“Vital information travels from the brain and spinal cord to all of the parts of the body. Not only does information travel down the nerve, but also information from the peripheral [distant] parts of the body is sent back to the brain and spinal cord at the same time. When this information is interfered with [by vertebral subluxation], a problem arises in the body."
-Dr. Daniel J. Murphy
Causes of Vertebral Subluxations
- a challenging birth process (including C-section)
- falls and collisions as a child
- sports injuries
- auto accidents and other traumas
- poor posture (computer work, long distance driving, positions at work)
- improper sitting and sleeping positions
- the viscero-somatic reflex: organ problems triggering skeletal problems
- any physical, mental or chemical stress (chemical stress from processed foods, medications and environmental toxins)
- lack of exercise: weak or tight muscles
From the book, Rejuvenation Strategy by Dr. Rene Cailliet, director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Southern California
- Incorrect head position leads to improper spinal function
- The head in forward posture can add up to thirty pounds of abnormal leverage on the cervical spine
- Forward head posture results in loss of vital capacity. Lung capacity is depleted by as much as 30%. Loss of lung capacity leads to heart and blood vascular problems.
- The entire gastrointestinal system is affected, particularly the large intestine. Loss of good bowel peristaltic function and evacuation is common to forward head posture and loss of spinal curve.
- Forward head posture causes an increase in discomfort and pain. Freedom of motion in the first four cervical vertebrae is a major source of stimuli that causes production of endorphins. As a result of this loss of endorphins (hormones that reduce pain and affect emotions), many otherwise non-painful sensations are experienced as pain.
- Forward head posture causes loss of healthy spine-body motion. The entire body becomes rigid as the range of motion becomes diminished; the person’s body becomes hunched.
- Associations with humpback syndrome or “hyperkyphotic posture” was found in an October 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society to significantly increase the likelihood of death. Studies at Cornell and Johns Hopkins found kyphosis to both increase the chance of uterine prolapse and decrease physical function and mobility respectively.
“Posture affects and moderates every physical and mental function in the body. Spinal pain, blood pressure, headaches, pulse, lung capacity, and mood are only a small portion of the body’s functions that are most easily influenced by posture.”
-Dr. C. Norman Shealy, Shealy Institute
Chiropractic Patient Satisfaction- by Dr. Robert Hoffman
In a recent survey chiropractic patients were asked how their lives had changed since they began chiropractic treatment:
71% take less medication
87% experienced an improvement in their overall health
92% are living healthier lifestyles
98% saw an improvement in physical problems
99% experienced a decrease in physical pain
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