As chiropractic care improves the function of the nervous system, the effects can be numerous. One effect which has been confirmed by several studies is on muscle strength.
While previous studies have shown that chiropractic care improves muscle function in the spinal column, more recent studies also show that spinal adjustments can improve muscle strength beyond the spine. In 2012, a study from Brazil on professional Judo athletes, found improved grip strength after chiropractic spinal adjustments, compared to those that received sham (or fake) adjustments. Another study from New Zealand in 2018, also showed improvement in jaw muscle or bite strength, as compared to those that received sham adjustments. Both these studies also showed that the effect was not just psychosomatic, or in the mind, as the group that received the sham adjustments did not experience an increase in muscle strength.
Improved muscle strength is important no matter what you do in life; whether, you are a parent, grandparent, athlete, weekend warrior, or even a desk worker. This effect on muscle strength also helps to explain why chiropractic can not only improve athletic performance, but can also help people maintain better posture, lessening the effects of prolonged sitting and standing.
Over the years, I have heard many patients say that they are feeling stronger after beginning care. This research clearly shows that this effect is not merely in the mind, as chiropractic adjustments can improve the function of the more than 650 muscles in the human body, all controlled, strengthened, and coordinated by the nervous system. Life is always easier when your nervous system is flowing better.
References:
"Mechanical force spinal manipulation increases trunk muscle strength assessed by electromyography: a comparative clinical trial." JMPT, 2000 Nov-Dec: 23(9):585-95.
"Effect of cervical spine manipulative therapy on judo athletes' grip strength." JMPT, 2012 Jan: 35(1): 38-44.
"Chiropractic manipulation increases maximal bite force in health individuals." Brain Sci., 2018 April 27: 8(5).
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