Recent research published in the Journal of Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing mental health challenges and includes a review of the literature supporting the role of chiropractic in helping people who are suffering.
“Research indicates that minor shifts in the structure of the spine may impact the function of the brain and nervous system, suggesting that these structural shifts may be a factor in a number of mental health challenges” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. McCoy continued “Structural shifts may lead to nerve obstructions and could possibly be involved in a host of mental health problems.”
According to the paper, authored by Christopher Kent DC, JD, President of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation, other chiropractic researchers have reported on similar results going back decades and reviews of the scientific research reveal other studies that have shown similar connections.
McCoy added, “It’s reasonable to suggest that if you obstruct or damage the nerves exiting the spine, the result of the obstruction and damage can have far reaching implications on the functioning of the body – including the mind. Through research we are finding that correcting these structural shifts reduces nerve obstruction, bringing about marked improvement in people who are experiencing a variety of mental health issues.”
Research within and outside of chiropractic is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system, and the brain. Basic science and clinical research shows that the proper development and function of the brain relies heavily on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age. 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 “feel good” and respond to their environment are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.
“Beyond the research, it makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated McCoy. “Mental health issues may be related to how the entire body communicates with the brain and the most critical area for this is the spine. Structural spinal shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct”.
According to Kent in his paper, chiropractic care is concerned with the totality of the human experience and vertebral subluxations may result in compromising the adaptive capacity of the organism. By analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations, a patient is placed on a more optimum physiological path, potentially increasing resilience and adaptability.
Kent called for further research into the effects of vertebral subluxations on mental health, the neurobiological mechanisms involved, and the use of reliable and valid outcomes assessments
