Healthy Posture Improves Brain Function

Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Roger Sperry said that the spine is the motor that drives the brain. According to his research, “90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine.” He goes on to state that only 10% of our brain’s energy goes to thinking, metabolism, immunity and healing because 90% goes into processing and maintaining the body’s relationship with gravity, ie. posture.

How is the spine the motor of the brain?

The spine houses a delicate system of nerves bundled together forming the spinal cord that relay information to and from the brain and body. This highway of communication must transmit electrical signals both fast and accurately in order to allow each person the ability to control all the functions of the body while adapting along the way to external and internal stresses. Imagine listening to a beautiful symphony. Now imagine what would happen if each person was to play their instrument however they like. There would be disharmony without a conductor. This is what happens when there is a functional disconnect of the brain and nerves with the organs and systems they supply. There is dysfunction or disease of the body.

The implications of Dr. Sperry’s work are far-reaching. It supports that if you want to increase your energy, heal your body, improve your intelligence, fix your symptom, whatever you want to control, it is within your personal reach. You can stimulate 90% of your brain by movement in your spine! Become more physically active, improve your posture and get regular spinal check ups to make sure the joints in your spine that feed and stimulate your brain are working at their best.

The facet joints in the neck (joints that connect the bones in the spine) contain the largest concentration of receptor cells that fire signals to the brain. But with stress from sedentary lifestyles, long hours at a computer, forward head posture, spinal degeneration, poor diet, unhealthy emotions, traumas and arthritis, and whatever else you want to throw into this mix, is it a wonder why so many worry about how their brain and bodies will function and if they will age gracefully. It’s like driving on Deerfoot Trail wanting to go the speed limit but being held back in traffic. You know your health potential, you just aren’t able to clear the traffic jams because of interference in the spine.

Even the slightest adjustment in your posture can impact how much stimulation is sent to the brain. Remember 90% of the function of the brain is focused on maintaining a healthy posture. So if you have poor posture, how well is your brain functioning? Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining mobility in the spine, thereby enhancing brain stimulation and growth. The results are better posture, healthy body functions and healthy adaptation to stress be it physical, emotional, nutritional, electromagnetic, toxins, or allergies and sensitivities.

You have the power within you to re-establish brain balance and neutralize stress with deep meditation, rhythmic breathing, proper exercise like walking, being in nature, belly laughter, deep delta sleep and of course, proper chiropractic care.

Dr. Alma Nenshi,
Family Chiropractor