Recent research reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in helping patients who suffer from drop attacks. Drop attacks are sudden falls without warning that can occur with or without loss of consciousness or other neurologic symptoms. 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.

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“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 interference with 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 disturbed 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 position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.” 

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

The patient reported on in this study was a 23-year-old male with a history of drop attacks, nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, and back pain.  He has been suffering from low back pain and headaches for about five years.  When the headaches were severe, he would become nauseous, vomit, and blackout losing consciousness.  His past medical history included lung surgery and a misdiagnosis of testicular cancer.  

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck.  He had restricted range of motion.  X-rays confirmed these findings.  Following the upper cervical chiropractic care, he experienced complete resolution of the drop attacks and he experienced improvement in the headaches, vomiting, and low back pain. 

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

Contact Information: 

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