientists believe this is an ongoing process and Chiropractic care has indicated that it is able to assist in stabilizing as well as enhance our self-healing ability.

In a study of 76 healthy individuals – qualified by sex, age and proper nutrition; higher serum thiol were seen in participants receiving Chiropractic care. Those participants who received this care for two years or more had higher levels of serum thiol than those generally associated with normal healthy individuals. The study was published in JVSR and consisted of three groups:

• short-term chiropractic care
• long-term chiropractic care
• no chiropractic care

Serum thiols are naturally occurring sulfuric compounds within the human body, which are closely associated with healing as well as acting as powerful antioxidants. Scientifically speaking thiol serum is measured to accurately reflect the ability of DNA to repair itself. This also means the measure of aging and the status of disease; it is typical to find low levels of serum thiols in various categories of human disease. Thiols react with ROS to reduce oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress occurs when the amount of ROS outnumbers the anti-oxidants in the body. Scientists have also found that unchecked ROS damage is able to render one in three proteins dysfunctional, however all cells components are generally damaged by free radicals – this includes lipids, proteins and DNA.

Life puts us through the wringer somewhat, and we naturally experience chemical, physical and emotional stresses. Oxidative stress, and a lessening of the metabolically ability to generate serum thiols to neutralize free radicals, is now widely accepted as one of the ways in which we age (some more quickly than others), as well as develop disease.

All stresses affect the way the nervous system functions, and in turn it is hypothesized that disturbances in nerve function also generates oxidative stress; in turn this affects  DNA’s ability to repair itself and lipid/protein regeneration on a cellular level. The results of the JVSR study indicates that Chiropractic care seems to improve the body’s ability to adapt to stress and self-repair against free radical damage.

The CNS – central nervous system is the primary driver for all body function and healing. Nerve pathways or energy from brain to body, controls and coordinates 75 trillion cells! This is movement of information from the brain to every part of the body; or if you like big words, try this word on for size – proprioception.

Proprioception must be at optimal levels for the best possible brain – body function. When nerve pathways are blocked by the bones of the spine which are out of alignment, it seriously affects this flow of information. The flow of cortisol is also disrupted and this too affects the ability of the body to self-heal. There is scientific evidence that Chiropractic wellness in the form of alignment has an affect on all stresses in the body – including oxidative stress. Guess what girls and guys . . . Chiropractic care is by default, also a powerful form of anti-aging.

The chiropractic approach to stress management presents a conservative and effective solution. At the same time, it is also an ideal solution for illness prevention, and holistically speaking – an ounce of prevention is better than a whole pound of cure. This type of care also places emphasis on more responsibility on the part of the patient, and being responsible is good for us.

Stress itself is derived from a number of sources; physically this is a situation where the body is constantly in “fight or flight” mode. Eventually the continuous demands of stress on the sympathetic tone of the body alter endocrine, neurological and cardiovascular function. The body is in effect – constantly ready for action and shunted into to survival mode. In other words, the brain perceives itself to be constantly in danger, and this is just no good. Increased stress cycles eventually do lead to disease in the body. Chiropractic adjustments enhance sensorimotor integration between neural pathways and the body. Let’s explain this a little further.

Sympathetic tone causes hormones such as adrenalin, cortisol and epinephrine to release into the body. While this is fine for short periods of time, as during exercise- when the body is exposed to these hormones for extended periods, they completely exhaust all its reserves. It weakens the immune system, overworks adrenal glands, decreases digestive function, and seriously disturbs the blood pressure. When cortisol levels are high this also causes ligament laxity. Stripping vital proteins from ligament and tendon structures, causing joint weakness, including in the spine! The physical effects of long-term stress also cause massive and rapid degeneration of the skeletal structure, which leads to osteoarthritis.

Much like hitting the “reset” button with a computer, which takes all settings back to normal – chiropractic adjustments allows for the neural pathways to reprocess themselves.  This stops the fight or flight response, which effectively addresses the stress. Normal cardiovascular, endocrine and neurological function is the result. The body is then given an opportunity to heal itself from any damage done during a chronic stress cycle.

Research has been performed (Taylor and Murphy) which proves that enhanced sensorimotor integration brought about by chiropractic adjustment, allows the body to enjoy improved spatial intelligence. This means – find where the body is in space (yes space) and co-ordinate complex movements effectively. Both body and brain function is improved and the patient can think better, move better, balance, and most importantly heal better too.

The most common complaints brought to most doctors by their patients are; backache, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms of illnesses may have their roots in physical, chemical or emotional origin. Regardless of the origin of an illness, its effects on the body always manifest in the nervous system. Chiropractic adjustment/wellness addresses the origin of the illness, and is regularly used successfully to manage stress.