Chiropractic adjustments have well-known affects on various musculoskeletal ailments, but there is a growing body of evidence that confirms chiropractic’s positive effects on immunity and the body’s ability to adapt to stress; specifically the biological processes of DNA repair.

In a landmark study published recently in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, chiropractors, collaborating with researchers at the University of Lund in Sweden, found that chiropractic care could influence basic physiological processes affecting oxidative stress and DNA repair. These findings offer a scientific explanation for the positive health benefits reported by patients receiving chiropractic care.

The researchers measured serum thiol levels (primary antioxidants that serve as a measure of human health status) in 21 patients under short-term chiropractic care and 25 patients under long-term chiropractic care. The results were compared to those of a non-chiropractic treated control group of 30 subjects.

The results showed that long-term chiropractic care, of two or more years, was shown to re-establish a normal physiological state independent of age, sex, or nutritional supplements.

Dr. Christopher Kent, one of the authors explained, "Going through life, we experience physical, chemical, and emotional stress. These stresses affect the function of the nervous system. We hypothesized that these disturbances in nerve function could affect oxidative stress and DNA repair on a cellular level."

"Oxidative stress, metabolically generating free radicals, is now a broadly accepted theory of how we age and develop disease," Kent continued. "Oxidative stress results in DNA damage, and inhibits DNA repair. DNA repair is the mechanism which fixes the damage caused by environmental impact."

Dr. Daniel Weber owns The Joint, a chiropractic place located at 3016 Lake Washington Rd in Melbourne. Each visit is only $20 and no appointment is necessary. For more information call 321-254-2828 or visit www.thejoint.com