Category: Research

TITLE: Cell phones and brain tumors: A review including the long-term epidemiologic data

CITATION: Surgical Neurology, September 2009; 72; pp. 205–215

AUTHORS: Vini G. Khurana, Ph.D., F.R.A.C.S., Charles Teo, M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.S., Michael Kundi, Ph.D.,

Lennart Hardell, M.D., Ph.D., Michael Carlberg, M.S.

TITLE: Cell phones and brain tumors: A review including the long-term epidemiologic data

CITATION: Surgical Neurology, September 2009; 72; pp. 205–215

AUTHORS: Vini G. Khurana, Ph.D., F.R.A.C.S., Charles Teo, M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.S., Michael Kundi, Ph.D.,

Lennart Hardell, M.D., Ph.D., Michael Carlberg, M.S.

 Key Points from Dr. Dan Murphy

 1. This article has 68 references. An editorial comment ascribed to this study indicates that it is “the most comprehensive study and analysis to date of this topic.”

2. These authors found 11 long-term studies in the PubMed database of participants using cell phones for ≥10 years.

3. “The results indicate that using a cell phone for ≥10 years approximately doubles the risk of being diagnosed with a brain tumor on the same (“ipsilateral”) side of the head as that preferred for cell phone use.”

4. “The authors conclude that there is adequate epidemiologic evidence to suggest a link between prolonged cell phone usage and the development of an ipsilateral brain tumor.”

5. The power [and danger] generated by a cell phone will vary according to the amount of interference with the signal. Higher power is required when using a cell phone in a moving vehicle, within a building, or in an elevator.

6. “The output power [and danger] of the phone is generally set to the highest level during ‘handovers’ between networked base stations as a user moves from one geographic area to another or when signal interference is greatest.”

7. Evidence presented suggests that cordless phones are also not safe.

8. Cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation only during calls.

9. Cell phone systems have been presumed to be safe because their longer wavelengths are nonionizing, lacking sufficient energy to break intermolecular bonds. Therefore, their increased cancer risk is not as a consequence of ionization.

10. “Science Magazine has recently acknowledged that there are several peer-reviewed studies from laboratories in at least 7 countries, including the United States, showing that cell phone or similar low-intensity electromagnetic fields can (contrary to expectations of non-ionizing sources) break DNA or modulate it structurally.”

11.”Irrespective of the type of phone, exposure is highest on the side of the head against which the cell phone is held and appears to be even higher in children owing to thinner scalps and skulls, increased water content of their brain, and lower brain volume.”

12.”Many independent laboratory investigations have suggested adverse biologic effects of cell phone radiation.” (12 references)

13.The authors present evidence that cell phones can be DNA-damaging as a consequence of “non-thermal interaction between incoming microwaves and exquisitely sensitive oscillatory electrical processes found in living tissues.” “This is akin to the reception of a clock radio being susceptible to interference from a nearby cell phone.” This “oscillatory similitude may lead to genetic or epigenetic damage through increased local production of reactive oxygen species or free radicals.” [Wow!]

14.”There are several hundred studies that support the existence of low-intensity, non-thermal effects of cell phone radiation on biological systems. The consequences are mostly adverse: DNA single- and double-strand damage, changes in gene transcription, changes in protein folding, heat shock protein generation, production of free radicals, and effects on the immune system.”

15.”Taken together, the long-term epidemiologic data suggest an increased risk of being diagnosed with an ipsilateral brain tumor related to cell phone usage of 10 years or more.”

16.There are also “significantly elevated odds for the development of ipsilateral parotid gland tumors among heavy cell phone users.”

17.The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States maintains comprehensive tumor incidence rates in the USA, and their data shows an increase in incidence of brain tumors of about 36% in less than a decade. This increase is not explained by an aging population (because these figures were age-adjusted) or by better detection.

18.”The authors believe that the aforementioned epidemiologic and laboratory findings underscore the need for reassessment by governments worldwide of cell phone and also most radiation exposure standards and the usage and deployment of this technology. If the epidemiologic data continue to be confirmed then, in the absence of appropriate and timely intervention and given the increasing global dependence on cell phone technology, especially among the young generation, it is likely that neurosurgeons will see increasing numbers of primary brain tumors, both benign and malignant.”

Dr. Dan Murphy graduated magna cum laude from Western States Chiropractic College in 1978. He received Diplomat status in Chiropractic Orthopedics in 1986. Since 1982, Dr. Murphy has served part-time as undergraduate faculty at Life Chiropractic College West, currently teaching classes to seniors in the management of spinal disorders. He has taught more than 2000 postgraduate continuing education seminars. Dr. Murphy is a contributing author to both editions of the book Motor Vehicle Collision Injuries and to the book Pediatric Chiropractic. Hundreds of detailed Article Reviews, pertinent to chiropractors and their patients, are available at Dr. Murphy’s web page, www.danmurphydc.com.

FROM ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Relationships between physicians and pharmaceutical, medical device, and other medically related industries have received considerable attention in recent years.

We surveyed physicians to collect information about their financial associations with [the drug] industry and the factors that predict those associations.

 METHODS

We conducted a national survey of 3167 physicians in six specialties (anesthesiology, cardiology, family practice, general surgery, internal medicine, and pediatrics).

 RESULTS

Most physicians (94%) reported some type of relationship with the pharmaceutical industry, and most of these relationships involved receiving food in the workplace (83%) or receiving drug samples (78%).

More than one third of the respondents (35%) received reimbursement for costs associated with professional meetings or continuing medical education, and more than one quarter (28%) received payments for consulting, giving lectures, or enrolling patients in trials.

Cardiologists were more than twice as likely as family practitioners to receive payments.

Family practitioners met more frequently with [drug] industry representatives than did physicians in other specialties, and physicians in solo, two-person, or group practices met more frequently with industry representatives than did physicians practicing in hospitals and clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this national survey indicate that relationships between physicians and [the drug] industry are common and underscore the variation among such relationships according to specialty, practice type, and professional activities.

KEY POINTS FROM DR. DAN MURPHY

1) This study shows that most physicians (94%) have some type of relationship with the drug industry. Because “respondents may have underreported their associations with [drug] industry,” the relationship between physicians and drug companies is probably higher than the 94% documented in this study.

2) Physician benefits from drug companies include receiving free drug samples, free meals, free tickets to events, free travel from drug companies, financial benefits from drug companies, reimbursement for costs associated with professional meetings or continuing medical education, payments for consulting, payments for giving lectures, and payments for enrolling patients in drug clinical trials.

3) “Family practitioners reported the highest average number of meetings with [drug] industry representatives (16 meetings per month), followed by internists (10 per month), cardiologists (9 per month), pediatricians (8 per month), surgeons (4 per month), and anesthesiologists (2 per month).”

4) The drug industry may focus marketing efforts on “physicians who are perceived as influencing the prescribing behaviors of other physicians.”

5) There is a “higher frequency of [drug] industry payments to physicians who have developed clinical practice guidelines.”

6) In 2000, the average number of meetings between physicians and drug industry representatives was 4.4 per month. This study showed an elevated average to 16 meetings per month. The reason for this 400% increase in meeting rates “may reflect an intensification of [drug] industry marketing since the 1990’s.”

Dr. Dan Murphy graduated magna cum laude from Western States Chiropractic College in 1978. He received Diplomat status in Chiropractic Orthopedics in 1986. Since 1982, Dr. Murphy has served part-time as undergraduate faculty at Life Chiropractic College West, currently teaching classes to seniors in the management of spinal disorders. He has taught more than 2000 postgraduate continuing education seminars. Dr. Murphy is a contributing author to both editions of the book Motor Vehicle Collision Injuries and to the book Pediatric Chiropractic. 

KEY POINTS FROM DR. DAN MURPHY

1) In chronic low back pain, there is an integration between connective tissue fibrosis and the nervous system perception of pain.

2) Adverse connective tissue fibrosis can be remodeled by applying mechanical forces to soft tissues, including chiropractic spinal adjusting. [Note, chiropractic was included as the applying of a mechanical force to reverse adverse connective tissue fibrosis and its influence on the nervous system.]

3) The “association between symptoms and imaging results (X-ray, CT, MRI) has been consistently weak, and up to 85 percent of patients with low back pain cannot be given a precise pathoanatomical diagnosis using these methods.”

4) “Ongoing pain is associated with widespread neuroplastic changes at multiple levels within the nervous system and including primary afferent neurons, spinal cord, brainstem, thalamus, limbic system and cortex.”

5) Neuroimaging has shown that there are distinct “brain networks” involved in acute vs. chronic pain. Chronic pain is specifically related to regions for cognition and emotions.

6) Chronic back pain results in neuronal or glial loss in the pre-frontal and thalamic gray matter. [Brain atrophy]

7) “Increased connective tissue stiffness due to fibrosis is an important link in the pathogenic mechanism leading to chronicity of pain.” [Very Important: The Fibrosis of Repair]

8) “Abnormal movement patterns can have important influences on the connective tissues that surround and infiltrate muscles.” [Very important because the subluxation complex includes abnormal movement patterns.]

9) “A hallmark of connective tissue is its plasticity or ‘remodeling’ in response to varying levels of mechanical stress.” [This is important because it implies that spinal adjusting can initiate remodeling of abnormal connective tissues.]

10) “Both increased stress due to overuse, repetitive movement and/or hypermobility, and decreased stress due to immobilization or hypomobility can cause changes in connective tissue.” [Both increased and decreased motion are deleterious.]

11) A chronic local increase in stress leads to micro-injury and inflammation. [Subluxation can cause micro-injury and inflammation.]

12) “A consistent absence of stress leads to connective tissue atrophy, architectural disorganization, fibrosis, adhesions and contractures.” [Fibrosis]

13) “Fibrosis can be the direct result of hypomobility or the indirect result of hypermobility via injury and inflammation.” [Very Important]

14) During the early phase of immobilization, loss of muscle length is primarily due to shortening of muscle-associated connective tissue, which is later followed by actual shortening of muscle fibers.

15) Muscle connective tissue fibrosis promotes hypomobility. “Connective tissue fibrosis is detrimental, as it leads to increased tissue stiffness and further movement impairment.” [Important: fibrosis]

16) “Tissue microinjury, inflammation and fibrosis not only can change the biomechanics of soft tissue (e.g., increased stiffness) but also can profoundly alter the sensory input arising from the affected tissues.” [Very Important: Many contend that the tissue changes associated with the subluxation alter the afferent input into the central nervous system, which is the nerve interference of the subluxation.]

17) “Connective tissue is richly innervated with mechanosensory and nociceptive neurons.” [Very Important]

18) Activation of nociceptors can contribute to the development or worsening of fibrosis and inflammation, causing even more tissue stiffness and movement impairment. [Important]

19) Chronic low back pain may be caused by pathological connective tissue fibrosis, which causes adverse changes in movement. This is well documented in ligaments and joint capsules. [Very Important] This pathological connective tissue fibrosis is plastic and can, therefore, be remodeled. However, the remodeling must take place over time.

20) “In fibrosed connective tissue and muscle, blood and lymphatic flow may be chronically compromised by the disorganized tissue architecture and, thus, vulnerable to unusual muscle activity (e.g., beginning a new work activity or sport), or to conditions causing further decrease in perfusion such as prolonged sitting.”

21) Pain leads to reduced motion, and movement restriction increases fibrosis, “setting the patient up for more painful episodes.” [Very Important: fibrosis]

22) “In addition to its role in the pathological consequences of immobility and injury, the dynamic and potentially reversible nature of connective tissue plasticity may be key to the beneficial effects of widely used physical therapy techniques as well as ‘alternative’ treatments involving external application of mechanical forces (e.g., massage, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture), changes in specific movement patterns (e.g., movement therapies, tai chi, yoga) or more general changes in activity levels (e.g., increased recreational exercise).”

23) “Manual or movement-based treatments have the advantage of not causing drug-induced side effects (e.g., gastritis, sedation),” but excessive motion may lead to inflammation.

24) A “carefully applied direct tissue stretch may be necessary in cases of long standing hypomobility with pronounced fibrosis and stiffness.” [Very Important, as an adjustment may be considered to be a “carefully applied direct tissue stretch.”]

Dr. Dan Murphy graduated magna cum laude from Western States Chiropractic College in 1978. He received Diplomat status in Chiropractic Orthopedics in 1986. Since 1982, Dr. Murphy has served part-time as undergraduate faculty at Life Chiropractic College West, currently teaching classes to seniors in the management of spinal disorders. He has taught more than 2000 postgraduate continuing education seminars. Dr. Murphy is a contributing author to both editions of the book Motor Vehicle Collision Injuries and to the book Pediatric Chiropractic.

KEY POINTS FROM Dr. DAN MURPHY

ALA: Alpha-linolenic acid, plant derived 18-carbon long omega-3 fatty acid. Primarily from flaxseed (linseed), walnut, and hemp oils.

EPA: Eicosapentaenoic acid, animal derived 20-carbon long omega-3 fatty acid. Primarily from cold-water fatty fish.

DHA: Docosahexaenoic acid, 22-carbon long omega-3 fatty acid. Primarily from cold-water fatty fish. There are vegetarian sources (algae) for DHA.

1) Adequate maternal omega-3 fatty acid intake “ensures the optimal cerebral and cognitive development of the infant.”

2) Human milk contains both ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.] and DHA, unlike that of other mammals. [This is one of the reasons that cow’s milk is not a substitute for human milk for infants.]

3) Vegetarian and vegan mother’s milk have altered fatty acid profiles which impair the cerebral and cognitive development of their infants. [Very Important]

4) ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.], DHA and EPA are important for preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease in women of all ages.

5) Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin, and are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer’s disease and others), hypertension, toxemia, diabetes and, to a certain extent, age-related macular degeneration.

6) Omega-3 fatty acids play a positive role in the prevention of menstrual syndrome and ostmenopausal hot flushes.

7) The normal Western diet contains little ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.], providing less than 50% of the RDA.

8) The best sources for EPA and DHA are fish, seafood and “omega-3” eggs.

9) Both the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic (LA, 18:2(n-6)) and the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) [flaxseed oil, etc.], 18:3(n-3)) are “physiologically essential.” [Important, ALA is physiologically essential]

10) The intake of ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.] is far too low.

11)Pregnant women that consume more fish oil improve the pregnancy for both the mother and the baby, reducing prematurity and low birth weight in the infant, and reducing hypertension and pre-eclampsia in the mother.

12)Vegetarians are more prone to premature births and Caesarean sections.

13)Vegetarian mothers are more likely to have premature babies with low birth weight.

14)Daily maternal supplementation of fish oil containing a DHA/EPA mixture is good for fetal development.

15)“Omega-3 fatty acids are most important as structural elements in the developing nervous systems of the fetus and newborn, and this is linked to the mother’s food.”

16)ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.], influences vision, behavior and brain structure and function.

17)“Adding omega-3 fatty acids to baby formula, to make it more like mother’s milk, influences the visual, cerebral and intellectual capacities of newborn babies.”

18)“The fetus uses most of the portion of dietary omega-3 fatty acids supplied to it for its developing brain.” [Very Important]

19)Maternal DHA status decreases during pregnancy.

20)“The cerebral and overall DHA status of breast-fed babies is better than that of infants fed formula lacking DHA.”

21)Human milk contains considerable concentrations of both DHA and ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.].

22)Eating fatty fish, taking fish oil capsules and eating omega-3 eggs increases the DHA in maternal milk.

23)A diet containing flaxseed oil, which has a high ALA content, increases the ALA and EPA in the milk and erythrocytes of lactating women, but not DHA. [Very Important for vegan mothers]

24)“Although the diets of vegans and vegetarians contain reasonable amounts of ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.], it is unlikely that enough is converted to DHA to satisfy the needs of pregnancy and lactation.” [Very Important]

25)Dietary fish, seafood or omega-3 supplements are advisable and prudent for pregnant and lactating women. [Very Important]

26)Omega-3 fatty acids prevent age-related macular degeneration.

27)“There is no doubt that supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, generally taken as fish oil, improve infant visual acuity.” [Important]

28)A lack of omega-3 fatty acids damages hearing and leads to premature aging of the auditory nervous system. “Omega-3 fatty acids are important dietary components for preserving hearing throughout life.”

29)Children given fish oil during the first year of life are less likely to develop type I diabetes, perhaps because of the anti-inflammatory action of very long chain omega-3 fatty acids.

30)Fish consumption reduces the risk of breast cancer.

31)“Excess omega-6 fatty acids seems to increase the risk of breast cancer metastasis, while omega-3 fatty acids have the opposite action.”

32)“There should always be a good intake of antioxidants to restrict the peroxidation of fatty acids, as these peroxide derivatives are genotoxic and cytotoxic.” [Very Important]

33)“Omega-3 fatty acids, if adequately preserved from oxidation,” benefit atherosclerosis, chronic hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. [Important, again: this is why everyone should take antioxidants with each gram of fish oil.]

34)Eating fish and omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of suicide attempts, reduces the frequency of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive patients), and reduces the risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

35)Studies show that ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.] significantly protects against cardiovascular disease.

36)Assuming ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.] intake is sufficient, newborn babies can only in small quantities convert ALA to DHA and, therefore, DHA is considered an essential nutrient for babies. [Important for strict vegetarians.]

37)Both ALA [flaxseed oil, etc.] and DHA are essential nutrients.

38)People who eat no animal lipids are very deficient in DHA. [Important for strict vegetarians.]

39)Omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent menstrual syndromes,  particularly dysmenorrhea and menopausal hot flushes and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

40)“Only seafood provides adequate EPA and DHA.”

41)“There is practically no toxicological risk from eating too much omega-3 fatty acid.” [Important]

42)“Women, therefore, have specific requirements for omega-3 fatty acids that should be recognized and fulfilled, either by the diet or with capsules.”

A central issue from this article is that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, from fl axseed oil and other sources) is essential for health and must be included in the diet. Many individuals taking fish oil (omega-3 supplements) are unaware that fish oil capsules usually do not contain ALA. Again, this article supports the importance of using antioxidants when consuming omega-3 fatty acids.

OBJECTIVE:

To study the immediate sensorimotor neurophysiological effects of cervical spine manipulation using somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP’s).

METHODS:

Twelve subjects with a history of reoccurring neck stiffness and/or neck pain, but no acute symptoms at the time of the study were invited to participate in the study.

An additional twelve subjects participated in a passive head movement control experiment.

Spinal brainstem and cortical SEP’s to median nerve stimulation were recorded before and for thirty minutes after a single session of cervical spine manipulation, or passive head movement.

RESULTS:

There was a significant decrease in the amplitude of parietal and frontal SEP components following the single session of cervical spine manipulation compared to pre-manipulation baseline values.

These changes lasted on average twenty minutes following the manipulation intervention.

No changes were observed in the passive head movement control condition.

CONCLUSIONS:

Spinal manipulation of dysfunctional cervical joints can lead to transient cortical plastic changes, as demonstrated by attenuation of cortical somatosensory evoked responses.

SIGNIFICANCE:

This study suggests that cervical spine manipulation may alter cortical somatosensory processing and sensorimotor integration.

These findings may help to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the effective relief of pain and restoration of functional ability documented following spinal manipulation treatment.

Key Points from Dan Murphy

1. Spinal manipulation is a commonly used conservative treatment for neck, back, and pelvic pain.

2. The effectiveness of spinal manipulation in the treatment of acute and chronic low back and neck pain has been well established by outcome-based research.

3. Spinal dysfunction will alter afferent input to the central nervous system.

4. Altered afferent input to the central nervous system leads to plastic changes in the central nervous system. (Very Important)

5. Neural plastic changes take place both following increased and decreased afferent input. (Extremely Important)

6. Both painful and painless joint dysfunction will inhibit surrounding muscles.

7. Joint dysfunction causes afferent driven increases in neural excitability (facilitation) to muscles that can persist even after the initiating afferent abnormality is corrected. (This suggests that a muscle afferent problem can persist even after the joint component of the subluxation is corrected. The chronic component of the subluxation may be plastic changes that cause long-term alteration of muscle afferentation.) This article clearly supports that the joint component, the muscle component, and the neurological component of the subluxation complex are influenced by traditional joint-cavitation spinal adjusting.

8. The altered neural processing that occurs as a consequence of joint dysfunction provides a rationale for the effects of spinal manipulation on neural processing that have been described in the literature. (Very Important)

9. Spinal dysfunction alters the balance of afferent input to the central nervous system and this altered afferent input may lead to maladaptive neural plastic changes in the central nervous system, and spinal manipulation can effect this. (Very Important)

10.The clinical evidence for joint dysfunction that requires manipulation includes:

A. Tenderness on joint palpation,

B. Restricted intersegmental range of motion,

C. Palpable asymmetry of intervertebral muscle
tension,

D. Abnormal or blocked joint play and end-feel,

E. Sensorimotor changes in the upper extremity.

[I recall in the teachings of Richard Stonebrink, DC, in the orthopedic diplomate program twenty-five years ago, the importance of always documenting (in our daily records) the evidence that the patient had a manipulatable spinal lesion (subluxation). His evidence was identical to these. Dr. Stonebrink would stress that such documentation would always make the case unique to chiropractic and consequently make the chiropractor the only expert in the case.]

11.The most reliable spinal-dysfunction-indicators are tenderness with palpation of the dysfunctional joint, and alterations of segmental range of motion.

12.High velocity, low amplitude thrust spinal manipulation with the head held in lateral flexion, with slight rotation and slight extension is a standard manipulative technique used by manipulative physicians, physiotherapists and chiropractors.

13.High velocity manipulation alters reflex EMG activity and alters afferent input to the central nervous system. (Important)

14.High-velocity manipulation causes significant cortical SEP amplitude attenuation in at least the frontal and parietal cortexes.

15.Passive head movements do not cause changes in cortical firing.

16.A single session of spinal manipulation of dysfunctional joints resulted in attenuated cortical (parietal and frontal) evoked responses. These changes most likely reflect central changes. (Very Important)

17.The cortical function of different individuals responded differently to spinal adjusting. [This indicates that variables other than the adjustment, itself, can influence the cortical responses in a given individual]

18.The significantly decreased somatosensory cortical SEP occurred in all post-manipulation measurements, indicating enhanced active inhibition because the cervical manipulations could have altered the afferent information originating from the cervical spine (from joints, muscles, etc.).

19.The passive head movement SEP experiment demonstrated that no significant changes occurred following a simple movement of the subject’s head. Our results are, therefore, not simply due to altered input form vestibular, muscle or cutaneous afferents as a result of the chiropractors touch or due to the actual movement of the subject’s head. This, thus, suggests that the results in this study are specific to the delivery of the high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to dysfunctional joints. [Extremely Important]

20.Displacement of vertebrae is signaled to the central nervous system by afferent nerves arising from deep intervertebral muscles, and this is improved with adjusting the adjacent dysfunctional joint.

21.Joint dysfunction leads to bombardment of the central nervous system with Ia afferent signaling from surrounding intervertebral muscles. Spinal manipulation reduces excessive afferent signals from adjacent intervertebral muscles, which improves altered afferent input to the central nervous system. This changes the way the central nervous system responds to any subsequent input.

22.Episodes of acute pain following injury induce plastic changes in the sensorimotor system, prolonging the episode of pain and playing a roll in establishing chronic neck pain conditions. (Very Important) The reduced cortical SEP amplitudes observed in this study following spinal manipulation may reflect a normalization of such injury/pain-induced central plastic changes, which may reflect one mechanism for the improvement of functional ability reported following spinal manipulation. (Extremely Important)

23.Spinal manipulation of dysfunctional joints may modify transmission of neuronal circuitries, not only at a spinal level, but at a cortical level, and possibly also deeper brain structures such as the basal ganglia. (Very Important)

24.Cervical spine manipulation alters cortical [brain] somatosensory processing and sensorimotor integration.

25.These findings may help to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the effective relief of pain and restoration of functional ability documented following spinal manipulation treatment.

Comment by Dan Murphy

One of the central themes of the neurology diplomate program taught by Ted Carrick, DC, is that chiropractic spinal adjusting influences the cortical brain, creating plastic changes. This article very much supports that perspective.

Dr. Dan Murphy graduated magna cum laude from Western States Chiropractic College in 1978. He received Diplomat status in Chiropractic Orthopedics in 1986. Since 1982, Dr. Murphy has served part-time as undergraduate faculty at Life Chiropractic College West, currently teaching classes to seniors in the management of spinal disorders. He has taught more than 2000 postgraduate continuing education seminars. Dr. Murphy is a contributing author to both editions of the book Motor Vehicle Collision Injuries and to the book Pediatric Chiropractic.