Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on a woman with abnormal spinal alignment, neck and arm pain reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in helping these patients.  The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

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Research indicates that even minor shifts in the structure of the spine may impact function, suggesting that these structural shifts may be a factor in a number of disorders. “Structural shifts may lead to nerve obstruction and could possibly result in a host of health problems” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. Other chiropractic researchers have reported on similar results and reviews of the scientific research reveal numerous other studies that have shown a similar connection. 

“It’s reasonable to suggest that if you obstruct or damage the nerves exiting the spine, the result of the obstruction(s) and/or damage can have far reaching implications on the functioning of the body. Through research reports like this we are finding that correcting these structural shifts reduces nerve obstruction, bringing about marked improvement in people who are experiencing a variety of maladies” added McCoy. 

According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that alter the normal curves, obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function. 

The woman in this study had been experiencing numbness, tingling, and pain in the right arm for two months.  An MRI confirmed the presence of structural shifts and narrowing in the spine.  She received several medical treatments including prescription medications, steroids, injections and physical therapy but none of that helped her. 

The chiropractor examined her and found tight muscles and structural shifts in his neck, upper and mid back.  Range of motion, x-rays, and other imaging confirmed the findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

Following chiropractic adjustments, she experienced marked improvement in her symptoms.   Structural corrections and improved spinal alignment were confirmed on post treatment MRI and x-rays. 

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