Today’s Chiropractor is an expert in normal human physiology. The more we learn about the nervous system and how the brain functions, the better we understand how chiropractic works.
Chiropractic helps manage stress. Chiropractic adjustments have a direct effect on the limbic system (the Motor Learning – Motor Pleasure Pathway of the brain). Activation of neurotransmitters at the limbic system (AKA: the brain reward cascade) and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord help to regulate immune function and result in feelings of well-being when operating properly. If an imbalance impedes the normal flow of the cascade, feelings of anxiety, anger, fear or cravings for substances/foods which alleviate negative emotions, manifest. Disruption of this brain reward cascade results in a “Reward Deficiency.” The stimulation provided by a chiropractic adjustment includes Proprioception and Afferentation. This limbic system stimulation, while not fully understood, provides the underlying framework for how chiropractic not only helps to manage lifestyle stress, but how it can help overcome pain as well.
Simply put, chiropractic adjustments send positive messages into your limbic system helping you balance interference from pain or injury and from lifestyle stress. It would be wise to view Proprioception and Afferentation as essential nutrients. There are more mechanoreceptors (relay centers for Proprioception/Afferentation) in the spine than in almost any other place in the body. Chiropractic is a highly effective way to help you break stress patterns making any lifestyle change much easier. Because of this, chiropractic is a great tool!