In a world of quick-fixes and a pill for every ill, I return to the philosophy of Chiropractic and the basics of human anatomy and physiology. I am not anti-technology or anti-science that’s for sure. Most of my studies were science-related and provided the basis for how I interpret life as we know it. Whats interesting to note as well though, is that most pharmaceuticals that exist today were based or made to mimic a natural substance or function. At what point however, do we not look to nature and respect what it has to offer? To respect what nature is capable of?

An article was recently brought to my attention about the latest research in one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Big bucks and mega smarts looking for solutions to problems. The latest technology being developed is much different than creative chemistry, looking to raise or lower levels of substance “x” in our body. Instead, they are now looking to the nerves. Recognizing that the brain sends impulses down the spinal cord, to the organs of the body to elicit a response, and a nerve then sends a message back to the brain to either continue the response or to stop the impulse. This is not news. This is how the body works. So GlaxoSmithKline, recognizing this basic fact of anatomy/ physiology put two and two together and came to the conclusion that altering a nerve impulse could affect organ function. SO, to put it somewhat differently, if an organ isn’t functioning properly, the nerve impulse to or from that organ may be contributing to that dysfunction. The nerve communication can be affecting the health of that organ thus the health of that individual. The solution? Alter the nerve communication by either increasing stimulus or decreasing stimulus.

Interesting. So lets back this up. The brain sends a signal to the organ through a nerve. The organ performs a task. A nerve communicates back to the brain. So if the communication can be altered and affect the nerve, why is the body not doing this on its own? Perhaps (enter my Chiropractic goggles), there is interference to the nerve at some point between the brain and the organ. Perhaps, the point at which the nerve leaves the spinal cord, through the spine out to the body may be affecting that communication. Perhaps the nerve is experiencing interference due to adhesions that have developed along the connective tissue pathways because of poor biomechanics, injury or immobility. Perhaps the body DOES know what needs to happen but the message isn’t getting to the organ properly because there is intereference along the way. If you turn on a faucet connected to a sprinkler and step on the hose, your results are going to be affected. You can add in shunts and tubes to help move water through better, OR you could take your foot off the hose.

If anything, this article and the arguments they pose for the benefits of moving away from drug therapy is a testimony to Chiropractic care. Look to the nervous system. Optimize it with a functioning spine, optimal spinal curves, nutrition that supports health and healing, and movement to stimulate the brain and promote proper function. Whether you are suffering from a chronic condition or wish to prevent such from happening, get your spine and nervous system checked by a qualified professional. In the words of B.J. Palmer, "Nature needs no help, just no interference."