Hippocrates was a Greek physician who is recognized as the father of modern medicine due to his contributions to medical science from 460 BC until 370 BC. He was the first person to believe that diseases had naturally occurring causes rather than causes administered through superstition and gods.
Hippocrates’ research revolutionized the understanding and approach to healthcare at the time. His work led to the understanding that disease was a factor of environment, diet, and living habits. Hippocrates’ influence remains strong today as new doctors recite the Hippocratic Oath during the graduation ceremonies held at medical or professional schools.
The Father of Medicine Said, “Take Care of Your Spine Dammit!”
Ok, he probably didn't say it quite like that. But he did say that we should take care of it!
One of the most profound findings and statements that Hippocrates made during his lifetime related to the spine.
“Get knowledge of the spine, for it is the requisite for many diseases.”
-Hippocrates
Hippocrates demonstrated advanced thinking that proved far ahead of his time. His instruction and approach to health care represented an understanding that neglecting spinal health meant neglecting most other aspects of health. Massive amounts of research and scientific evidence conducted over the past 2000 years validate Hippocrates’ thoughts and findings. The spine maintains an intimate connection with the health and performance of the entire body through the central nervous system. Chiropractic focuses on the spine and its inter-relationship with function of the body.
[IMPORTANT QUESTION] What does it mean to you if I told you that chiropractic adjustments can change your brain?
A 2016 research study, published in the Journal of Neural Plasticity, showed that adjusting the spine changes brain function, by as much as 20%. [1]
We do know that spinal function does affect brain function. There’s now solid evidence that adjusting the spine changes brain function. This is the fourth time that the effect of adjusting the spine has on the brain has been studied. This last time it was studied and confirmed by an independent medical researcher. said Dr. Heidi Haavik, one of the researchers who conducted the study.
Of note is the region of the brain that seems to be impacted by the adjustments. Dr Haavik comments:
The latest study suggests that the changes that we do see in the brain when we adjust the spine do occur in the prefrontal cortex. That part of the brain is like the conductor in the brain.
Chiropractors utilize research dating back to Hippocrates to perfect the practice applying specific gentle adjustments to misaligned vertebrae with the intention of improving communication between the central nervous system and the brain. Optimal communication produces higher function in all of the systems within the body.
From Hippocrates to current evidence-based studies, we now have the knowledge and understanding that link amazing results to the health improvements experienced through Chiropractic care. Children and adults share thousands of testimonies that celebrate benefits that transcend simple back or neck pain and accurately represent the life enhancing power found in the central nervous system.
“An effect on the function of the prefrontal cortex could explain many previous research results, such as improvements in sensorimotor function relevant to falls-prevention; better joint-position sense in both the upper limb and the lower limb; improved muscle strength in lower limb muscles; better pelvic floor control; and better ability to carry out mental rotation of objects.”
But these effects go way beyond muscles and joints. Breathing, digestion, and heart and immune health all represent areas of the body where symptoms and conditions drastically improve after experiencing Chiropractic care on a regular basis. Continuing research and education provides more and more people with the information necessary to make fully informed decisions about their health care options.
Chiropractic adjustments improve health and wellness regardless of a person’s age or condition.
Research conducted in 2015 and published in the journal Brain Structure and Function nearly 2400 years after Hippocrates’ death, found evidence stressing the connection between the nerves in and around the upper neck vertebrae and the overall health of the body. [2] These nerves directly affected the health of the brain, heart, digestive system, and immunity defense of the body. Overwhelming modern-day research continually reinforces the findings of the father of modern medicine. The health of the spine matters.
Improving neurological communication within the body can have dramatic effects on the immune systems of all sorts of ill and healthy people. Here are just a few more studies demonstrating this effect.
If you've ever heard that going to a chiropractor will help you from getting sick, this is why:
- Spinal manipulation enhances production of immunoregulatory cytokine IL-2 and the production of immunoglobulins. ([3, 4]
The study above demonstrated that IL-2 synthesis can become enhanced following chiropractic adjustments. Large quantities of IL-2 have been produced and used in clinical trials aimed at stimulating the immune system, particularly against tumors. Furthermore, researchers determined that this occurred independent of joint cavitation (meaning you didn't have to have a ‘pop' for it to work). Thus the results of this study suggest that, under certain physiological conditions, chiropractic adjustments positively influence your immune system.
- Promote the production of white blood cells. [5, 6]
- Reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. [7]
Chiropractic care improves all aspects of function and human performance because of the unique connection between the spine and nervous system. Optimal health and vitality rely on proper health and maintenance of the spine in order to endure the physical and mental stressors of everyday life. These imperative doctor's orders have withstood the test of time.
