First of all . . . what is a telomere? Telomeres are the caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes (genes), like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces. Without the coating, shoelaces become frayed until they can no longer do their job. Without telomeres our DNA strands become damaged and our cells can’t do their job. 

Constant stress actually wear down our telomeres.  In fact, our thought patterns in general impact our telomeres.  The longer your telomeres, the younger you are inside and the more protection our cells get from illness and aging.

Abnormal spinal alignment and posture increase stress and strain to the nerve and blood supply of the spinal cord. This can seriously affect the nervous system and the theory is that because the nervous system controls all functions of the body this can negatively affect our biochemistry including telomere length. 

There is scientific literature that supports the effectiveness of chiropractic to restore healthy spinal alignment and posture thereby lowering the risk of degeneration and poor health. Increasing telomere length may be one way it does this. 

One study had a 35 year old patient who began chiropractic care for chronic neck and mid-back pain as well as frequent urination in the middle of the night. The patient was examined and found to have vertebral subluxations and a loss of the normal spinal curves. Testing of her nervous system revealed dysfunction due to the problems in her spine. She also had her blood drawn and analyzed for telomere length. 

The patient was seen for 36 visits over 5 months while she maintained her regular lifestyle throughout the chiropractic care. The patient reported her pain resolved and her quality of life improved. Her subluxations and spinal curves improved and she no longer needed to urinate at night. The patient had blood drawn again to assess her telomere length which increased significantly.  

Now if that isn’t reason to go for regular chiropractic care!

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