• Rome P
• Waterhouse JD

• Autonomic Nervous System
• Chiropractic / Australia
• Muscle, Smooth
• Open Access Document
• Review Literature as Topic
• Subluxation, Lumbar

This paper is a review of some of the recognised physiological changes brought about by disruption of vascular perfusion due to noxious activation of somato-autonomic reflexes. Observations based on somatovascular reflexes are offered for considerationData Source: Primary data sources included Medline, accessed via PubMed, and the Index to Chiropractic Literature (ICL). Secondary material was sourced from the private collection of the authors. Acceptability criterion focussed on noxious somato-autonomic reflex activity as it related to smooth muscle. A considerable amount of the reference base is from medical literature. This concept has taken that material as the base upon which the hypothesis is founded. Data Synthesis: Smooth muscle is widespread through blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as in sphincters, ducts, and particularly in hollow vessels such as the gastrointestinal tract. The site or segmental level initiating noxious activation is central to this model. Results: There is potential for chronic somatic irritation to activate smooth muscle contraction (or indeed dilation) resulting in possible diminution of circulatory supply of vascular constituents with the possibility of an ischemic effect leading to functional changes in the supplied structures. Conclusion: One of the primary sources of noxious somatosensory bombardment is from disturbed mechanoreceptors associated with vertebral segments, particularly the articular facets. This is apparent with major trauma, but even subliminal activation from disturbed vertebral mechanics is thought to be a common factor. This appears to be the first time such an hypothesis has been put forward. It may however serve as one of the factors in explaining some of the more obscure symptoms and signs that are reported in chiropractic clinical studies.

Author keywords: Autonomic nervous system; smooth muscle, Somato-Autonomic reflexes; vertebral subluxations; chiropractic.

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