Nervous System

Nervous System

The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of specialized cells called neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of its body.

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 implications of this research go well beyond the eye itself. 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.

This new research adds much credibility to the reports of miraculous results under chiropractic by scientifically showing a link between chiropractic adjustments of the spine and the part of the nervous system responsible for the control of internal organs. This clearly validates and reinforces the great results that chiropractors have reported to see over the last 100 years. Chiropractic care can have a positive affect on organ system health problems.

The case of a 3-year-old boy with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) was documented in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, & Family Health on Nov. 8, 2012.

A 3-year-old boy was brought to a chiropractor by his mother after the boy had been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, as well as possible Einstein syndrome which indicates an extreme intelligence coupled with delayed speech.

Sensory processing disorder is a neurodevelopment disorder in which the person has problems processing sensory information. Normal touch, sound, and movement can cause extreme stress, and the 3-year-old boy’s symptoms included head banging, lack of pain response, hiding under the crib or in a corner, rubbing himself against the wall, and chewing holes in his clothes.

The child's development was mildly delayed, and the childcare provider discussed a possible diagnosis of autism with the mother when the child was 16 months old. At 24 months, the child had a MMR vaccination and had a severe reaction. He developed a fever, total body rash, swollen glands, and pock marks.

A chiropractic examination was performed and subluxations were detected by asymmetries in the head and neck regions, as well as shoulder level, foot/leg level, and other indicators of subluxation. A care plan was created and initiated with specific chiropractic adjustments for the child’s subluxations at a rate of two adjustments weekly.

The child’s improvement with touch and vibration, social skills, and gross motor skills were noted in the initial phase of care when he began to receive specific chiropractic adjustments. During this time, the child’s language skills improved immensely. “Meltdowns” were still present, as well as teeth grinding, but were reduced in frequency and intensity.

Continued chiropractic care resulted in improvements in communication with the child stating opinions for the first time, as well as showing signs of increasing imagination, affection, engagement, and attention span. The child is sleeping better, and his gross and fine motor skills have improved.

The parents see great improvement in their son as a result of chiropractic care and adjustments. The 3-year-old boy is continuing under chiropractic care with the expectation of increased improvement and a lessening of symptoms of SPD.