Articles: SAVE YOUR NERVES! - Dr. Tooka, Family Chiropractor - North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Subluxation is defined as misalignment of the spine, causing pressure on the spinal nerves as they leave the spine. (1)

Seth Sharpless, a neuropsychologist at the University of Colorado, reported the results of a series of experiments to explain the extent of sensitivity of spinal nerves to pressure. According to this report, "A pressure of only 10 mm Hg (equivalent to the weight of a dime) produced a significant conduction block, the potential falling to 60% of its initial value in 15 minutes, and to half of its initial value in 30 minutes. After such a small compressive force is removed, nearly complete recovery occurs in 15 to 30 minutes. With higher levels of pressure, we have observed incomplete recovery after many hours of recording."(2)

This is a very significant finding. Unfortunately most people live with Subluxation and pressure on their spinal nerves for years before they see a Chiropractor. This is due to the fact that most of these Subluxations do not cause pain and discomfort for many years. If a small pressure on the spinal nerve such as that of a dime for 15 minutes causes 40% reduction of nerve conductance, imagine what happens to the health of those nerves that have been under pressure for many years.

That is why everyone should be checked and adjusted regularly, even if they do not feel any pain or discomfort.

This study also tells us why it takes a long time to heal. If a nerve has been under pressure for a very long time, it will also take a long time for it to recover. Based on the study, some nerves never recover, which makes it even more important to be checked before any symptoms arise.

1. Palmer BJ: "Chiropractic Proofs." Davenport, IA, 1903. Reproduced in Peterson D, Wiese G (eds): "Chiropractic: An Illustrated History." Mosby, St. Louis, MO, 1995. Page 78.2.

2. Sharpless SK: "Susceptibility of spinal roots to compression block." The Research Status of Spinal Manipulative Therapy. NINCDS monograph 15, DHEWpublication (NIH) 76-998:155, 1975.