CHIROPRACTIC CAN BENEFIT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM NECK PAIN

The brain relies on sensory input from muscles and joints surrounding the spine to maintain balance, posture, and proper movement, a function known as sensorimotor function. A study focused on how neck pain affects sensorimotor function in older individuals, conducting various tests related to eye movement control, balance, and age-related conditions.

 

The findings indicated that older individuals with neck pain performed less effectively in these tests compared to those without neck pain. The researchers concluded that poor communication between the neck and the brain impaired sensorimotor function, as the brain struggled to interpret sensory information from the spine. This disrupted communication potentially compromised balance and increased the risk of falls.

Research conducted at the Centre for Chiropractic Research at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic supports these findings, showing that chiropractic care enhances the accuracy of communication between the spine and the brain. Even mild spinal dysfunction, not necessarily associated with pain, can disturb the brain's processing of sensory information. Gentle spinal adjustments can improve the brain's ability to interpret sensory input.

The research also demonstrated that chiropractic care for older adults enhances specific forms of sensorimotor function critical for fall prevention. It improves the brain's accuracy in assessing the position of the ankle joint, even with closed eyes, and enables faster step-taking. Moreover, it enhances the brain's ability to process information from both the eyes and ears simultaneously.

Chiropractic care benefits extend beyond neck pain relief, as it enhances brain-body communication, allowing individuals to function optimally. Whether seeking relief from neck pain or looking to improve overall brain-body communication, consulting a family chiropractor can help individuals achieve their best level of function.

DID YOU KNOW? LOSING THE CERVICAL CURVATURE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH:

  • 18x more likely to have chronic neck pain

  • Headaches/Migraines

  • Decreased spirometry (Decreased BREATHING)

  • Loss of blood flow to the brain and head

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Loss)

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Spinal arthritis