Recent research reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in alleviating vasovagal syncope, a serious and life threatening disorder. The research includes a review of the literature supporting the role of chiropractic in addressing neurological risks related to cardiovascular health and the role of the nervous system in vascular disease.

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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.” 

“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 chiropractic comes into play.   

Syncope is a result of a transitory reduction in blood flow to the brain and enough to disturb the normal functions of the brain. In clinical terms, patients who present with having experienced a transient loss of consciousness (TLOC), report their phenomenon to be an episode of loss of consciousness, collapse, fall, and/or a black out. 

According to McCoy, “A healthy organism has the ability to adapt 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 patient reported on in this study was a 57 year old woman suffering from Vasovagal Syncope, neck pain and episodes of spontaneous fainting and blackouts for over 20 years.  She had recently been prescribed drugs and the implantation of an electrical pacemaker was recommended. 

The chiropractor examined her, took x-rays and found structural shifts in her neck. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.  

The woman was adjusted by the chiropractor and following her first adjustment she experienced complete resolution of her Vasovagal Syncope, fainting, blackouts and neck pain. 

The study’s authors called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population of patients.         

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH

Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research

http://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com