New Research on Sciatica, Sleep & Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Recent research reported in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on a man with sciatic pain, shoulder pain, and poor sleep quality reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing these patients. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from the related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.

“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between structural abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and brain” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

Research has shown not only that the brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurological communication and pathways involved in helping humans balance and orient themselves in space are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.

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 protect 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.

The 33-year-old male in this case study had complaints of persistent right shoulder pain, bilateral sciatica, poor posture, and poor-quality sleep. His pain was constant, worsened by specific movements and prolonged sedentary periods, and temporarily relieved by stretches and constant movement.

The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his upper neck, mid back, and lower back. He had postural changes, pain, and tight muscles in his neck and throughout his body. X-rays of the upper cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine confirmed these findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

Following upper cervical chiropractic care, he experienced immediate and significant improvements in his symptoms.

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

Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
Website: [www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com]
Email: drmatthewmccoy@gmail.com
Phone: 404.247.2550