CONTRARY to popular campaigns and beliefs, erectile dysfunction medication (like Viagra) are not only potentially harmful, but Viagra does not cause a man to be sexually aroused. Viagra is only effective if you are already sexually aroused.

To understand how it works, you need to understand the mechanics of how a man gets an erection. When you get sexually stimulated, the nervous system in the erectile tissue of the penis releases nitric oxide (NO). The nitric oxide stimulates an enzyme that produces something called a messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP relaxes the smooth muscle cells. One result of this is that the arteries in the penis dilate and the blood can flow into the penis more easily. Another result is that the erectile tissue itself fills with blood. Both of these processes result in an erection. Viagra works by maintaining the level of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells. If you are not turned on, your brain will not stimulate the release of any nitric oxide and you will not produce any cGMP.

Doesn’t this sound a lot more clinical/scientific and a lot less natural/simple than simply attempting to align your spine and pelvis with chiropractic and see if you can be the man (or woman) you know you are? If I ever reached the point that I had to simulate sexual arousal at the expense of dangerous, toxic substances to have sex, then personally, I would take that as a sign that maybe I shouldn’t be having sex – at least until I address the core underlying problem. Why make something that is supposed to be natural, pleasurable and enjoyable become work or effort and false to boot?

I would never promote chiropractic as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, impotency, or any other medical condition, but an optimally functioning nervous system has the potential of improving or resolving any health problem. Just ask anyone who has seriously pursued chiropractic care and they will more than likely tell you.

Erectile dysfunction is the failure to get an erection, or keep an erection long enough for satisfactory lovemaking. It isn’t a disease, but a symptom/indicator of some other problem, either physical, psychological or a mixture of both. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of cases have physical causes, with only one in 10 cases of impotence being caused by psychological problems. Some of the causes include drunkenness/drug use, anxiety and tiredness/fatigue. Smoking, high cholesterol levels, medication, antidepressants, trauma, and anabolic steroid use are all other risk factors that play a role in erectile dysfunction. Statistically, up to 50 per cent of men over the age of 40 have some degree of erectile problem. From this data, an estimated 30 million men in the United States alone, for example, are affected by some degree of erectile dysfunction.

The nervous system controls and coordinates all the different functions of your body, including your reproductive system – male or female. Quality erections require proper blood flow and efficient innervation of sex organs. Any disruption in nerve communication to your organs and body tissues will result in abnormal function. The nerve roots serving the reproductive organs exit the spine in the lower lumbar region, the most common site of back pain and spinal dysfunction. Chiropractors help restore normal nerve function and communication, thereby allowing your body to work normally and naturally in many cases. Have your spine checked prior to engaging in high-risk drug and surgical interventions. Safe, non-invasive chiropractic care may be all you need – if you know what I mean.

So, bottom line, how can chiropractic excite you?

1. It increases your pleasure hormones

A recent study reported a boost in oxytocin levels after cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid-back) adjustments. Oxytocin is a hormone in our bodies that has been called the “biological basis for love”. Oxytocin plays an important role in sexual arousal and sexual stimulation, which makes it a vital part of your sex life.

2. No nerve interference = better function to your sexual organs

Your sacral plexus is a bundle of nerves that innervate (or supply) the muscles of your buttocks and legs, your bladder and sexual organs. These nerves also process sexual sensations and stimulation. When there is a subluxation in your pelvis or lower back, it negatively affects the function of these nerves, causing a miscommunication in the messages between your brain and body. Any compromise to the nerve supply in this area can very well affect sexual performance and sensations of pleasure, resulting in the inability to become aroused or stay aroused, inability to orgasm, decreased sensation, painful intercourse, or just general sexual dysfunction. Chiropractic care addresses dysfunction of the pelvis and lumbar spine, and removes interference and stress on the nervous system, which can then allow your body the ability to fully enjoy your sexual experiences (not to mention your partners’).

3. Increased range of motion for those “creative positions”

Study after study has linked chiropractic adjustments with an overall increased range of motion and less pain (in all regions of the body). Some studies have even linked upper cervical adjustments (adjustments to the upper neck) to an increase in range of motion in the hips, which reminds us why it’s important to have your entire spine checked for subluxations, not just the area where you are experiencing symptoms.

Don’t forget to “Ask Your Chiropractor” every week where your questions may be published and answered in subsequent articles. Address questions to: Dr Chris Davis, the Spinal Mechanic at movethebone@gmail.com; or, Dr Michael Harvey, director, at dr.michael_harvey@yahoo.com or visit www.drharveychiropractic.com