Chiropractic Adjustments and Brain Function: Discover Their Incredible Impact
by Dr. Janna House, LifeHouse Chiropractic, London, Ontario
The Way I See It…
Chiropractic adjustments and brain function are closely intertwined. Research shows that chiropractic care can positively influence brain activity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. This strong connection between chiropractic adjustments and brain function can result in enhanced cognitive performance and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Adjustments and Brain Function
Enhance your understanding of the remarkable correlation between chiropractic adjustments and brain function in London, Ontario. Explore the profound connection between the body and brain through the image below, which illustrates the intricate link between the brain and spinal cord. Discover how chiropractic adjustments can potentially optimize brain function, enhancing overall well-being and health.
I see many patients who, immediately following an adjustment or over the course of regular chiropractic care say things like, “I feel so much better,” “I feel less anxious,” “I feel like a new man,” “My hockey game has improved.” My receptionist has noted that the demeanor of people changes for the better over time. She reports that the patients who were once a little solemn or not very personable have become happier and good-humoured. This could be a result of what is referred to as a better brain-body connection., influenced by chiropractic care.
Scientific Evidence Linking Adjustments to the Brain
Chiropractic adjustments have a profound effect on the brain according to a recent study published in the Journal of Neural Plasticity. [1] It confirms that chiropractic adjustments and brain function are interconnected. Studies have shown that spinal adjustments can lead to measurable changes in brain function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex plays a vital role in cognitive functions like attention, memory, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
“We do know that spinal function does affect brain function. There’s now solid evidence that adjusting the spine changes brain function.”
The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Brain Function
“The latest study suggests that the changes that we do see in the brain when we adjust the spine do occur in the prefrontal cortex. That part of the brain is like the conductor in the brain.”
The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain that is responsible for executive functioning – attention, filtering information, focus, working memory, sequencing tasks, planning, flexibility, problem solving, emotional regulation – apathy, depression, social behavior, memory, intelligence – verbal expression, memory, abstraction, planning, spatial relationship, language – verbal expression and fluency, visual search and focus, and has implications for personality development and psychiatric disorders – ADHD, Autism, Schizophrenia, Depression, Mania, Dementias. [2]
The study found that chiropractic adjustments and brain function are linked, with adjustments increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex by an average of 20%. This boost in brain activity could potentially explain the improvements in cognitive performance and emotional well-being reported by patients. [2][3]
This research demonstrates that chiropractic adjustments improve prefrontal cortex activity, one could then speculate that chiropractic adjustments impact things like behavior, decision making, problem solving, memory, attention, intelligence, processing, emotions and mental health.
How Chiropractic Care in London, Ontario Can Improve Brain Function
While many people seek chiropractic care for pain relief, the benefits of chiropractic on brain function extend far beyond that. While pain is a strong motivator and chiropractic care often helps with improving pain, there is much more to it as the findings of this study suggest. Adjustments influence the nervous system, enhancing communication between the brain and body. Patients receiving chiropractic care in London, Ontario can experience these benefits, improving their cognitive health alongside their physical health. You are always going to be better off with chiropractic care than without because chiropractic adjustments and brain function are so closely linked.
Advanced Technology for Monitoring Brain Health
At LifeHouse Chiropractic in London, Ontario, we use a state-of-the-art technology to measure heart rate variability (HRV) and assess your nervous system. This technology allows us to track vagus nerve activity during your initial exam and throughout your care. By monitoring HRV, we can ensure that your brain and nervous system are functioning optimally.
Why Adjustments Benefit More than Just Pain
While chiropractic care is often sought for pain relief, its influence on brain function makes it a valuable tool for overall health improvement. Patients who receive regular adjustments experience not only reduced pain but also improved emotional regulation, sharper mental clarity, and enhanced decision-making. This is why adjustments are essential not just for physical well-being, but for optimal brain function as well.
Conclusion:
The growing body of research on chiropractic adjustments and brain function shows that regular care benefits more than just physical health. By positively influencing the prefrontal cortex, chiropractic adjustments can improve cognitive function, emotional well-being, and even social behavior. Whether you’re dealing with pain or seeking to enhance your brain’s performance, chiropractic care in London, Ontario offers a powerful, non-invasive solution for overall health.
References:
[1] 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). doi.org/10.1155/2016/3704964
[2] Siddiqui SV, Chatterjee U, Kumar D, Siddiqui A, Goyal N. Neuropsychology of prefrontal cortex. Indian J Psychiatry 2008; 50:202-8. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.43634
