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RESEARCH LIBRARY - DOCUMENT [74]

Category: Case Studies
Date 30-jan-1995
Case Title Does ‘Normal’ Vision Improve with Spinal Manipulation?
Author Danny Stephens, D.C., M.Chiro.Sc., R. Frank Gorman, M.B.B.S., D.O
Main Condition/ Disease  Visual Disturbances - Vision
Source Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT); Volume 19, No6, 415-18;(Jul/Aug 1996)
Abstract A 22-year-old presenting with neck pain is adjusted for spinal abnormalities and there is a resultant change in his visual sensitivity as measured by computerized static perimetry.
Summary Stephens and Gorman point out that there is evidence that visual field loss has improved with spinal manipulation. They suggest that chiropractors should enlist the use of computerized static perimetry equipment which is used by most ophthalmologists and optometrists. This equipment measures visual field sensitivities and is “used in the diagnosis of glaucoma even though patients may feel that their vision is normal.” The patient in this case study presented with neck pain, with a history of incidents of acute spastic torticollis. Examination revealed limited flexion, extension and rotation of the cervical spine and a slight scoliosis. The c-spine was adjusted by hand with a lateral thrust; each thoracic segment was adjusted and some “torsional lumbar manipulations” were performed. The graphs in this case study indicate “immediate improvement in visual field sensitivities and a decrease in defect levels measured after spinal adjustment.” The authors call for more research into how spinal manipulation can improve vision in so called ‘normal’ vision patients presenting with back pain. My comment - this case indicates a clear cervical spine involvement, and although the authors manipulated other segments of the spine my belief is that it is the cervical; spine adjustment which has resulted in improving vision. The scoliosis, neck pain and back pain are all results of an upper cervical subluxation. Clearing out the upper cervical subluxation does resolve scoliosis, and thus back pain. Upper cervical corrections have also been shown to positively affect the sympathetic nervous system and to remove interference to vascular structures in the cervical spine. This may account for the visual changes as Gorman et al have suggested in other cases they have completed. Bring on the research!
References  
Keywords Vision, chiropractic maniuplation, cervical spine
 

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