Chiropractic Adjusting
Chiropractic Adjusting
by Kenneth L. Meyer
What is chiropractic adjusting all about?
Well this is one of several articles that will attempt to explain that.
Many people talk about just what is it that chiropractors do? That is a fair question!
So, to begin this answer of what chiropractors actually do, I will give you the definition of adjusting according to Webster’s. Here it is:
Adjustment: Factor, calculate, align, center, regulate, convert, scale, tune, dial, select, fine tune, finesse, modify, tweak, regulate, standardize, conform, equalize, level, set policy, alter, catalyze, change, refashion, calibrate, decide, determine, establish, resolve, set, compensate, make equal, redeem, remedy, correct, cure, fix, heal, make well, repair, restore, coordinate, attune, accommodate, conform, harmonize, integrate, proportion, reconcile, tune, correct, amend, fix, improve, mend, position, rectify, restore, right, straighten, service, maintain, adapt, balance, fit, inspect, overhaul, recondition, refurbish, regulate, repair, support.
Ok, it is becoming clearer to me; but, what do the chiropractors themselves say?
To find out I’ll show you a quotation from the International Chiropractors Association, they ought to know!
The ICA holds that the chiropractic spinal adjustment is unique and singular to the chiropractic profession. The chiropractic adjustment shall be defined as a specific directional thrust that sets a vertebra into motion with the intent to improve or correct vertebral malposition or to improve its juxtaposition segmentally in relationship to its articular mates thus reducing or correcting the neuroforaminal / neural canal encroachment factors inherent in the chiropractic vertebral subluxation complex.
The adjustment is characterized by a specific thrust applied to the vertebra utilizing parts of the vertebra and contiguous structures as levers to directionally correct articular malposition. Adjustment shall be differentiated from spinal manipulation in that the adjustment can only be applied to a vertebral malposition with the express intent to improve or correct the subluxation, whereas any joint, subluxated or not, may be manipulated to mobilize the joint or to put the joint through its range of motion.
Chiropractic is a specialized field in the healing arts, and by prior rights, the spinal adjustment is distinct and singular to the chiropractic profession.
Chiropractic adjusting can be very beneficial. In fact what follows is a brief presentation of two areas most people know about but don’t associate with chiropractic adjusting as something that could help the issues.
The first area is evidence indicating that chiropractic adjusting can greatly benefit the automatic nervous system!
In a recent study published in the September 2000 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, researchers showed that chiropractic adjustments have an effect on the Autonomic Nervous System. This research was designed to measure the changes in “Edge Light Pupil Cycle Time” (ELPCT) which is one of the light reflexes of the eyes. This reflex is controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System. The results showed a decrease in the Edge Light Pupil Cycle Time therefore showing a direct link between a chiropractic adjustment and a response in the Autonomic Nervous System.
The Autonomic Nervous System is that part of the nervous system responsible for the control and function of internal body organs. Chiropractors have said for over 100 years that interference to the nervous system creates a situation whereby various parts of the body will not be functioning at their fullest innate potential. Despite all the reported cases of people with a variety of internal problems responding to chiropractic care, the medical community would always dismiss these cases as a coincidence.
The second area is that chiropractic adjusting improves movement time!
You know, just moving, walking, running all of that and more, consider the following.
A study published in the May 2006 issue of the scientific periodical, The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, looked at how chiropractic adjustments would affect relative times to perform movements in a controlled test.
Ten patients from a private chiropractic practice participated in this prospective, randomized, and controlled trial. These ten patients received chiropractic adjustments to areas determined to have vertebral subluxations. A separate group of individuals who did not receive chiropractic care were also tested to have a baseline for comparison with those receiving the chiropractic adjustments.
Movement time was measured on a computer screen where subjects were asked to move a cursor onto a target.
The results showed that all those in the study who received chiropractic adjustments for subluxation correction had significantly improved movement times. This was in stark contrast to the control group that did not receive chiropractic care where only one participant showed improvement in their movement times.
The average improvement in movement time for the group that received chiropractic care was 183 ms (mille-seconds), which represents a 9.2% improvement. This can be compared to the control group that showed only a 29 ms, or 1.7% improvement. The study researchers reported, “The difference (improvement) scores after the intervention were significantly greater for the chiropractic group compared with the control group.”
There can be no doubt to many that regular chiropractic adjusting can be very beneficial to our health in many areas.
There will be more articles on chiropractic adjusting and attendant benefits down the road.
Go see you chiropractor now!
