Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on a woman with sleep disturbance and anxiety disorder reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing people with these health challenges. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from these 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 the various health challenges related to sleep 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 woman was suffering from disturbed sleep, anxiety, low back pain, and headaches that resolved under chiropractic care because of the nature of the nervous system and its relationship to the spine.”
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 patient reported on in the study was a 28-year-old female with complaints of sleep disturbance, anxiety, low back pain and headaches.
The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck, midback, and low back. She had decreased range of motion and muscle imbalance in her neck, midback, and lower back. She had a gait disturbance as well. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic care she experienced a resolution in her sleep disturbance and anxiety. In addition, her headaches and low back pain resolved and her gait pattern improved.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic care of those with similar symptomatology.
To learn more about this study and chiropractic research visit, Vertebral Subluxation Research.
