Stress and Chiropractic

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

Research Results for Stress

The Organisation of the Stress Response, and its Relevance to Chiropractors: A Commentary Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2006 (Oct 18); 14: 25 ~ FULL TEXT Despite prolonged debate, very little consideration has been given to other potential mechanisms (and solutions) for the presence (and resolution) of the "type O" condition. A recent review has detailed that the somatovisceral reflex is a short term effect (millisecond to seconds in duration) when compared to supraspinal influences on the spinal cord which can be weeks to months in duration. [102] The review reasoned that the chiropractic profession should consider supraspinal factors in the generation and management of chronic pain states. [102] This conclusion is particularly pertinent on the now known association of psychosocial variables in chronic pain and disease [102], and the fact that many of the conditions treated by chiropractors whether type O or M are of a chronic nature. [95] However, the call to look at non-spinal non mechanical aspects of management has not been well received by the profession to date as evidenced by the continued predominantly mechanistic approach to management.

Other Management Approaches for Stress

	The Stress and Nutrition Page A Chiro.Org article collection Review the nutrients that can supress cortisol production.
	Nutritional and Botanical Interventions to Assist with the Adaptation to Stress Alternative Medicine Review 1999; 4 (4): 249–265 Prolonged stress, whether a result of mental/emotional upset or due to physical factors such as malnutrition, surgery, chemical exposure, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation, or a host of other environmental causes, results in predictable systemic effects. Based on human and animal research, it appears a variety of nutritional and botanical substances – such as adaptogenic herbs, specific vitamins including ascorbic acid, vitamins B1 and B6, the coenzyme forms of vitamin B5 (pantethine) and B12 (methylcobalamin), the amino acid tyrosine, and other nutrients such as lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, and plant sterol/sterolin combinations – may allow individuals to sustain an adaptive response and minimize some of the systemic effects of stress.
	Insulin Resistance: Lifestyle and Nutritional Interventions   (PDF) Alternative Medicine Review 2000 (Apr); 5 (2): 109–132 ~ FULL TEXT Insulin resistance appears to be a common feature and a possible contributing factor to several frequent health problems, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, certain hormone-sensitive cancers, and obesity. Modifiable factors thought to contribute to insulin resistance include diet, exercise, smoking, and stress. Lifestyle intervention to address these factors appears to be a critical component of any therapeutic approach.
	The Pathogenesis, Clinical Implications, and Treatment of Intestinal Hyperpermeability   (PDF) Alternative Medicine Review 1997 (Oct); 2 (5): 330–345 ~ FULL TEXT Normally, the gastrointestinal epithelium provides a semi-permeable barrier which allows nutrients to be absorbed while preventing larger, potentially toxic, antigenic, or pathogenic molecules or organisms from crossing into the bloodstream. Pathogenicallyincreased intestinal permeability predisposes the individual to diffusion of antigenic food molecules and translocation of bacteria and/or yeast from the gut to extra-intestinal sites, including mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and systemic circulation. This can be secondary to drugs, microbial overgrowth, radiation, stress, alcohol intake, enteral/parenteral nutrition, or injury. Increased intestinal permeability occurs commonly with diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, eczema, food allergies, alcoholism, trauma, and surgery. Glutamine, phosphatidylcholine, flavonoids, soluble fiber, and fish oil, as well as probiotic organisms, including Lactobacilli and Saccharomyces boulardii can assist in correcting this abnormal permeability.
	Natural Approach to Hypertension Alternative Medicine Review 2001 (Dec); 6 (6): 590–600 ~ FULL TEXT Hypertension is a common problem facing many Americans today, with two million new cases being diagnosed each year. Although billions of dollars are spent annually in the United States for the treatment and detection of cardiovascular disease, current conventional treatments have done little to reduce the number of patients with hypertension. Alternative medicine offers an effective way to decrease the rising number of people with high blood pressure. Research has found a variety of alternative therapies to be successful in reducing high blood pressure including diet, exercise, stress management, supplements, and herbs.
	The Causes of Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Review Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Jun); 9 (2): 180–197 ~ FULL TEXT Alterations in the bowel flora and its activities are now believed to be contributing factors to many chronic and degenerative diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis have all been linked to alterations in the intestinal microflora. The intestinal dysbiosis hypothesis suggests a number of factors associated with modern Western living have a detrimental impact on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful.

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Since 11–08–2006

Updated 6-24-2022