Functional Neurology and Chiropractic
Functional neurology is the study of the living nervous system (brain spinal, cord and peripheral nerves). Nerves need fuel (oxygen and nutrients) to work, so diet is an important factor. Nerves also need stimulation - use them or lose them. Nerves that are not stimulated will become weak rather like neglected muscles.
Part of the chiropractic examination assesses how well groups of nerves are working. If they are under-active they may quickly fatigue and be unable to continue to perform their “job” effectively. Under-active nerves are also more prone to toxins, lack of nutrients and compression or physical injury.
Like weak muscles, under-active nerves can become fitter with exercise. If these nerves are stimulated they will start to manufacture more protein. Once produced the proteins allow the nerves to use more energy, strengthen their membranes and send signals without tiring. If the nerves are stimulated without having the proper fuel little will happen – it’s like going to the gym on an empty stomach.
Stimulating the nerves with chiropractic adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments seem to stimulate neurons (brain cells). Studies pioneered by the Carrick Institute for Neurological Studies and reproduced by others suggest that chiropractic adjustments can change the global activity of the nerves on one side of the brain (hemisphere).
Chiropractic adjustments can make the nerve activity of the two hemispheres more synchronous. An imbalance of nerve activity between the left and right hemisphere has been associated with a whole variety of neurological dysfunction creating many different symptoms:
• Altered muscle control – often the underlying cause of musculoskeletal pain; low back and neck pain, repetitive strain injuries, frequent twisted ankles etc.
• Altered pain awareness causing pins and needles or numbness, hypersensitivity, allodynia and chronic pain,
• Altered perception of where up is! Leading to poor balance, joint injury, poor posture, dizziness and vertigo.
• Changes in autonomic control – the regulation of our organs that function without us having to think about them. Much may be affected here from bowel and bladder to altered sweating to heart and breathing rates.
It is important to understand that an imbalance of brain activity may cause any of the above but it is not the only cause. We always aim to identify the cause of the symptoms before starting any treatment.
Our treatment approach integrates chiropractic adjustments and specific exercises with diet and nutrition.
