Vision

When patients use chiropractic care for an apparently unrelated health issue, some have been known to experience improved vision after their adjustments. The best explanation for this phenomenon is that neck pain, back pain, and other symptoms commonly treated with chiropractic are often caused by the same issues that lead to vision problems.

Vision is coordinated by the nervous system, which is responsible for every function of the body. The optic nerve supplies input to the brain and is a part of the central nervous system. When there is disruption of any kind in the nervous system, the communication between the brain and the optic nerve will be negatively affected.

A  report published by in 1995 reported that it is believed that improved vision following chiropractic adjustments has something to do with improved blood supply to the eye.  The conclusions state that the neck affects the innervation of the vertebral arteries which ultimately supply blood to the eye and its surrounding structures.  If the neck is out of alignment, the nerves going to the vertebral arteries are more sensitive and can constrict the arteries.  As a result, the cells of the retina and other structures of the eye become somewhat ischemic.  This ischemia doesn’t kill the cells, but causes them to not function properly.  Upon restoration of normal blood supply, when the neck misalignment is corrected, the improved oxygenation of the involved cells can restore normal function.

This disruption in the nervous system is caused by spinal misalignments. Chiropractic care finds these misalignments and corrects them in order to address dysfunction within the nervous system and restore normal vision.

Additionally, the supply of blood to the eye is closely related to the proper positioning and health of the neck (the cervical spine). The vertebral artery—which supplies blood to the optic nerve—is found in close proximity to the cervical spine.

To be clear, chiropractic care is not a treatment for blindness or other disorders of the eyes.  However, by correcting misalignments in the spine, patients benefit on many levels which often have little to do with their musculoskeletal complaints.

If you have vision problems and want to learn more about how chiropractic care can improve the health of your nervous system, which could result in improved vision, call Dr. Koch at Chiropractic Lifestyle, 913-768-0000 or use the form on the right hand side of this page.