Adjustment Adjustment or manipulation? Much discussion goes on in health care circles as to what to call what chiropractors do.  Is the term manipulation or adjustment?  To answer this question lets first look in a Webster Dictionary for some synonyms of each. Manipulation: Exploit, misuse, take advantage, control, deploy, maneuver, use, ply, swing, wield, grope, examine, finger, fondle, handle, maul, palpate, paw, probe, touch, govern, sway.  And for Adjustment: Factor, calculate, align, center, regulate, convert, scale, tune, dial, select,  fine tune, finesse, modify, tweak, regulate, standardize, conform, equalize, level,  set policy, alter, catalyze, change, refashion, calibrate, decide, determine, establish, resolve, set,  compensate, make equal, redeem, remedy, correct, cure,  fix, heal, make well, repair, restore, coordinate, attune, accommodate,  conform, harmonize, integrate, proportion, reconcile, tune, correct, amend, fix, improve, mend, position, rectify, restore, right, straighten, service, maintain, adapt, balance, fit, inspect, overhaul, recondition, refurbish,  regulate, repair, support.  In looking at the two it is easy to see why chiropractors use the term adjustment. The International Chiropractors Association has a policy on this subject that says it best; The ICA holds that the chiropractic spinal adjustment is unique and singular to the chiropractic profession. The chiropractic adjustment shall be defined as a specific directional thrust that sets a vertebra into motion with the intent to improve or correct vertebral malposition or to improve its juxtaposition segmentally in relationship to its articular mates thus reducing or correcting the neuroforaminal / neural canal encroachment factors inherent in the chiropractic vertebral subluxation complex. The adjustment is characterized by a specific thrust applied to the vertebra utilizing parts of the vertebra and contiguous structures as levers to directionally correct articular malposition. Adjustment shall be differentiated from spinal manipulation in that the adjustment can only be applied to a vertebral malposition with the express intent to improve or correct the subluxation, whereas any joint, subluxated or not, may be manipulated to mobilize the joint or to put the joint through its range of motion. Chiropractic is a specialized field in the healing arts, and by prior rights, the spinal adjustment is distinct and singular to the chiropractic profession. Chiropractic adjustments affect the Autonomic Nervous System In a study published in the September 2000 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, researchers showed that chiropractic adjustments have an effect on the Autonomic Nervous System.  This research was designed to measure the changes in edge light pupil cycle time (ELPCT) which is one of the light reflexes of the eyes.  This reflex is controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System.  The results showed a decrease in the edge light pupil cycle time therefore showing a direct link between a chiropractic adjustment and a response in the Autonomic Nervous System. The implications of this research go well beyond the eye itself.  The Autonomic Nervous System is that part of the nervous system responsible for the control and function of internal body organs.  Chiropractors have said for over 100 years that interference to the nervous system creates a situation whereby various parts of the body will not be functioning at their fullest innate potential.  Despite all the reported cases of people with a variety of internal problems responding to chiropractic care, the medical community would always dismiss these cases as a coincidence.  This new research adds much credibility to the reports of miraculous results under chiropractic by scientifically showing a link between chiropractic adjustments of the spine and the part of the nervous system responsible for the control of internal organs.  This clearly validates and reinforces the great results that chiropractors have reported to see over the last 100 years. Chiropractic care can have a positive affect on organ system health problems.  Reaction time and Chiropractic adjustments From the New Zealand School of Chiropractic, University of Auckland, New Zealand, comes an interesting study about reaction times and the effects chiropractic adjustments have on them.  In this study two groups were used to check reaction times.  One group received upper cervical (neck) toggle adjustments, while the other group was a control group for comparison and only received a short period of rest. The results showed a marked improvement for the group that received an adjustment over the group that got nothing but rest.  The group that got only rest did show an average decrease in reaction time of 58 milli-seconds which represented an 8 percent quicker reaction time.  The group that received the chiropractic adjustment showed a decrease in reaction time of 97 milli-seconds representing a 14.8 percent quicker reaction time. The implications are far reaching.  Imagine the benefits of being able to react quicker to traffic situations or any other crisis life might throw at you.  Imagine also the benefit to the athlete who depends on reaction times in order to perform at a competitive level.  Today many top name athletes are regular chiropractic patients.  In addition to recovery from injury most report the ability to perform better with chiropractic care.  Now, thanks to the study from New Zealand, there is scientific proof of what the athletes have reported. Top / Back
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