“Every organ in your body is connected to the one under you hat.”
–B.J. Palmer, the developer of Chiropractic
Over the past two decades, we have been doing extensive and advanced research in the field of chiropractic investigating the neuroscience of the chiropractic adjustment. Dr. Palmer’s original theories were based on the idea that dysfunctional spinal segments (subluxations) were ‘out of place’, or misaligned, and that this put pressure on the nerves exiting the spine. We now know that this theory is not really the best way to describe the concept of a subluxation.
What we have come to understand is that we don’t really put bones back in place when we adjust the spine. A subluxation is not so much the condition of a bone being out of place, it is more that a bone is functioning or moving in a less than ideal way in a manner that is not normal for the body. When the bone is not functioning or moving properly, then we begin to have joint dysfunction and this leads to decrease of accurate information to and from your brain. This inaccurate flow of information leads to maladaptive patterns in your brain and body. A subluxation is a breakdown in the way the brain perceives and controls movement of the spine.
As chiropractors, our job is to locate these dysfunctional joints in your spine and deliver a specific chiropractic adjustment to the segment. At Vitality Chiropractic, we utilize advanced technology (Thermography and SEMG) to locate the areas along the spine that are dysfunctional. This technology helps us to understand the degree in which you have a decrease in function. The adjustment then allows the tissues and receptors around the joint to improve the communication to the brain. The brain is then able to create new neural pathways to allow the body to improve its adaptation to your life stressors like physical trauma, as well as, emotional and biochemical stressors. As you are creating these new pathways, your body and brain are becoming healthier and your sense of well-being is improving. As you can see, receiving chiropractic adjustments through one’s lifetime can create better overall adaptability and health.
To learn more in depth about this complex link between chiropractic and neuroscience, here is a link to a podcast with Dr. Heidi Haavik, a leading researcher in the field:
https://chiropracticscience.com/podcast/drheidihaavik/