Spinal Adjustments Improve Brain Function

Spinal Adjustments Improve Brain Function

Our chiropractors understand that, due to anatomy, the function of the spine has an impact on the function of the brain. But to what degree? The latest chiropractic research shows that spinal adjustments can improve brain function by up to 20%. More specifically, the area most improved by spinal adjustments is the prefrontal cortex. These findings are HUGE, especially because the prefrontal cortex plays a vital role in conducting information in and out of the brain. Therefore, if spinal adjustments have an impact on this part of the brain, it’s possible that chiropractic can improve a lot of our higher level functions, which can include things like behaviour, decision making, memory, attention, intelligence, pain tolerance, motor control, organ control eye movement and spatial awareness.

the brain

The Correlation Between the Spine and the Brain 

Current research is still being done to see the impact adjustments have on each of these individual processes of the brain. Previous research has shown that spinal adjustments have a positive impact on improving sensory and motor functions when it comes to fall prevention, better joint position sense in both the upper limb and lower limb, improved muscle strength in the lower limb and better pelvic floor control. This current study confirms these findings by attributing it to the effects on the prefrontal cortex specifically. The brain also functions in very complex ways, especially when it comes to object recognition.

When you stare at an object, your brain then mentally rotates the object in your mind, so you can understand the object as a whole, and thus allows you to recognize and recall the object for what it is. This, again, is a major function of the prefrontal cortex, conducting information from what you see, and turning it into recognizable information; therefore, making you able to accurately perceive the world around you. Research has shown this function improves with chiropractic adjustments.  

Spinal Adjustments from Our Chiropractors Help the Spine and Brain

What we take from this study is that spinal adjustments have a greater impact than just the spine alone. The alignment of spinal subluxations (misalignments) improves the function of the nervous system, specifically the communication between the brain and the body. Therefore, based on this study, we see that spinal adjustments not only improve the brain’s ability to conduct information, but then has an overall positive impact on the function of the body.

Our chiropractors do their best to educate patients about the benefits of a properly aligned spine, not just for relief of pain and discomfort, but to ensure that the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves) functions at it’s fullest capacity. To know how you can improve your overall health and wellness with chiropractic care, do not hesitate to contact your Mississauga Chiropractors at (905) 821-4951 to book an appointment.

Reference: Lelic, D, Niazi, IK, Holt, K, Jochumsen, M, Dremstrup, K, Yielder, P, Murphy, B, Drewes, A and Haavik, H (2016), “Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the pre-frontal cortex: A brain source localization study,” Neural Plasticity, Volume 2016 (2016).

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Monday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday
12:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday
By appointment only
Sunday
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