Chiropractic Adjustments and Brain Function !

Chiropractic Adjustments Improve Brain Function
Approximately 100 volunteers were examined with an electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after chiropractic adjustments.

A study presented at the International Research And Philosophy Symposium held at Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic finds that Chiropractic adjustments have a positive effect on the Central Nervous System (CNS), specifically on the four primary frequencies of brain function.

Brain function is measured on four primary frequencies: Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Alpha waves reflect the meditative, relaxing healing mode. Beta waves represent the active, busy brain. Theta waves reflect light sleep, relaxation and conceptual development. Delta waves represent the brain activity during deep sleep, repair mode and energy storage.

The study was conducted over a three year period. Approximately 100 volunteers were examined with an electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after chiropractic adjustments.

The EEG scans were examined to check the right/left balance, the amount of total activity, the primary regions of activity and the effect of the adjustment.

After receiving a chiropractic adjustment, post EEG scans revealed improvement in all areas of the volunteer’s brain function. Particularly, the researchers noticed an increase in the meditative Alpha brainwave patterns that are associated with a greater degree of relaxation, health and healing.

The researchers noted that some of the volunteers already had balanced and active brain scans and the adjustments had little effect on their post scans. They felt this was a good indicator that the adjustments had no negative effects on brain activity.

Commentary: The implications of this study are profound indeed. Over and over research is proving that chiropractic care has the ability to positively affect body function on a far greater level than simple pain relief.

 Dr. Craig French is the Doctor of Chiropractic Wellness at Brier Creek in the RTP, Durham, Raleigh area.  To schedule an evaluation call  919-596-2900 

Chiropractic and Headaches

Headaches plague millions of people each year.  They are a major cause of lost work days, canceled events, and… canceled romance.

Headaches that are reoccurring (chronic) are the most bothersome and debilitating.  For women, it can be associated with the menstrual period.  Changes in estrogen levels can somehow affect vasoconstriction (blood vessel contraction) leading to headaches.

Migraine headaches are a different animal.  As most migraine sufferers know, these headaches can be preceded by an “aura”, a feeling of light headedness, and they can last more than a day.   Fear of light (photophobia) can be a factor.  And many migraine sufferers report nausea during the event.
The medical literature is full of research studies on migraines, but the causation remains a mystery.  Some medical researches attribute it to abnormal electrical signals firing in the brain, while others attribute it to hormonal abnormalities.  The typical migraine sufferer is usually prescribed strong medications like Imitrex.  Some patients find that chiropractic adjustments for migraines help reduce the frequency and strength of their headaches.

Tension headaches are perhaps the most common type of headache.  These headaches are associated with a sensation of a tight band around the head, and base of neck.  Tension headaches can be caused by previous trauma to the neck, as in a whiplash from a car accident that resulted in a shifting of one or several neck vertebrae.  The misaligned vertebrae can cause nerves to fire inappropriately, causing the muscles around the head to contract.

Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine ((neck)) can help alleviate and even eliminate chronic headaches.  If you have a history of injury to your neck, or perhaps know you have neck issues (neck pain, poor posture, reduced flexibility), you might find success with chiropractic treatment for headaches.

Dr. Craig French is the Doctor of Chiropractic Wellness at Brier Creek in the RTP, Durham, Raleigh area. 
To schedule an evaluation call             919-596-2900