The key to having a healthy brain is having a healthy spine. Hence, chiropractic treatments, which focus on optimising spinal health, help boost your brain.
Why is this so? Read on to discover how your spine is related to the brain and why chiropractic treatment is beneficial.
Nervous system
As your body’s command system, the nervous system guides everything you do, say, think, and feel. It uses neurons, which are specialised cells, to send signals to different body parts like your muscles, cells, and organs.
The nervous system is made up of two parts: the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which refers to the nerves. All of these components are connected and share critical functions.
Brain
Your brain acts as your body’s control centre as it absorbs and interprets information from your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin, and internal organs (e.g., stomach).
After processing and prioritising the information received, the brain sends electrical signals back and forth within the body via the spinal cord. These signals tell your body parts what to do, being in charge of how we think, feel, learn, remember, move, and talk. It also guides involuntary functions such as breathing and digestion of food.
Spinal cord
The spinal cord is an extension of the brain that runs down your back through the spine. It is through the spinal cord that the brain receives information and sends signals to your cells, tissues and organs.
These signals have three main functions:
- Controlling body movements and functions, both voluntary and involuntary
- Reporting senses to your brain
- Managing your reflexes
The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column, which is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are stacked on each other, providing structural stability for your body and containing spinal discs that act as shock absorption and cushion for your spine.
Nerves
Your nerves branch out from your spinal cord all over your body. They transmit instructions sent through the spinal cord from your brain to your muscles, organs, glands, and cells.
The spine protects your nervous system
Your spinal nerves are delicate and can be easily distorted. If your spine is misaligned, pressure will be placed on the nerves, disrupting the flow of information.
Your nerves sit in the gap between two vertebrae that come together to minimise such disruptions. Hence, the spinal column plays a significant role in being a physical barrier to nerve injury.
However, spinal misalignment may still happen due to improper sleeping positions, repetitive motions, or emotional stress.
The danger of spinal misalignments
Every human spine has a specific curvature that facilitates the body’s function. When in its normal position, the body can maintain a good balance, and its organs remain protected.
Unfortunately, the spine is susceptible to injury. The bones in your spine may become misaligned and get locked out of place. This places pressure on your nerves, weakening the body part guided by the information from the affected nerve.
The imbalance may cause symptoms such as:
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Fatigue
- Shoulder pain and stiffness
Effect of spinal misalignments on your brain health
When pressure is placed on the nerves, the communication line between the brain and other body parts is blocked.
For the brain to function, there needs to be a relatively equal volume of environmental stimuli going to both hemispheres of your brain. This allows your brain to operate in a balanced manner.
When your spine is misaligned, distorted and asymmetric signals are sent to your brain. Consequently, one side of your brain is more stimulated than the other, reducing the brain’s function. This may lead to memory issues and poor concentration.
The necessity of chiropractic treatment
It is highly important to go for regular chiropractic treatment, where trained professionals can manipulate your spine to normal mobility and function. Chiropractic treatment allows for the correction of spinal misalignment without surgical intervention, ensuring a healthy nervous system.
Conclusion
Your spine acts as the body’s centre of health. Hence, it is crucial to go for regular chiropractic adjustments to optimise your spinal health, minimise tension and pain in the body, and boost your brain health.
If you’re experiencing body aches or brain fog, visit Healing Hands Chiropractic. We offer lower back pain treatment and frozen shoulder treatment through a wide range of chiropractic services.
We also conduct corporate wellness programs in Singapore to educate employees on how to lead healthier lives and take good care of themselves. For more information, head over to https://healinghands.com.sg/.
