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!