Recent research reporting on improvement in a 19 year old teen undergoing chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing brain related neurological disorders such as seizures. The research, reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, reported on the resolution of post traumatic seizures, headaches and dizziness following chiropractic and also included a review of the scientific literature on the role of chiropractic in managing patients with seizures.

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“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the brain” 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 brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.” 

Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to adapt to their environment and even to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways. 

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. McCoy. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space. If there is obstruction to the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur.” 

Researchers studying the connection between chiropractic and neurological disorders believe that these types of functional disorders have their root in abnormal spinal development.    

“There are very important functional relationships between the spine and the brain that if obstructed can result in a host of problems with how the brain functions” remarked Dr. McCoy. According to McCoy “The nervous system needs the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal structural shifts of the spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve obstruction. It is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.” 

The patient reported on in this study was a 19-year-old male teenager diagnosed with posttraumatic epilepsy following a traumatic brain injury six months prior. He was also suffering from headaches and dizziness after being struck in the head with a 12 pound nail gun that fell off a roof. 

After six months of medical care and medications failed to help him he sought care from a chiropractor who examined him, took x-rays and found significant structural shifts in his upper neck. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.    

Following chiropractic adjustments he experienced resolution of his symptoms. The authors call for more research on the effects of subluxation reduction on seizure activity.         

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research
http://www.uppercervicalsubluxation.com
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com