The foundation of chiropractic care has always been the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. The understanding of this relationship has become more sophisticated and we now realize that the integrity of the human frame and its ability to move as designed can have implications in pain perception, muscle control, coordination, sleep, internal organ function, and immune response. This book provides an in-depth review of the ways in which abnormal movement in the musculoskeletal system (particularly the spine) will result in altered nervous system function and the potential for poor health.

Sheldon T. Sharpe, D.C., lives in Richmond, Kentucky, where he runs a private chiropractic practice. He also holds faculty positions as Eastern Kentucky University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College and has regularly lectured in programs co-sponsored by Texas Chiropractic College’s department of continuing education.

Sheldon T. Sharpe, D.C.
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 303
Bibliographic Info: 173 photos, glossary, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2021
pISBN: 978-1-4766-7917-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4028-0
Imprint: McFarland

Preface 1

 1. The Vertebral Subluxation Complex and the Chiropractic Profession 3

 2. Models of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex 9

 3. Components of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex 15

 4. Homeostasis 23

 5. The Receptor 28

 6. Neuron Fiber Types and Spinal Nerves 53

 7. Anatomy of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex 72

 8. Local Tissue Consequences 87

 9. The Spinal Cord 105

10. Tracts of the Spinal Cord 112

11. The Afferent Tracts 114

i. The Dorsal Column and the Medial Lemniscus 114

ii. The Spinothalamic Tract 117

iii. The Posterior Spinocerebellar Tract 121

iv. The Anterior Spinocerebellar Tract 123

12. Proprioceptive Input to the Central Nervous System 126

13. Pain and Nociception 143

14. The Autonomic Nervous System 171

15. The Reticular Formation 178

16. The Vertebral Subluxation Complex and Sleep 183

17. The Efferent Tracts 191

i. Pyramidal vs. Extrapyramidal 191

ii. The Lateral Corticospinal Tract 194

iii. The Vestibulospinal Tracts 196

iv. The Reticulospinal Tracts 200

v. The Rubrospinal Tract 204

18. Spinal Reflexes 205

19. The Motor System 222

20. Sensory and Motor Integration 250

21. The Neurology of the Wellness Paradigm 254

22. Neurodegeneration 264

23. The Vertebral Subluxation Complex and the Immune System 271

Glossary 283

Chapter Notes 287

Bibliography 291

Index 293