Does spinal alignment affect neurophysiology? Neurophysiology is the measurement and assessment of nervous system function.

In plain speak, one of the most significant inputs your brain receives is through your spinal column. Information goes back and forth from your body to your brain, informing your peripheral nervous system (including your autonomic and somatic nervous systems) and your sympathetic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions, including organs and glands. The somatic nervous system controls your muscle movement and relays information from your senses to your brain. Your sympathetic nervous system is your "flight or fight" response.

Spinal alignment problems cause nerve interference

When you experience back or neck pain, it indicates a misalignment in your spinal column – the highway your body relies upon to deliver critical nervous system information is disrupted. The distorted signal causes apparent symptoms like pain, clumsiness, muscle fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. But it also disrupts the healthy function of your autonomic system, affecting organ function, your immune system, and even neurological and sensory issues.

Fortunately, emerging research continues to support the efficacy of chiropractic care in addressing neurophysiological dysfunction.

Spinal adjustment improves more than your posture

When a chiropractor adjusts you to better musculoskeletal alignment, it stimulates your brain via the spinal cord and restores a more precise signal from the brain to the body and back again.

Chiropractic adjustments affect the autonomic nervous system by promoting parasympathetic system activity and down-regulating the sympathetic nervous system. The most obvious benefit is reducing the body's perception and experience of pain.

But beyond pain, better spine alignment is a significant factor in improving all kinds of health complaints, including:

• Headaches and migraines
• Sleep cycles
• Depression
• Stress and the secondary impacts of stress on the body
• Hormones
• Autism
• ADHD
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's
• Brain injuries

Likely, continued research will only support what chiropractors have known for a long time; chiropractic care has a therapeutic effect on the nervous system.

Whether spinal decompression, traction, soft tissue manipulation, or another form of chiropractic treatment is utilized, the hands-on manipulation of the neuromusculoskeletal system helps to regulate and restore the function of the nervous system.

If you are considering exploring chiropractic care as part of your integrated health plan, call True Potential Chiropractic today for a consultation. (503) 574-4872