Why is the spine and the nervous system so important? How can it affect your heart regulation?
The answer are the components of the nervous system. There are two main branches to the nervous system: the central or CNS, and the peripheral or PNS. The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. This is the master control of the body. The PNS consists of the nerves that come out of your spinal cord and brain and direct function to your extremities, torso, muscles, and organs of the body. The PNS is then broken down into the autonomic system, which is your fundamental automatic control of organ function and reflexes. This autonomic system is often known as the “fight or flight” and the “rest and digest”.
Chiropractic care addresses more than just the typical back or neck pain. It removes nerve interference and provides better communication from your brain to your muscles, nerves, and bones.
For instance, the nerves in your neck and upper back run directly to your heart. If there is nerve interference or any misalignment in the spine, it can place stress on your heart and reduce proper communication between the brain and body. Based on research, blood pressure and heart rate variability changes when the cervical spine is adjusted.
In chiropractic, we are constantly working to make the body adapt better through a properly communicating nervous system. Measuring a factor like heart rate variability informs of the changes in the nervous system. Blood pressure is affected by the autonomic nuclei in the cervical spine as well as the vagus nerve which has a neurological link to the cervical spine. Research studies have shown lasting change for the better in hypertensive and hypotensive patients with specific spinal adjustments. If you’re interested in getting your body back on track, get your nervous system checked by us today!
Call us at Fogarty Chiropractic Life Clinic at (321) 636-5200 to schedule your appointment.
Reference: Effect of Chiropractic Care on Heart Rate Variability and Pain in a Multisite Clinical Study. JMPT; 2006. www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16690380/
