How Chiropractic affects the Nervous System

Chiropractic is more about nerves than bones.

When I decided to go to Chiropractic school I had never been adjusted. Crazy, I know! Just the idea of helping people with a non-pharmaceutical, natural approach was enough for me to pack my things and move to Dallas, TX. However, I started my journey with the same mindset that most people have: 

Chiropractic= back pain + back cracking

Years later, I can say with confidence that I knew nothing when I started this journey. I knew nothing of Chiropractic. I knew nothing of health nor how our bodies are intended to function. I did not know that Chiropractors were nerve doctors. I didn’t know why a Chiropractor would ever pursue a Master’s degree in Neuroscience. I got to where I am because I was open to learning. I was willing to challenge my biases and misconceptions. I asked questions and searched for answers. 

At first, I was surprised to learn that neurology was the foundation of Chiropractic and you may be, too. But, once I began to understand, it was as if a lightbulb turned on- it actually makes complete sense. 

The brain is the control center of EVERYTHING. Without it, there is no life. It is important to understand that our brain communicates with the rest of our body via nerves. These nerve cells talk to each other based on information that the brain receives from its five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch). As our environment changes, the information sent to the brain changes and its ability to adapt is known as “neural plasticity”. 

It reasons, then, that the adjustment serves as a source of sensory input that is received by the brain. The adjustment causes short, rapid stretch of spinal joints which re-establishes the correct connection between the central nervous system and sensory organs (including muscles), so that the brain knows better about what is going on in the body. 

The Subluxation

You might have heard a chiropractor talk about vertebral subluxation before or maybe this is the first time you hear it. When we mention subluxation, we are referring to a bone that is functioning or moving in a less than ideal way – in a manner that is not “normal” for the body. This can occur from a multitude of things including birth, pregnancy, poor sleep, abnormal postures, repetitive movements, incorrect lifting, stepping ‘wrong’, negative self-talk and minor/major accidents. Over the span of our lives, we encounter numerous events that lead to subluxation. These subluxations lead to changes in the information that the spine sends to the brain. If not corrected these subluxations build up until one event acts as the last straw to break the camel’s back. 

The Adjustment

The goal of the adjustment is not to simply put a bone back into place. Through proper analysis, the chiropractor locates segments in your spine that are not functioning as they were intended. We then apply a gentle, specific input into the system and the body can redirect that energy where it is needed. In doing so, the brain is better able to communicate with the body and so it is less prone to injury. Thus, the goal of the adjustment is to allow for greater ADAPTATION of the spine to stressors (or subluxations) that we encounter on a day-to-day basis. 

The Results

First let’s talk about some anatomy! Your spinal column (from the base of the skull to the tailbone) houses your spinal cord, which branches off into individual nerves that talk to all parts of your body including your muscles, joints, heart, lungs, reproductive organs, digestive tract, etc. When those nerves can talk to each other without interference, your body is able to function freely without pain ̶ pretty cool stuff!

If you take everything I’ve said into account, it makes sense that those who receive regular chiropractic care report improved performance (balance, awareness of their bodies, and reaction times), physical health and pain levels. The adjustment addresses the problem of subluxation which allows for the nervous system to function, free of interference. 

Nervous System Support

In addition to getting adjusted regularly, there are other things you can do to support your nervous system. For all the pregnant mommas out there, you can enlist the help of a doula and a midwife to help silence that negative self-talk (we all experience it) and support the body naturally throughout pregnancy while decreasing unnecessary interventions and medications. Both the ladies and the fellas can benefit from a pelvic floor therapist if you are experiencing any reproductive, digestive, or urinary issues. A physical therapist is your person if you have had a recent or previous injury that needs rehabilitation. A massage therapist can be healing for anyone with built up tension or stress in their bodies (so…basically everyone, haha).

Grounding (getting your bare feet onto the Earth) and good ole’ sunshine are both excellent ways to help us flourish. The importance of eating a nutritious diet with whole foods, fruits and vegetables cannot be overlooked. Exercise, whether that be walking the dog or a high-intensity workout class will do the body ( and mind) wonders. Therapy or simply talking to a family member/friend who you trust will put your mind and soul at ease, and in turn, your nervous system. Sleep…sleep is so crucial.

Ok, I’ll stop there but as you can see, there are SO many options for you to reduce the stress on your system. Hopefully, by now, you understand a little more about the nervous system, how it relates to chiropractic and why it’s important to take care of it.