New Research Sheds Light on Raynaud’s Disease
“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various problems related to vascular dysfunctions” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. “These types of structural shifts in the spine cause a ripple effect through the nervous and vascular systems. By removing the structural shifts chiropractic helps improve nerve supply and vascular function.”
McCoy added “With everything we know about the relationship between the nervous and vascular systems, chiropractic makes perfect sense in the case of disorders like Raynaud’s. In fact, chiropractic is not treating Raynaud’s or any other disease but re-establishing normal neurological function, which benefits the vascular function of the patient.”
There is an intimate connection between the functioning of the vascular and nervous systems and Chiropractic may offer relief because thermoregulatory function of the body is controlled by the nervous system. The branches of the nervous system work in harmony to properly control function of the body.
When the nervous system is free of obstructions, it can better regulate anatomic, physiologic, and biochemical alterations. Correcting the vertebral subluxation is crucial to removing nerve obstructions and allowing the body to correctly perceive itself and its environment.
The patient reported on in this study was a 29-year-old female who presented to a chiropractor with a 10 year history of sufferng from cold, stiffness, and bilateral cramping and hand pain with purple discoloration. She was previously diagnosed with Raynaud’s Phenomenon and was also experiencing upper and lower back pain and dizziness.
The patient was examined, x-rays were taken and tests of her nerve function were performed revealing structural shifts in her neck and low back. Structural shifts in the spine can develop and this can lead to obstruction of the nerves that control blood flow. It is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic care to correct the subluxations the patient experienced resolution of her symptoms, an improvement in the curves in her spine and functioning of her nervous system.
These results suggest a possible link between vascualr disorders like Raynaud's and spinal subluxations. Correcting the subluxations through the use of specific chiropractic adjustments appears to have led to resolution of her complaints. The authors called for further research in this area.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
http://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
