Chiropractic adjustments are specific.  The doctors at The Winchester Institute and other doctors of chiropractic use adjustments to correct dysfunctional areas in the spine known as vertebral subluxations. It’s simple to grasp how chiropractic adjustments may ward off conditions like neck and back pain. But did you know that cutting-edge research suggests that this gentle and safe procedure may actually boost cognitive function.

 The Spinal/Brain Connection

The spinal cord is a major component of the nervous system. It fuses into the brain at the base of the skull. The spinal cord is housed in the protective shell of the spinal column. The spinal column consists of bones called vertebrae that are stacked one on top of the other and separated by flexible discs. This ingenious construction facilitates mobility while maintaining structure.

Nerves flowing to organs, muscles and sites throughout the body emerge from and return to the spinal cord. These nerves enter and exit through small nerves enter and exit through small canals between spinal bones.

Doctors of chiropractic, like Drs. Winchester and Haggerty, theorize that the subtle alterations in the spine and surrounding structures may interfere with nervous system activity. For instance, studies show that even slight degeneration caused by osteoarthritis may affect nerve flow.

Vertebral subluxations are areas in the spine where function is restricted or bones are slightly out of place. Investigators reason that inhibited nervous system function due to vertebral subluxations may be the connection between the spine and suboptimal brain function.

 Adjustments Speed Thinking

 According to one late-breaking analysis, chiropractic adjustments designed to remove vertebral subluxations appear to speed reaction time, or what researchers term “movement time.”

 The study’s authors explain that “movement time was measured as participants moved a cursor onto a target appearing on a computer screen. A range of target widths and target distances were used to vary the index of difficulty.”

 The study’s authors explain that “movement time was measured as participants moved a cursor onto a target appearing on a computer screen. A range of target widths and target distances were used to vary the index of difficulty.”

 A group of five patients completed the test before and after receiving chiropractic adjustments aimed at removing vertebral subluxation. Another five patients served as a control group (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006; 29: 255-66)

 ”The results of this study demonstrate a significant improvement in movement time for the experimental group was 183 milliseconds, a 9.2 percent improvement, whereas the average improvement in movement time for the control group was 29 milliseconds, a 1.7 percent improvement.”

 Make the Smart Move, Discover Chiropractic

Feel like you need to sharpen your mental edge? Regular chiropractic adjustments may do the trick. While additional research is needed before a firm link may be established, the current preponderance of evidence demonstrates that chiropractic adjustments may indeed boost cognitive function. Make the smart move; schedule an appointment for a chiropractic evaluation at The Winchester Institute today!

Interval Training:  Get into Great Shape in Less Time

Presented By:  the Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and WellnessAt this time of year, many of us set goals to lose weight and get in shape.   But as we all know, that’s easier said than done.  Time is in limited supply, which makes it difficult to participate in a regular exercise routine.  But did you know you can slash the length of your exercise session and still get the benefits of a longer workout?

Fitness Secrets of Pro Athletes
Interval training has been used by professional athletes for years to reach optimal physical condition.  But recent research shows that just about everybody can benefit from incorporating interval training into their exercise program.

Your chiropractor definitely supports your goal of staying physically active.  But each of us has unique considerations when it comes to exercising, such as taking into account age, chronic health conditions and fitness level.  This is why The Winchester Institute recommends that you always discuss your fitness plans with your chiropractor before starting any exercise routine.

So what exactly is interval training? It is simply stepping up your exercise intensity for short bursts, then returning to a more reasonable pace.  You implement these short sprints several times during your exercise routine.  What makes interval training so appealing is that it works for almost all types of cardiovascular exercise, even walking! For example, after a few minutes of strolling, you might increase your walking speed for 15 to 30 seconds before returning to your regular pace.  You continue alternating between sprint speed and moderate speed throughout your walk. 

Multiple Benefits from Interval Training

Studies on interval training show several key advantages…

Burn more calories.  When you increase your exercise intensity, you lose more calories.  Research from Australia indicates that during sprinting the body boosts the levels of catecholamines- chemical messengers that instruct fat cells to let go of their fat.

Get fit. Save time.  One of the biggest reasons we don’t exercise frequently is we can’t fit it into our hectic schedules.  Interval training can deliver the same cardiovascular benefits of longer, steady pace exercise but in less time.

Fewer aches and pains.  Interval training reduces certain biochemical reactions in the body that contribute to muscle soreness.

Adds variety.  If your workout routine is the same each time, you may lose interest.  Interval training freshens the pace and engages your brain more actively than simply putting your mind on “auto pilot” when you exercise.

The advantages of interval training are proven.  But Dr. Winchester and Dr. Haggerty advise starting slowly; adjust your interval intensity to your current fitness level.  Always warm up your muscles to prevent strain, and do some stretching after completing your exercise routine.

Have you been suffering from fatigue for several months without reason? Have you endured continuing joint pain that seems unrelated to overuse, injury or illness? Maybe you’ve also had trouble sleeping and suffer from moodiness. While these symptoms are linked to a number of different health problems, you may be a candidate for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

It’s a health condition that’s attracting more and more attention from the medical field and public alike. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), somewhere between 1 and 4 million North Americans currently suffer from the symptoms of chronic fatigue. Although CFS seems to be on the rise what classifies chronic fatigue as a syndrome still remains a mystery.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

A syndrome is defined as “a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, psychological disorder or other abnormal condition.

The Winchester Institute reminds patients that CFS can also mimic other common health problems, including thyroid conditions, cancer, viral infections, anemia and depression. So, if you suspect that you’re suffering from CFS, be sure to check with your chiropractor, or other healthcare professional.

Can Chiropractic Help with CFS?

There are many documented treatments that can help minimize or eliminate some of the symptoms of CFS. And chiropractic is one of the recommended options for fatigue related conditions. Adjustments restore proper alignment. This conserves your energy and reduces the load on your joints.

Chiropractic adjustments can also increase immune system function, and this may help normalize a compromised immune system associated with CFS. Ask Drs. Winchester and Haggerty for advice if you suspect you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Presented by: The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness

Dr. Dana Winchester and Dr. Johnathan Haggerty