Chiropractic and Learning Disorders?

A recent study, published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR)Article Date: 20 Jan 2007, suggests that chiropractic care may offer significant benefits to children suffering from learning disabilities and dyslexia.

The research was conducted by Swiss chiropractor Yannick Pauli, DC, president of the Swiss Chiropractic Pediatric Association, who specializes in the care of children suffering from learning and behavioral dis-orders.

"This review critically assessed eight previously published studies involving a total of 160 children," Dr. Pauli explained. "Although the results remain preliminary and more research is needed, the evidence strongly suggests that chiropractic care may help various cognitive abilities that are essential to learning."

Numerous factors can affect the proper development of the brain, including maternal stress during pregnancy, traumatic birth, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle.

Pauli stressed that, contrary to popular belief, chiropractic is not restricted to back pain in adults. "The only source of constant stimulation to the brain comes from the spine and the postural muscles constantly adjusting to the force of gravity," he explained. "If the daily physical stresses of life cause misalignments in the spine -- called vertebral subluxations by chiropractors -- the brain is not adequately stimulated. This can cause problems throughout the body."

He added that chiropractic adjustments can improve the function of the spine and strongly stimulate nerve pathways to the cerebellum and other parts of the brain. "In the case of children, this may, in turn, help brain functions necessary for learning," he said.

An abstract for this study can be found at www.jsvr.com

This study falls right in line with what I was talking about in my, ARE WE RAISING HEALTHY MINDS article in the January 2007 newsletter? The one about why children, kittens, and puppies all play so much and how that effects brain development. In case you have lost it, thrown it out (nobody ever throws out these newsletters do you?), or was not a patient at the time, we have all these on file at the office and can get you a new copy if you want to read it again.