CAN CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS IMPROVE WELL-BEING?

Something I discuss with patients routinely is the intrinsic and inseparable connection between the body, the mind and the spirit. For the 85% of the population who have never seen a chiropractor, the skilled care of manual orthopedic therapy goes way beyond merely optimizing spinal function, or treating headache, neck, and back pain complaints... whether they are recent or longstanding. Research suggests that chiropractic care may also improve emotional health, including psychological well-being.

Ever Feel Like Going Up the Down Staircase?

According to new research, a common problem known as the vertebral subluxation may affect the psyche in a slow and unsuspected manner. These segmental restrictions of individual vertebra is linked to a wide range of physiological, and physical health issues as well.

These spinal fixations sometimes referred to as vertebral subluxations is a condition in which spinal bones, (vertebrae) have restricted mobility. It occurs when vertebrae are slightly out of place, and are not functioning properly. We use specialized maneuvers by hand, or by instrument, called chiropractic adjustments, to correct these fixations by restoring normal motion, resiliency and spinal alignment. Sometimes it takes only a few, and other times depending upon the problem, several over a number of months time.

These Fixations Hamper Well-Being

Multiple studies indicate that well-being may be directly tied to vertebral subluxations. In one report, researchers used two different assessments to measure well-being in an individual with chronic low back pain. The 26-year-old female patient had multiple vertebral subluxations and low scores on to quality-of-life outcome measurements.

After nine months of chiropractic care, her vertebral subluxations were significantly reduced. Simultaneously, her well-being also improved. An evaluation called "the quality of well-being scale" her score jumped from 1.1 to 8.2 after chiropractic care. Another well-being survey, which initially indicated low scores, exceeded normal for well-being on five subscales. The mental health composite score on this assessment improved dramatically from 25.3 to 62.8.
"The patient appeared two experience improvement in quality-of-life while showing signs suggestive of improved spinal function. The relationship between indicators of vertebral subluxation and quality of life deserves further investigation using a research design that allows for exploration of possible causal relationships," summarized the researchers (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:136-42).

A Balanced Lifestyle with Desired Benefits

Well-being is a key aspect of the chiropractic lifestyle: a conscious mode of living which encourages patients to embrace not only simple lifestyle changes, but also regular exercise, adequate nutritious food, plenty of clean water and adequate hydration, along with fresh air —all part of what we call a daily First-Line Therapy program, and a small puzzle piece to Functional Diagnostic Medicine. In addition, this encompasses other healthy choices for body and mind, including stress reduction, and regular chiropractic care. Unlike medication with a limited effect, this lifestyle is proven positive long-term effects on well-being — and all without unwanted side effects, but instead desired benefits.

When 205 volunteers attended a four-day health program, which mirrored principles of the chiropractic lifestyle, they enjoyed prolonged emotional benefit. The health retreat was designed to reduce vertebral subluxations, restore balance to the nervous system and provide lifestyle and nutritional education. Patients completed a health survey and the global well-being scale just prior to the program, and at its end —and then again eight weeks later. At the program's completion, all attendees showed "significant improvement" in the well-being assessment —and in six of eight scales on the health survey. Two months later, participants’ scores for both tests remained higher than before the program (J Vert Sublux Res 2008;3:1-8).

There’s Confidence in Complete Well-Being…

Research shows us that chiropractic care affects all aspects of emotional well-being. For instance, there were 10 volunteers recently who participated in a 5 1/2 month study. All participants held stressful positions as public safety personnel at a fire in emergency service department — jobs that tax their emotional health. As part of the experiment, the participants received weekly chiropractic care.

Participants completed a thorough quality-of-life survey at the studies onset and at its completion. The comprehensive evaluation concluded assessment of physical and emotional well-being, mental and emotional state, stress management, life enjoyment and overall quality of life.

At the end of the study, subjects enjoyed remarkable spine related improvements, such as improved range of motion, spinal balance, tendon reflexes and posture. Concurrently, participants noted dramatic increases in all aspects of well-being (J Vert Sublux Res 2007;1-8).

Depression, Sadness, & Despair

Vertebral subluxations may also be related to depression, speculate other researchers.

In one report, a 46 year old man sought chiropractic care during a third bout of depression. His depression medication caused multiple side effects, such as dizziness, muscle weakness and insomnia. He suffered from neck and low back pain, anxiety, fatigue and diminished appetite. His initial chiropractic exam revealed multiple vertebral subluxations. The patient’s chiropractic doctor performed "specific" chiropractic adjustments for the correction of vertebral subluxations. Throughout care, the patient routinely completed well-being assessments. As his care progressed, he enjoyed a "significant increase" in three well-respected quality-of-life scientific indicators. The researchers concluded: "the progress that has been documented with this man's suggests a connection between the correction of vertebral subluxations and increased wellness in quality-of-life.” (J Vert Sublux Res 2008;4:1-7).

Anxiety, Worry, & Nervousness

Analysis shows that anxiety may also be linked to vertebral subluxations. In one report, a 19-year-old woman was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, (GAD). For two years, she suffered from symptoms such as dizziness, trembling, sweating, heart palpitations, sleep deprivation, poor concentration, the personalization and headaches. She was taking medication, but her symptoms continue to escalate, resulting in multiple emergency room visits.

The chiropractic evaluation revealed multiple, chronic vertebral subluxations and altered spinal curves in her neck, and mid back. Her chiropractor focused on eliminating vertebral subluxations to restore proper nerve function. “Subjective improvement was noted after the first adjustment, with 50% reduction in anxiety, 30% reduction of headache symptoms, and increased mobility in the neck."

Over a four-month course of care, the patient experienced a remarkable change in well-being and quality-of-life. She successfully discontinued medication, and her anxiety level remained reduced by 80%. The study authors conclude that "these improvements suggest positive changes in mental health function [and] may be associated with subluxation correction from the application of chiropractic care." (J Vert Sublux Res 2004;1).

?rel=author”>Lewis Meltz, D.C.

Sometimes It's Not Such a Quick Fix

Unlike anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs, chiropractic care and the chiropractic lifestyle is a long-term, all natural approach to well-being. Although medication may appear to be a "quick fix," drugs have potential side effects. On the other hand, chiropractic care is a natural highly effective of solution to many health issues related to anxiety and depression, such as chronic pain. However, the chiropractic lifestyle is a lifelong commitment, and sometimes spark drastic changes.

At the New Zealand School of Chiropractic training clinic, 89 patients rated their emotional health status initially, and then every eight weeks for five months after regular chiropractic care. Volunteers assessed health across four domains: emotional and mental state, stress, life enjoyment and physical health. A second survey ascertained quality-of-life. Participants noted changes in both areas after consistent chiropractic care. The authors conclude that the chiropractic care provided "significant benefits" in well-being, not instantly, but over time. "Study data suggested that health and wellness may accrue with time under care." (J Vert Sublux Res 2008;3:1-9).

We Remain Your Best Reliable Resource

Maintaining a positive sense of well-being is essential for physical and emotional health. However with today's frenzied pace of life, that's more challenging than ever before. Let us help you achieve emotional and physical wellness. We're here to listen and were here to help... so call for an appointment today.

All the best,

Lewis Meltz, DC
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?rel=author”>Lewis Meltz, D.C.

Chiropractic Orthopedic Group