This section of the blog will be reserved for articles that demonstrate the ability of the chiropractic adjustment. The initial concept will be a summary of the article followed by a quick opinion on how this affects the profession. 

We have long postulated that the body heals from within if there is no interference. These research articles not only prove this but also imply that chiropractic has greater effects on the body than we could ever imagine.

Measureable changes in the neuro-endocrinal mechanism following spinal manipulation

This article begins an exploration into the function of the chiropractic adjustment in regards to physiologic processes in the body, mainly hormones. The outlook of this study was that we know of the biomechanical changes that chiropractic has on the spine and we know it affects the nervous system, specifically the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system. How does it affect the hormonal balance generated from the autonomic nervous system's impact on the hypothalamic pituitary axis?

The hypothesis was: a thoracic spinal adjustment will alter the nervous system and the adrenal and hypothalamic axis to change hormonal levels in the body.

We know that there are alterations in the nervous system immediately around vertebra when they are adjusted. We also know that chiropractic is well endowed for pain management. This article looks at connections and broader questions.

Spinal adjustment causes interaction in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord which goes to the periaqueductal gray and the medulla and controls anti-nociceptive function (pain inhibition).

Spinal adjustment in the thoracic area initiates a parasympathetic response mechanism, affecting the heart rate variability. Spinal adjustment in the lumbar and cervical areas initiates a sympathetic response mechanism.

Spinal adjustments have been proven to affect different areas of the brain, specifically after cervical adjustments. The adjustment causes reactivity of areas of the brain responsible for the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis work together. The adrenal glands are also involved and are activated by the sympathetic nervous system, a piece of the autonomic nervous system.

Acute inflammation in the body is controlled by both the adrenal system and the hypothalamic-pituitary system. 

Reasonable to assume that spinal adjustments (somatic stimulation) can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via the autonomic nervous system, thereby controlling the other effects mentioned above.

As the article progresses it begins to account for many varying mechanisms that an adjustment can benefit someone. There have been studies showing that the nervous system can create fibromyalgia, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune diseases. The nervous systems involved include the autonomic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. Each of these controls the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and can alter hormone production. The thought is that with better regulation of these nervous impulses it can improve the function of this crucial part of the brain.

Kovanur, SK, Ramakrishnan, M, Cotter, JD, Tumility, S.  Measureable changes in the neuro-endocrinal mechanism following spinal manipulation. Medical Hypotheses. 85(6) 819 - 824

This article connects the various abilities that a chiropractic adjustment may do. It is a hypothesis article on the potential for future research. The importance in this article is the connections it makes. Blatantly stated is the fact that we know the biomechanical, structural, neurological changes that an adjustment has on the body. Based on our knowledge of the different tracts of the spinal cord we can see that the effects may have even further implications.

One of the major research principles that has been proven time and again involves the neurological control over the heart. The mechanisms that do this are well mapped and involve the autonomic nervous system. Fortunately, for us, we also know that this system has broader effects and runs back to the brain. Its function in the brain involves the center for the production of stimulating hormones in the body. Neurological control is fast communication, hormonal control is slow. By recognizing the influence of the nervous system on the hormonal system of the body we can see the long term changes a subluxation can have on whole body physiology involving inflammation, disregulation of specific systems, and overall damage.

Inflammatory disorders of the body cause great harm to society. By finding a non-invasive mechanism to control inflammation in the body we can help to regulate many of the great influences of modern society on overall health. This article summarizes the different known effects that chiropractic care has on the nervous system and by proxy the endocrine system and inflammation. The most direct way to control inflammation is not via external medication to alter hormonal levels causing inflammation, remember hormones are long term signaling. Instead by altering the nervous system tone of the autonomic nervous system we can quickly and internally modify inflammatory processes in the body.

With this power comes great responsibility.

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