I just returned from a meeting of the Royal Chiropractic Knights Of The Round Table where I presented a paper on the results of exciting new research on the effects of chiropractic care on the Brain and body. There is an article published in the journal Brain Circulation (Jan-Mar 2019) showing that restoring the proper alignment and curvature of the neck actually causes a significant increase in blood flow to the brain through the carotid arteries. The study evaluated 7 people with a decreased neck curve of 20 degrees. They were scanned in an MR-A scanner to measure the blood flow to the brain. Then, they placed them on the Denneroll Traction Device to align their necks properly and immediately re-scanned them. The results were astonishing. They all had an immediate increase in blood flow to their brains, ranging from 23% to 226%. The consequences of this improvement to the health of the brain tissues are very exciting. We’ve known for some time that exercise improves blood flow to the brain, but this is the first published study I know of that shows the relationship of alignment of the neck to blood flow. When your brain does not get the proper blood flow due to decreased cervical curve, think about the possible long-term consequences: premature aging, memory problems, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Another important study which will be published in Gait & Posture in March 2020 shows remarkable improvement in the speed of nerve flow from the brain to the body in patients with Forward Head Posture, after correction of the cervical curve. These corrections occurred over a period of 10 weeks, with a combination of adjustments, the Pro-lordotic Exerciser, and the Denneroll traction device. The speed of nerve transmission increased by 20%. This increased speed of nerve transmission from the brain to the body resulted in a dramatic improvement in the function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). These patients also showed significant improvements in balance, eye tracking, and other measurements of the ANS. These incredible gains were still present 1 year after care was stopped. This is a remarkable finding in the world of science.

DENNEROLL TRACTION DEVICE

This Denneroll traction device is familiar to many of you who are patients in the office, but others might not have heard of it. It’s part of a 3-pronged approach to correcting the cervical curve and Forward Head Posture (FHP) commonly seen in many patients. We use the Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique consisting of specific chiropractic adjustments, traction using the Denneroll and exercises to achieve the optimal curve. This is the primary technique that we use here at the Chiropractic Arts Center of Austin. Many published studies show that the normal neck curve is 42 degrees and that if you have a curve decreased to 20 degrees or less, you are twice as likely to have chronic pain. This is a type of subluxation (misalignment).

Summary: These studies clearly demonstrate adverse effects, mentally and physically, due to decreased nerve and blood flow associated with a loss of cervical curve. So, a loss of the normal cervical curve results in numerous poor health outcomes. It makes you slower, less steady and less vibrant, and your brain does not process as well as it should. Nobody wants any of these problems.

It just makes sense to have your spine checked for proper alignment to see how your brain’s nervous system is performing. We perform a comprehensive exam, consultation, and X-rays, if necessary, to thoroughly evaluate the alignment and function of your spine. Your present and future health could depend on it!