Increased Telomere Length and Improvements in Dysautonomia, Quality of Life, and Neck and Back Pain Following Correction of Sagittal Cervical Alignment Using Chiropractic BioPhysics® Technique: a Case Study

Abstract

Objective: To present a prospective case study on the increase of telomere length, improvement in nocturnal polyuria, neck and mid-back pain, autonomic nervous system adaptability, and health-related quality of life following correction of the sagittal cervico-thoracic spinal alignment and posture using chiropractic biophysics® (CBP®) technique. Clinical features: A 35-year-old white female elementary school teacher presented with chronic neck and midback pain for 5 years following a motor vehicle collision as well as nocturnal polyuria. Examination and radiography revealed forward head posture and loss of cervical lordosis consistent with vertebral subluxation. Patient telomere length was derived from nucleated white blood cells obtained from a blood test. Quality of life measures were determined by the Short-Form 36 health survey and heart rate variability was measured. Intervention and outcome: The patient received CBP® spinal care including Mirror Image® corrective spinal exercises, adjustments, and traction. Full spine and drop table adjustments were administered. After 36 visits, she reported improvement in her nocturnal polyuria, neck and mid-back pain, and quality of life. Cervical x-rays showed correction of cervical lordosis and forward head posture. A blood test showed significant improvement in patient telomere length and heart rate variability improved from a health risk to within normal limits. Conclusion: Our case suggests that correction of cervical lordosis and forward head postures by CBP® Mirror Image® methods improved the sagittal spinal alignment and posture and was temporally associated with lengthened telomeres, improved nocturnal polyuria, neck and mid-back pain, quality of life, and autonomic nervous system adaptability.