New Research Sheds Light on Chiropractic, Strength & Motor Function

Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on 100 people undergoing chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing people with strength and motor problems caused by nerve obstruction. The literature included a review that supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area. 

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“Research is revealing that structural shifts of the spine can be improved following chiropractic care” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. McCoy continued “This study adds to the body of scientific literature suggesting that chiropractic should play an important role in managing people with structural spinal distortions and associated strength and motor weakness but it goes a step further with implications for those who are not experiencing a detectable loss.” 

Abnormal spinal alignment and posture are associated with poor general health, physical function, emotional function, social function, neck and low back pain. Normal spinal alignment and movement provides shock absorption and leverage, which protects the spinal cord and nerves from the forces of gravity and other daily traumas one may encounter. 

McCoy stated “Abnormal spinal alignment and posture also increase stress and strain to the nerve and blood supply of the spinal cord. This can seriously affect the nervous system.” It is a rare phenomenon for resolution of these abnormalities in the absence of intervention. However, there is literature that supports the effectiveness of chiropractic to restore a healthy spinal alignment and motion according to the research, thereby lowering the risk of chronic pain, degeneration and poor health. 

This study describes improvement in hand grip strength in 100 patients.  These subjects all underwent chiropractic care to reduce or correct structural spinal shifts. The chiropractor examined each of the 100 subjects and found decreased grip strength and structural shifts in their necks.  Muscle and nerve testing confirmed these findings.  These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. 

The chiropractor tested the muscle strength of these subjects before and after chiropractic care and noted significant increases in muscle strength following chiropractic care. 

The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic care on muscle strength and motor function. Most people consider chiropractic care beneficial for things like neck and back pain but this study is among a growing number of studies showing that chiropractic care has much broader effects on the functioning of the nervous system - not just in how people feel but in how they function.

Contact Information: 

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/vertebral-subluxation-research-1/
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com