The nervous system has three divisions. The “central nervous system” composes of the brain and spinal cord. The “peripheral nervous system” includes the nerve roots and peripheral nerves that run from the spine to the arms and legs. The ability to move (walk, run, throw, lift, etc.) relies on constant communication between our central and peripheral nervous systems. The “autonomic nervous system” essentially runs the organ functions of digestion, respiration, cardiac, genitor-urinary system, endocrine system, etc. Our bodily functions and overall health depends on these systems constantly communicating.
Spinal Manipulation
A Journal of the American Chiropractic Association May/June 2005 article, suggested that spinal manipulation improves in an organic condition. It was due to the condition not being an organic condition at all but a nervous system condition. For example, the gall bladder communicates through this neurologic circuitry. It restores spinal alignment and reduces irritation within the nervous system, benefiting the organic complaint. In other words, the focus is NOT on treating the specific gallbladder disease. It’s about improving faulty neurology or the circuitry associated with the condition. The patient’s spinal region(s) receives treatment where joint dysfunction exists (which some chiropractors call joint dysfunction).
Blood tests, ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, CT scans, PET scans, electrodiagnostic studies, and the abnormality in nervous system function may not be easily detected. Healthcare providers may tell their patients, “…we don’t know what’s causing your complaints.” Therefore, it must be something else (eg., it’s “…all in your head”).
Approximately 1% to 10% of patients present to chiropractors for non-musculoskeletal complaints. Emphasis should be placed on treating patients more so than their conditions. This mandates a thorough evaluation so each patient can be treated individually based on their findings rather than every patient with a given diagnosis receiving exactly the same care approach.
