Chicken Or the Egg

Which came first the chicken or the egg? Remember that old saying? It speaks to the quandary and controversy of finding the original cause of anything.

All of human physiology has such complex interplay that often finding the original cause of any particular condition is… well… a bit complex!

The human body engages in approximately 6×10^23 chemical processes simultaneously, contains over 70 trillion body cells, and possesses more than 50 billion brain cells. In today's modern era, numerous complex variables arise from the myriad of chemicals introduced into our environment, food supply, and water supply.

Is it possible to completely understand the entire balance of causes and effects? Can there ever be a truly isolated, singular cause for any specific condition? Furthermore, does any particular condition among different individuals consistently have a single cause in every instance?

Human physiology's complexity is compounded by intricate feedback loops, both positive and negative, challenging a single cause hypothesis. These loops are crucial for maintaining homeostasis across biological systems. For example, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) is essential for cellular respiration, converting nutrients into energy and producing intermediates that affect other metabolic pathways, creating interdependent reactions.

The cyclical nature of sleep and rest is another prime example of how human physiology operates in a circular manner. The sleep-wake cycle, regulated by circadian rhythms, influences hormonal levels, cognitive function, and overall health. Hormones such as melatonin and cortisol fluctuate throughout the day and night, impacting not only our sleep quality but also our physical and mental performance. One effect can become a cause for another, leading to a continuous loop of physiological responses where the initial cause is not easily identifiable. For instance, stress can lead to hormonal changes that disrupt sleep patterns, which in turn can exacerbate stress levels, creating a maddening circle of reason that complicates diagnosis and treatment in clinical settings.

It is not only futile to try to find the sole cause of any one disease or condition in human physiology, it is also just plain scientifically inaccurate much of the time.

We now understand that diseases usually involve dozens or even hundreds of contributing factors, including environmental chemicals, genetics, DNA, and even thought science. Instead of using the word "cause," we should refer to "contributing factors" or "complicating factors." Even with a single cause for a disorder like vitamin C for scurvy, there are often other complicating factors involved. Other nutrients, situations, stresses, or circumstances may make one person more vulnerable to scurvy than another with the same deficiency.

Likewise, with Chiropractic. No, a single vertebral mal-position with its accompanying neuro spinal interference is probably not the sole cause of heart, disease, depression, anxiety, or that even the common cold. Once again in reality, even when it appears that a single miraculous adjustment clears 10 years of headaches, say, we can rest assured, with a guarantee that there were other factors involved that may have just had a lesser influence. Truly to get physiological change all that needs to be done is addressing sometimes one factor that is significant enough to tip the balance in favor of the body being able to remedy itself in spite of and in the face of who knows how many other factors!

Conversely, is the nervous system with its vast interconnectedness ever not a factor in our body and brain function? How about complicating factor any given condition? Is the brain and nervous system ever not attached to any particular malfunctioning cell, tissue, or organ?

The age old assertions that DD Palmer, BJ Palmer, made for the centrality of the nervous system in all human function, and physiology is perhaps as pertinent in this complex postmodern world as ever.

No matter what other contributing factors you may have going on, is the nervous system ever not involved? Why then would anyone leave the nervous system blocked, no matter what else might be going on?

No matter what is happening in your life, taking care of your spine is a sensible and beneficial practice that can improve both our physical and mental well-being, regardless of what else may be occurring. The central nervous system is always central to a brighter life!

Which of these came first?