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Blood Tests Show the Benefits of Chiropractic
You know from personal experience that you feel better after a chiropractic adjustment. Now, there is scientific documentation of why this happens.
In a study to verify the physiological effects of spinal adjustments, researchers looked at healthy participants and assigned them to receive cervical adjustments, thoracic adjustments, or no adjustment at all. Blood samples were taken before the adjustment, immediately after it, and two hours later. The scientists sought to understand how hormones change in response to chiropractic adjustments.
Researchers tracked four chemicals in the blood plasma: neurotensin, oxytocin, cortisol, and orexin A. Neurotensin is thought to play a role in neutralizing pain induced from stress. It interacts with the serotonin neurons of the brain – the ones that keep you calm under stress. Neurotensin also affects the activity of the oxytocin cells in the brain.
Oxytocin is the hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. When levels are high, you want to bond with the people around you. Oxytocin levels are high when moms are giving birth, breastfeeding their babies, and when you kiss your loved ones. Its anti-inflammatory and its levels increase the trust you feel from others.
Cortisol acts to decrease local edema and pain by blocking early stages of inflammation. High levels also promote wound healing. Studies show that an increase of cortisol is a good painkiller. Orexin-A is a neuropeptide that is associated with pain control.
In the study, after spinal adjustments, the levels of cortisol, neurotensin, and oxytocin rose in the participants. This shows that spinal adjustments can contribute to definite increases in these neurotransmitters and hormones.
When you receive care from the best chiropractor Gilbert, AZ, you are getting more than just a better range of motion and reduced neck and back pain—you are also getting positive effects on the entire nervous system to optimize your overall health.
And now it can’t be disputed. Chiropractic works and now we know why it’s better than pain-killing drugs with side effects. For more information about the best chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ, call 480-325-6977 for a free consultation. The doctors at Foresight Chiropractic Wellness Center are Board Certified Atlas Orthogonists providing gentle precise care for families for over 15 years -- no popping or cracking! Don't wait, call to today and get your health back!!
Resource: Journal Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2014;44
