JVSR - Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research
A Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal.

Home Subscriber Login Abstract Index Biographies Support About JVSR Contacts Cart
               

SEARCH Abstracts


Subscription and Renewal Information


Index of Current & Previous Issues


Research Update Newsletter Index


JVSR Brochures


Historic Documents


Information For Authors


Events


Post Grad Education


Links


Editorial Board


The Chiropractic Advocacy Council


Consumer Information


News Headlines


Advertising Opportunities


Literature Review
The Effects of Mild Compression on Spinal Nerve Roots with Implications for Models of Vertebral Subluxation and the Clinical Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment 
[May 2001, Vol 4, No.2] 
R. Scott Alderson, D.C.Bio, George J. Muhs, D.C., DABCN, CCN Bio
Abstract


Abstract - This review attempts to analyze the clinical relevance of nerve compression as a component of the vertebral subluxation and if the chiropractic adjustment can lead to the correction of the nerve pressure. Literature searches were conducted on the World Wide Web at the Pub Med website. 

There is evidence of nerve compression at the level of the intervertebral foramen (IVF) occurring anywhere from 15.4% to 78% of levels inspected. Most of the spines inspected were already prescreened to eliminate those that were definitely known to have nerve compression problems. Pressures as little as 10 mm Hg can alter the nerve root and dorsal root ganglion’s abilities to function normally. In the normal range of motion the pressures generated in the IVF may exceed 30 mm Hg. When considering the concept of a joint fixated in a diminished sphere of its normal range of motion in conjunction with the mild pressure increases, it becomes apparent that nerve function can be significantly altered. 

The chiropractic adjustment can effect a restoration of normal H-reflex in compressed nerve roots without altering the H-reflex at uninvolved levels. The major variables of compression are the rate of onset, the amount of pressure generated, and the time maintained. Another major variable in the recovery is age. The younger the nerve tissue the better chance for a full recovery. The concept that a vertebral subluxation can induce pressure increases at the level of the IVF is supported by the literature. This increase, though seemingly mild, is enough to alter nerve function. The garden hose theory or hard bone - soft nerve explanation of vertebral subluxation is considered by some to be archaic but appears to be a valid entity at least in the lower cervical spine. More research is needed to decipher the susceptibility to mild pressure increases throughout the spine.

Key Words: Spinal nerve root, compression, dorsal root ganglia, chiropractic, adjustment, vertebral subluxation, manipulation

Press Releases

Research Shows Even Minor Pressure on Nerves Cause Problems 
jvsr.com September 1, 2001

Purchase Individual Article $15

IMPORTANT Copyright Information.  Click and Read.


Are You On Our FREE Email Newsletter List?  
Receive information as new reports and information are added to the JVSR.com website. Register Here!


Have you thought about subscribing to JVSR.com?  Only subscribers have complete access to the full JVSR.com website including all back issues!  Join today!  Subscribe Here!


Many of the subscriber documents located on JVSR require the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your local computer.
Get Acrobat Reader

chiropractic research statistics
Click Here to Read The Statistics!

 

Copyright © 2000-2003 by the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR)
All rights reserved as provided by U.S. copyright law.
No materials may be copied from JVSR.com without express written permission.
ISSN 1536-2027