The Science of Subluxation: Chiropractic moves forward with new research.

I found this article fascinating. Just when you think you know everything, new research emerges. New advances in Chiropractic research help us to better understand how a simple adjustment can so profoundly effect a persons health.


New Nerve System Transmission Found. New Subluxation Mechanism?
A new system of nerve transmission was discovered recently that could have a profound impact on chiropractic, and offer another mechanism for subluxation. The research was published in the October 5, 2010 issue of the American Association for the Advancement of Science journal, "Science Signaling".

Previous to this research most scientists thought that nerve cells only sent messages across a junction known as a synapse. This new research shows that nerve cells are communicating with other cells by twitching, without using a synapse. Chief researcher, Doug Fields from the National Institutes of Health asked the question, "How could you have signaling from neurons to cells that are not neurons when our understanding of how signaling works is all based on synapses? That's the mystery."

Fields' research was able to show that the nerves twitched when stimulated and this twitching opens a channel in the cell membrane and a chemical called ATP escapes. When released, ATP acts as a neurotransmitter and therefore allows nerves to communicate without having to go through a synapse.

The implications for chiropractic could be profound. This potentially demonstrates another mechanism of nerve transmission that could be interfered with and thus be another model of subluxation. It could be theorized that nerve irritation may alter the twitching of the nerve, therefore altering the ATP release and interfering with this newly discovered nerve transmission process. The research also mentions that the spinal cord itself also twitches when stimulated, so the possibilities for subluxation models are profound.

In spite of the impact this research could have for chiropractic, only one news article covered this research. This single article appeared in print and on the radio on October 5, 2010 from National Public Radio. The article tried to say that the health impacts of this research might affect epilepsy and pain. The NPR article has embedded video showing both the twitching of nerves and the evidence of the release of ATP.

The abstract of this research can be seen here: http://stke.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sigtrans;3/142/ra73

The NPR article on this research can be seen here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?

Moving into Winter

We are moving into the winter season with the reduction of daylight, the frosty mornings and the dryness of the heated air we now must use to stay warm. You may have noticed the holiday decorations already popping up in the stores!


Take it all in stride this year by following a few simple suggestions to make the winter easier:

Take your vitamins! Especially important in the winter to keep you healthy and reduce the effects of the lack of sunlight. If you would like specific suggestions for which supplements would be best for you, please ask me.

Stock up on things that help you stay healthy- I make sure I have Thieves Blend, RC, Ginger, Peppermint, Citrus Fresh, and a Rain Drop Therapy kit in the house before winter comes. These Young Living Therapeutic grade oils are worth their weight in gold!

Get your rest. Don't let the holidays run you to the ground. Keep to a normal sleep schedule. Make time for a day off here and there, spend time at home, with those you love.

Keep your appointments for adjustments and massage, don't let the holiday rush stop you from doing the things that really help you stay healthy. Several people have already mentioned concern about holiday expenses and keeping up with their care. Remember what really matters this holiday season- your health!