Many people are sceptical about the effectiveness of Chiropractic Adjustment Therapy (CAT). I think perhaps because they have never been told how or why it works. A wealth of research has however confirmed Chiropractic as the best treatment for neuro-musculo-skeletal problems such as back and neck pain, headaches and other pain syndromes when measured in terms of effectiveness, cost effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction. The most recent study is called the BEAM trial and can be found in the British Medical Journal (Nov 19, 2004: 1-8)
The CAT works in two ways, firstly it eliminates subluxations in the spinal joints and secondly it stimulates proprioceptors in the spinal joints.
Spinal subluxations in the Chiropractic sense can be stated as anything that interferes with or impedes the communication of the central nervous system (CNS) i.e. the brain and spinal cord, with the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that essentially controls all body functions.
Since the CNS is housed within the spine it follows that any disruption to the spine must have a consequential effect on the CNS and PNS leading to the sub-optimal functioning of the systems of the body, most notably the immune system.
Proprioceptors are receptors that occur in the joints of the body, (80{41c39975514381bad900de5857f081e360abda3ef5565ddbb7a4c56510fbe555} occur in the spinal joints). Their main purpose is to inform the CNS as to the position of all the joints in time and space so as to co-ordinate movement. Recent research however has discovered that stimulation of the proprioceptors has a direct impact on the CNS that has the effect of balancing the autonomic nervous system!…. so how does that help us?
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is comprised of two parts that should always be in balance or homeostasis. They are the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS).
The SNS is our fight or flight response that floods our system with chemicals that enable us to escape danger and is triggered by stress. The chemicals produced during this period (most notably adrenalin) are destructive to our organs if allowed to remain in circulation indefinitely. Once the stressor has passed, the PSNS is designed to bring down the sympathetic high state and restore homeostasis to protect our organs and systems.
Our modern lifestyle however is fraught with stressors, Job, finances, personal problems etc. the socio-economic pressures just seem endless. These stressors keep us in a constant sympathetic high state and consequently undermine our mental and physical health and wellness.
Chiropractic adjustments firstly remove subluxations and the pain syndromes that accompany them whilst opening the nervous communication channels. At the same time the proprioceptors are stimulated restoring homeostasis and your health and wellbeing.
This is why regular Chiropractic Adjustive Therapy is important. It is not just a painkiller, it is a restorer and maintainer of health and wellness.