New Research on Heart Rate Variability
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“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system, stress and cardiovascular health” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. “Basic science research shows that the proper development and function of the nervous system relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”
Research has shown not only that normal structural alignment and joint movement is crucial, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to develop normally are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.
“We are now seeing more and more basic science and clinical research showing the relationship between abnormal spinal function and the diagnosis of all types of health challenges” McCoy added. When it comes to cardiovascular health, the nervous system is often overlooked and that is where HRV comes into play.
According to McCoy, “In a healthy organism, higher heart rate variability represents greater adaptability to stress from its internal and external environment. When the nervous system is free of obstructions, it can better regulate anatomic, physiologic, and biochemical alterations and adapt to stress as needed.”
The study reported on 46 patients undergoing chiropractic care who had their heart rate variability (HRV) measured before care and then again after 90 days of care. HRV is an objective measure of the function of the nervous system. There were 29 females and 17 males. The patients had chief complaints that ranged from musculoskeletal to visceral, while others were asymptomatic.
The subjects were examined and significant structural shifts in their spines were found. These structural shifts, more commonly known as vertebral subluxations by doctors of chiropractic, result in nerve obstruction and doctors of chiropractic correct these obstructions.
The study demonstrated that chiropractic care may be an effective method for people to improve their nervous system function through adjustment of vertebral subluxation. The removal of these obstructions reorganizes spinal tension patterns and decreases physiological stress.
The authors of the study call for more research on the role of chiropractic care and HRV in these types of health challenges.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
http://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
