Hypoperfusion is a condition you may not realise you have. The term perfusion is used to describe the process of liquid flowing to the various organs. The prefix Hypo is from a Greek word, which means under or beneath. Thus, hypoperfusion is a condition that refers to the inadequate supplying of the blood to an organ.
How Hypoperfusion Affects the Body
Hypoperfusion can be a very serious health problem. It can result in physical problems, pain and cell death, depending on the severity and extent of the blood deprivation. This condition can occur in any part of the body as a result of many illnesses.
Hypoperfusion commonly occurs in extremities such as the hands, feet, skin, kidneys and the heart. Moreover, it can be a result of external conditions, numerous ailments or physical activities including spinal conditions.
Blood is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Any decrease in the supply of blood, which is a life-sustaining substance, can cause a decline in cellular performance. If severe enough, this can result in cellular damage that the body may or may not be capable of repairing. If the reduction is serious enough, it is called shock or ischemia. Severe hypoperfusion in the brain leads to stroke.
Cerebral Hypoperfusion
One of the most serious places that hypoperfusion can occur is in the brain, which is referred to as cerebral hypoperfusion. A decline of blood flow in the brain can cause numerous effects on the health of a person. This depends upon which parts of the brain are affected.
Symptoms that can result from decreased blood flow in the brain include:
- Dizziness
- Changes in vision; or
- Temporary vision loss
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fainting
The following can also result from reduced blood flow to certain areas of the brain:
- Cognitive impairment
- Attention disorders
- Depression
- Emotional instability
- Uncoordinated motor functions
- Visual, audial and spatial problems.
Vertebral Subluxations and Hypoperfusion
Problems in the spine can cause reduced blood flow to the brain. A recent study has revealed that there is a probable connection between spinal health and cerebral hypoperfusion (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2012; 35:76-85). The conclusion of the study shows that a group of patients suffering from neck and/or upper back pain scores strongly predicted cerebral hypoperfusion, based on neck disability index (NDI) assessment.
Vertebral subluxation is a condition in which the movement of the spine is restricted or the spinal bones, also known as vertebrae, become slightly misaligned. The health of the spine is vitally essential to the ability of the nervous system to function properly. Any constriction or inflammation in the spine can result in a detrimental impact on the nervous system. This includes how the nervous system assists the brain.
In addition, subluxations can cause spinal dysfunction in spinal segments. This irritates the nerves that enter and depart the spinal cord, including the spinal cord itself. As a result, spinal dysfunction may affect messages to the brain as well as messages regarding blood flow.
Chiropractic Care for Healthier Spine and Improved Blood Flow
If you are suffering from chronic neck pain and/or back pain, the best thing you can do is to consult an experienced spine professional, and the best time to act is now. Your trusted chiropractors on the Gold Coast here at Hinterland Chiropractic are highly trained and skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral subluxations. Chiropractic care is a holistic and natural way of achieving utmost wellness and preventing diseases. Hinterland Chiropractic aims to provide the best lifetime health care for every family in Nerang and other areas on the Gold Coast, as we have done so for the past 18 years.
See us today and receive a COMPLETE Consultation and Examination. Yours for ONLY $45! Call us today on 07 5527 3133 or simply book your appointment online.