Chiropractic Helps with Brain and Spinal Cord Disorder According to Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic

Atlanta, GA, June 12, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The research, discussed a case of a child diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia and spinal variants similar to Arnold Chiari malformation, whose problems completely resolved following chiropractic care. Cerebellar ataxia is a disorder that results in balance and coordination problems and Arnold Chiari malformation occurs when the back of the brain protrudes through the hole in the bottom of the skull.

“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the brain,” stated Dr. Adam Willemin, the author of the paper. “Basic science research shows that the proper development and function of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”

Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to adapt to their environment and even to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it,” stated Dr. Willemin. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space. If there is interference with the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur and this can lead to balance problems, dizziness and visual disturbances.”

Researchers studying the connection between chiropractic, brain stem compression and neurological disorders believe that these types of functional disorders can be caused by even slight misalignments of the bones in the upper part of the neck.

“There are very important functional relationships between the upper cervical spine and the brain that if disturbed can result in a host of problems with how the brain functions,” remarked Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.

According to McCoy “If there is compression of the upper part of the spinal cord from abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, called vertebral subluxation, that chiropractors correct.”

The child reported on in the study not only had vertebral subluxations but also had protrusion of the back of the brain into the spinal canal causing even more compression. As a result she suffered from balance and coordination problems, could no longer attend school or perform her normal daily activities and experienced improvement after just a few chiropractic visits. The author of the study called for more research on the role of chiropractic care in these types of disorders.

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