New Study Sheds Light on Vertebral Subluxation and Systems Biology

A new integrative review, titled "Vertebral Subluxation and Systems Biology: An Integrative Review Exploring the Salutogenic Influence of Chiropractic Care on the Neuroendocrine-Immune System", has been published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. It is offering significant insights into how chiropractic care goes beyond musculoskeletal health to positively affect the body’s neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) system. This research examines how chiropractic adjustments may improve overall health by influencing the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems—essentially impacting the body’s capacity to adapt and thrive.

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Led by experts in the field, the study reviews a wealth of clinical trials, case studies, and observational research, revealing how correcting vertebral subluxations—spinal misalignments that obstruct nerve function—can lead to improvements in blood pressure, stress responses, immune regulation, and other vital physiological processes.

The nervous system, which controls and coordinates all body functions, can become obstructed due to structural shifts in the spine. This study highlights how chiropractic adjustments can correct these vertebral subluxations, restoring optimal nerve function and promoting overall health.

"We’re seeing evidence that chiropractic care can stimulate integrated systems responses that go far beyond back pain relief," the lead authors commented. "From regulating blood pressure to enhancing immune response, chiropractic adjustments offer a holistic way to promote health and resilience in the body."

This research brings attention to the potential of chiropractic care as a salutogenic—health-promoting—practice, providing a valuable framework for healthcare professionals and researchers to further explore the broader applications of chiropractic interventions.
The findings from this review open new possibilities for understanding how manual spinal adjustments can elicit systemic physiological benefits, underscoring chiropractic’s role in integrative, whole-body healthcare.

This paper reflects the purpose and methodology of a broad-scope integrative review in chiropractic care, particularly in relation to salutogenic outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• Integrative Review: The review takes a comprehensive look at various forms of evidence concerning chiropractic care. This includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quantitative observational studies, cohort studies, and case studies.
• Salutogenic Outcomes: These are outcomes that focus on health and well-being, rather than merely addressing disease or pathology. In chiropractic care, salutogenic outcomes may involve improved physical and neurological function, stress reduction, and enhanced overall well-being.
• NEI Modulators: This likely refers to neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) modulators, which are factors that influence the complex interactions between the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system. Chiropractic care's potential influence on these systems suggests it may play a role in regulating stress, immune response, and overall physiological balance.
• Evidence-Informed Practice: By gathering this diverse body of evidence, the review aims to provide a foundation for practitioners to base their chiropractic care on well-supported research findings, promoting more informed and effective practices.
In essence, the review seeks to compile evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care, particularly its role in promoting overall health through physiological mechanisms.

This paper reviews the potential benefits of chiropractic care in enhancing overall health through its influence on the neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) system. It highlights various studies, including clinical trials and case reports, that demonstrate how chiropractic adjustments may positively affect physiological processes, such as blood pressure regulation, immune response, and hormone levels, supporting a more holistic approach to health care.

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