Spinal Hygiene and Brain Function

Would you rather have a back problem or a brain problem? Modern research and clinical evidence have discovered that poor spinal hygiene is not only a pain in the neck, but it also affects normal brain function.

The brain is a fascinating, complex, powerful and vital organ that controls every part of the whole body. Each part of the brain controls different parts of the body. However, the cerebellum is one of my favourite parts and this is because, although the cerebellum accounts for approximately 10% of the brain’s volume, it contains over 50% of the total number of neurons in the brain. This part of the brain is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements. It is also responsible for several other functions including motor skills such as balance, coordination, and posture. The cerebellum works closely with the spinal cord and nervous system, from which it receives signals that make the smooth and balanced activity possible. When our spine misaligns, it can interfere with these signals resulting in loss of equilibrium, problems with voluntary movement and disruption to the whole-body movement and coordination.

Nobel Prize recipient for brain research Dr. Roger Sperry noted that “90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine” and “better than 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating the physical body in its gravitational field. The more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism and healing.” This simply means that optimal brain function depends on proper balance, posture, coordination and movement which all starts with a healthy spine.

Another amazing research study is the “Destructive Impact of Abnormal Posture”. This study was published in the reputable Medical Journal of Spine in 2005 and was done by a team of all Medical Doctors headed up by Dr. Steven Glassman. They measured posture in 752 subjects from the sagittal plane using full-spine x-rays. They took measurements from the C7 and took plumb-line measures as it relates to the sacrum. The results were astounding!

ALL MEASURES OF HEALTH STATUS showed significantly POORER SCORES AS POSTURE DEVIATIONS INCREASED.

Even minor forward head posture was shown to be detrimental. From breathing and heart rate to pain and disability, all health markers that were measured worsened as the posture deviations increased. This again clearly demonstrates the relationship between poor spinal hygiene and its implications on human health, particularly as it relates to non-musculoskeletal physiology.

Fortunately, chiropractic adjustments help to restore posture by improving motion and spinal integrity which improves afferent input into the spinal cord and brain, thus, allowing the body to comprehend and balance itself better in relation to gravity.

Poor spinal hygiene plays a major role in bad posture and this study reveals the detrimental effects of deviated posture in a human.

If you would like your spinal hygiene assessed, please contact us on 6299 2660 or at info@provlutionhealth.com.au