When most people think of chiropractic in Austin TX, they think of the spine. It’s common knowledge that chiropractic adjustments are great for relieving pain. The majority of patients initially seek chiropractic care due to back pain, neck pain or Headaches. And the results are astonishing. The overwhelming majority of chiropractic patients are extremely pleased with their results, even with severe conditions when no other health providers could help them. And yet, these outstanding results are the tip of the iceberg. We now know that many significant, far-reaching health benefits can be achieved through chiropractic adjustments. Here’s the how and why simplified:

The limbic system is the area of the brain that maintains balance throughout your body. It is incredibly important. The limbic system is composed of structures in the brain that deal with emotions of anger, happiness, fear, as well as memories. The hypothalamus and hippocampus are the two most important parts of the limbic system. The hypothalamus is the “brain” of the brain and is the most intricate and perhaps amazing part of the brain. The hypothalamus is where the nervous system and the endocrine system (glands that secrete hormones) meet and talk.

The effectiveness of the hypothalamus is directly proportional to the functional capability of the nervous system to send and receive nerve messages, and especially to maintain the integrity of those nerve messages as they travel along the spinal cord.

THE SPINAL CORD AND NERVE INTERFERENCE in Austin TX

The spinal cord is both a cable and a switchboard. As a cable, it connects the brain with the rest of the nerves in the body. As a switchboard, it coordinates muscle movement, reflexes, and virtually all bodily functions. The spinal cord is a direct extension of the brain. The spinal column consists of 24 movable vertebrae. The 2 basic purposes of the spinal column are to protect the spinal cord and to allow movement. Because the vertebrae are moveable, they are also susceptible to certain stresses and forces which can cause them to lose their proper alignment. These misalignments are called vertebral Subluxations and they lead to damaging stress in the nervous system. Subluxations have 3 causes:

1. Physical: traumas, injuries, impacts, and overuse.
2. Mental and emotional stress
3. Toxic (chemical) stress

The most common subluxation is caused by the birth process, with over 80% of newborns suffering from subluxation. This is why it is so important for babies to be checked at birth or as soon thereafter as possible. When we are subluxated, there is interference to the normal flow of nerve impulses. This can cause either too much or too little nerve activity to the brain.

And then what?

SUBLUXATIONS CAUSE TWO KINDS OF STRESS IN THE BRAIN

1. Physical stress from the abnormal pressure on the spinal structures surrounding the vertebra
2. Chemical stress from the build-up of inflammation that accumulates in the spinal structures, nerves, and Brain. Whenever you are subluxated, bad, noxious information goes into the brain. So, in an effort to protect itself, the brain releases stress hormones, Cortisol and Adrenalin. This is a very good thing short-term and it could save your life. But if this “Stress Response” goes on long-term, these chemicals will kill you. This “Stress Response” is the same if you are in a terrible marriage, caring for a sick family member, fighting in a war, or if you are subluxated. The damage is the same. The Hippocampus and Hypothalamus are damaged. In particular, Dopamine, Serotonin, and Oxytocin are not released when Cortisol and Adrenalin are high.

Dopamine (released from the Hypothalamus) needs to be at the proper level for happiness. It is associated with anticipation. If it is too low, we become sad and depressed. If it’s too high, it can result in aggression and in severe cases, schizophrenia. If your levels are off, you aren’t comfortable in your own skin. In a child, low dopamine can cause irritability, restlessness and even ADHD. It makes sense that children should be checked for subluxations regularly and explains why so many adults and children with learning disorders respond to chiropractic care.

Serotonin is considered a hormone and neurotransmitter and is associated with mood, sleep, sexual desire, memory and pain. The more serotonin you have, the less pain you have. This explains why stressed people go into depression easily. Stressed people also crave carbohydrates, which gives them a short-term release of serotonin. Most of the body’s serotonin (80-90%) is found in the Gastrointestinal tract.

Oxytocin is the hormone that helps you attach and bond. Everyone has it, but women have it in higher levels than men. Oxytocin prevents depression and stops aggression, fear, and the “Stress Response”. It allows uterine contractions. This is one reason why chiropractic care is so beneficial to pregnant women. Oxytocin is released by touch. Think about what happens during the adjustment. Hands on care. If you want to calm a distressed person, you touch them.

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT ON THE HEALTH OF THE BRAIN