Chiropractic Treatment is Shown to Improve Blood Flow
In additional to easing back and neck pain, chiropractors may also help treat a wide variety of issues. Chiropractic care has been shown to help relieve everything from scoliosis to the common cold. It has also been shown to improve a person’s circulatory system, which is how blood flows through the body. Restricted blood flow can be caused by nerve damage, hypertension, and other illnesses. If blood is restricted, especially to the brain, there can be severe consequences including dizziness, migraines, and even stroke. This restriction in the brain is called cerebral hypoperfusion and a new study suggests that chiropractic care may ease it.
The study, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, examined 45 people who were suffering from chronic upper back pain, neck pain, or both. During the study, the patients’ brains were scanned in order to create images of the blood flow. They were also assessed for neck pain and the number of vertebrae out of alignment. The participants were then split into three groups: those with mild neck pain, moderate, or severe.
Researchers found that the mild group, which had 14 people, showed normal blood circulation in all eight regions of the brain. The moderate group, with 16 people, had a 20-35 percent reduction in brain circulation, mainly in the frontal and parietal zones. The severe group, which contained 15 people, showed a 30-45 percent decrease in blood flow to the brain also mostly in the same zones as the second group. The frontal zone of the brain is important for maintaining memory and mental health while the spatial contributes to vision and spatial skills.
After finding restricted blood flow in the participants with moderate to severe neck pain, the researchers believe that regular chiropractic treatments may promote the circulatory system and thus improve blood flow to the brain. During spinal adjustments, pressure is removed from nerves and allows blood to flow more freely. Chiropractors may also use massage, ultrasound, or heat therapy alongside adjustments as a part of someone’s wellness plan. All of these treatments have been shown to promote healthy blood flow and help bring oxygen and other nutrients where they are needed most. It is important to have good circulation at all ages as it will keep your overall health strong, so get out and get adjusted!