Downtown Chiropractic Newsletter
Objective Physiologic Changes and Associated Health Benefits of Chiropractic
Adjustments in Asymptomatic Subjects:
A Review of the Literature
- Sean M. Hannon, BA, DC
April 26, 2004
Abstract Objective: To review existing literature documenting objectively
measured physiologic changes and their associated health benefits subsequent to
chiropractic adjustments, primarily in asymptomatic individuals.
Data Collection: "Asymptomatic, normal, pain-free and healthy
subjects" were keywords used to search for articles pertaining to the objective. Data
was collected directly from the bound journals of the Palmer College of
"...chiropractic care may be of benefit to every function of the body
and have the potential for long-term, overall health benefit to those receiving
chiropractic care." |
Chiropractic library in Davenport, IA, Life University library in Marietta, GA, and
the Sherman College of Chiropractic library in Spartanburg, SC. Some articles
were downloaded from peer-reviewed journals accessible through campus
Internet subscription.
Results: More than twenty studies were found documenting objective health
benefits in subjects who were specifically described as asymptomatic, healthy,
normal, or free from physical injury. Nearly an equal number of
studies were found documenting objectively measured health benefits in subjects to
which no symptomatic presentation was described.
Conclusion: The data reviewed lend support to the contention that
chiropractic adjustments, often for the purpose of correcting vertebral subluxation,
confer measurable health benefits to people regardless of the presence or absence
of symptoms. A significant amount of preliminary evidence supports that people
without symptoms can benefit from chiropractic care. Improved function can be
objectively measured in asymptomatic individuals following chiropractic care
in a number of body systems often by relatively non-invasive means. It is
plausible that chiropractic care may be of benefit to every function of the body
and have the potential for long-term, overall health benefit to those receiving
chiropractic care.
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