What does the Optic Nerve do?

The optic nerve is an extension of the Central Nervous System and the second cranial nerve.  This nerve is responsible for receiving over 125 million photoreceptor cell messages from the eyes and sending them to the visual cortex in the back of the brain.  

When the visual cortex receives these messages the brain responds.  Do I need to run?  Is everything safe? Can I relax? 

This is all done faster than we can snap our fingers.  What we see is important to how our brain functions.  If our brain interprets something as dangerous, it will respond and our heart rate will increase, our pupils will dilate, blood will circulate to our large muscles to give them energy in case we need to run or defend ourselves.  

The brain relies on the eyes for analysis of the world around us.  

So what happens if we are blind?  

Because the eyes are no longer sending the same messages to the visual cortex, other senses are heightened such as small, touch, hearing.  The brain learns how to interpret information a bit differently.  

This is what we take for granted, our brain and body's ability to adapt, change and respond differently without us even thinking about it.  We don't think about making our heart beat faster when working out or stressed, or digesting food after we eat it.  Our body works like a well oiled machine.  

That is why we need to take care of it and give it the oil it needs.  This means body work!  Massage, chiropractic, stretching, exercise, nutrient foods.  Just like our car, we need to give our body what it needs to thrive and survive.  

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!  She will do everything she can to help your body work as it is intended.