Recently the opportunity arose for Dr. Lanthois to spend 5 hours online listening to and picking the brain of Dr Heidi Haavik, the world’s leading research neuroscientist into all things chiropractic so he jumped at the chance. She discussed a lot of the latest research into chiropractic and what it means for chiropractors and chiropractic patients but it was her discussion of the findings of a recently completed yet-to-be-published study that will make everyone excited and will surprise even the chiropractic skeptic…
This UK study examined 67 subjects. 32 of them had 4 weeks of chiropractic care while 35 had no chiropractic care. The subjects had regular EEGs (Electroencephalograms) to monitor brain activity and they all had their sleep and general health monitored using Fitbit data. They also filled out scientifically validated health questionnaires that measured immune function and response, spinal dysfunction, emotional stress and other health indicators.
What they found in the subjects who had 4 weeks of chiropractic care in comparison to those who had no chiropractic care…
The chiropractic group also showed non-significant increases Beta and Gamma brainwave patterns and a non-significant reduction in anxiety levels.
WHAT THE RESULTS COULD MEAN …
Having been a chiropractor for over 30 years many patients have reported less pain, improved physical function, better sleep, more energy and better ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Over this time what hasn’t been clear is what specifically is creating these changes. Is it the result of reducing pain? How much of these health improvements are due to the chiropractic adjustments or due to other lifestyle factors we incorporate or is it mind over matter?
Less Pain & Improved Function
That less pain and improved physical function were demonstrated among those who had chiropractic care was no surprise as it confirms the findings of numerous previous studies.
Improved Thinking and Learning
The changes in Beta and Gamma brainwave patterns indicate that the brain is functioning in a way that enhances focus, memory, information processing, learning, problem-solving, and creativity. The fact that chiropractic adjustments are creating changes in brainwave activity that can help better thinking and learning has exciting future implications to be able to help those with learning disabilities or those just wanting to learn better. This correlates with many patients’ experiences who remark how they are thinking clearer since having chiropractic care. New research is already being planned to further investigate chiropractic’s potential role in improving learning in schoolchildren.
Improved Mental Health
The reduction in Theta power (amount of Theta brainwaves) shows brain activity that indicates a shift towards a more relaxed but focused and alert mental state. This is also confirmed by patient surveys highlighting a significant reduction in depression and a non-significant reduction in anxiety. Previous research has found that people with depression have a significantly increased connectivity between 2 parts of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex and the precuneus (this is the area where your brain continually dwells on a subject). Amazingly the chiropractic adjustments were found to significantly reduce the connectivity between these two areas of the brain thereby demonstrating how chiropractic adjustments can positively impact mental health. If further studies confirm this, chiropractic care could become the natural treatment of choice for those dealing with mental health problems.
Increased Energy
While patients commonly report an increase in energy and less fatigue this is one of the first studies that have confirmed this scientifically. It is theorized that less fatigue is the result of energy saved by improved control of movement as a result of the brain having clearer communication with the body.
Better Sleep
Fitbit data showed that the chiropractic group had significantly improved light and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Your brain produces slower theta brainwaves during light sleep which can help improve relaxation. REM sleep helps with memory consolidation, emotional processing, brain development, and dreaming. With so many people having trouble sleeping, chiropractic care could become a safe, natural option that people can explore.
This study, although completed is going through the final phases of peer review before it gets published later this year so I was privileged to get access to this amazing data and am delighted to share it with you.
Popular podcaster, comedian, and actor Russell Brand, an avid chiropractic patient himself was personally interested in the research as his chiropractor participated in the study. Here he devotes one of his popular podcasts to interview Dr Haavik about this research. Click here or on the image below to watch the interview.
