The Neurological Effect of Chiropractic Adjustment, Vitamin D and PEA

The Benefits of the Chiropractic Adjustment – A Neurological Perspective

Function and therefore dysfunction of the spine play a crucial role in neuro(nerve) muscular control. Many people think that chiropractic is just about the bones of the skeleton. Our whole principle is actually based on the nervous system and how spinal and skeleton joint dysfunction affects neuromuscular control.  Our 5-year University degree covers many subjects with extensive study into anatomy, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology amongst other such subjects as orthopedics, radiology and many more.

Central Segmental Control (CSMC) is a fancy word for vertebral column dysfunction. CSMC alters neuromuscular function. This research paper shows how spinal adjustments (directed at CSMC) and spinal manipulation (directed at segments that may not have clinical indicators of CSMC) affects neuromuscular function, also providing a biologically plausible explanation of how the neural motor control can dysfunction, leading to self-perpetuating central motor control problems, and how these adjustments can improve this.

There are many studies showing that physical injury, inflammation, pain, acute or chronic physiological and psychological stress alter the vertebral columns central motor control causing CSMC. The development of pain leading to chronic pain can therefore become an issue. This is of course why we recommend a regular visit to your chiropractic care clinic. You service your car; you clean and service your teeth. Spinal segments and your central nervous system however cannot be replaced like car parts and teeth. Altered loading patterns from CSMC can fast track wear and tear.

Vitamin D and Pain

Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability and disease globally. It can be due to tissue injury, an underlying health condition or have an unknown cause. In 2016, almost 20% of Australians aged 45 and over reported chronic pain with 20% showing little benefit from currently available analgesics. Emerging research is showing that improving Vitamin D status does have analgesic effects.

Another 20%- it has been reported that 20% of adults in sunny Australia over the age of 25 are deficient in vitamin D (2011-2013 Australian Health Survey). It can actually be a genetic conversion issue instead of not getting enough sun. Winter and the southern states can also be an issue of course.

The potential mechanism of action is that vitamin D receptor sites are found in numerous cell types of the body including those involved in pain signalling – skin, neurons, spinal cord and the brain. Vitamin D appears to mediate gene expression for pain genes and the proteins associated with pain signalling. Pain reduction always involves modifying the inflammatory response. It is proposed that vitamin D can assist here as well as influence pain sensitivity and provide analgesic effects after injury.

PEA Supplementation for Pain

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is found in our plasma membranes with increasing concentrations in response to tissue damage, inflammation, and pain fibre stimulation.

It was a supplementation initially used for the prevention of the flu and common cold and treatment for rheumatic fever. Today PEA is used to counteract deficiency associated with diet, lifestyle, stress, ageing and chronic inflammation. Sources of PEA are found in beans and peas, tomatoes, coffee, apples, potatoes, lentils, lecithin, human milk, black-eyed peas, egg yolks, peanuts and soybeans.

Mechanisms of action include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, analgesic, and immunomodulatory.  It appears to support exercise recovery and may reduce exercise withdrawal due to pain and inflammation causes. PEA has other reported benefits including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression

Studies have shown that arthritic and rheumatic joints have lower PEA levels in the joint fluid and PEA did not increase in chronic widespread pain subjects suggesting a potential for PEA supplementation.  It does however appear to increase in acute situations naturally.

 

All of these studies support the idea of trying to reduce the occurrence of chronic pain altogether. Good diet, the appropriate exercise for you, including core strengthening and correct neuromuscular control, are fundamental. Health is defined as physical, emotional, and chemical wellbeing and is fundamental for a pain-free life. Correct postural control, clean food, fresh air, sunshine, exercise love and joy are the elixirs of life. Ask for support if needed. It’s been a rough couple of years so please, invest in your health.