Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on a man with neck pain, headaches and vertigo due to anterior head syndrome reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing these patients. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.
“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and various health challenges that people experience” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.
McCoy added “In the case report presented, the man was suffering from Anterior Head Syndrome, neck pain and pain into his arm along with numbness, headaches and vertigo that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine. These types of structural problems in the spine obstruct the nervous system and by removing the obstruction chiropractic helps improve nerve supply.”
According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.
The 49-year-old male in this study with Anterior Head Syndrome had been experiencing neck pain that traveled into his arm and hand. He also had numbness. He was experiencing headaches and vertigo. The only way he could get some relief was to not turn his head at all. Medications did not help. His quality of life was really impacted as he was having difficulty with driving, lifting things, bathing, and sleeping. He also noticed a decrease in his performance at work.
The chiropractor examined him and found abnormal head posture, decreased neck motion, tight muscles, and structural shifts in his neck. X-rays were taken and confirmed the findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, he experienced marked improvement in his symptoms. His neck pain, headaches, and vertigo all resolved, and his forward head posture improved.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
To learn more about this study and chiropractic research visit, Vertebral Subluxation Research.
