Chiropractic care is widely known for helping with a multitude of musculoskeletal issues, such as neck and low back pain. But, recent studies have shown that chiropractic care has surprising benefits for cognitive health, particularly in improving memory and promoting neuroplasticity.

This connection is an exciting frontier in healthcare, merging physical wellness with cognitive enhancement. Let’s explore how chiropractic care can influence our brain’s capacity to remember and adapt.

Neuroplasticity, often referred to as brain plasticity, is the brain’s ability to change, form new neural connections, and learn new things. It is the way the brain can reorganize itself to adapt and allow for improved cognitive function, recovery from injury, and enhanced memory, and learning abilities. Memory, on the other hand, refers to how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved within the brain. Both processes are crucial for day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life.

Chiropractic care addresses mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. The idea behind this method of alternative medicine is that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal structure allows a free-flowing connection between the brain and body. Proper nervous system communication can enable the body to heal itself without the need for surgery or medication.

Chiropractic adjustments can help to get rid of stress in the body. Stress can be physical, emotional, or chemical and prevents the body from reaching optimal health. This also impacts brain health, as those stressors can wreak havoc on the brain just as much as they do on the body.

The spine is not just a column of bones; it is a critical pathway for the central nervous system (CNS). It houses the spinal cord, which transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Misalignments or subluxations in the spine can interfere with these messages, potentially leading to a variety of health issues, including cognitive decline.

When chiropractors perform spinal adjustments, they aim to correct these misalignments, thereby improving the communication pathways within the CNS.

Improved spinal health leads to better overall brain function, as the brain can more efficiently receive and send signals through the nervous system.

Chiropractic care helps with neuroplasticity because it restores proper communication and blood flow between the brain and body. One study that focused on the connection between chiropractic care and brain activity showed that chiropractic adjustments significantly increase brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for regulating decision making, specifically the way we express emotions, thoughts, and actions, and behave in social situations. It also integrates information from different parts of the brain to help form memories and higher-order thoughts.

Chiropractic care is just one of many ways to help maintain our brain’s health and functionality. Even as you age, it’s possible to keep your brain “young” by frequently engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles and other word or games, arts and crafts, or number-focused challenges such as Sudoku. Staying socially active also has positive effects on the brain.

Staying physically active can keep you both physically and mentally fit. It’s important to work out the muscles in your mind the same way you work out the muscles in your body. Plus, there are so many more added benefits to exercise. It helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar and decrease stress. All of these things are good for the brain, as well as the heart and overall general health.

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to brain health. Focus on fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, plant-based proteins and stay away from too much sugar, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, and remember to drink enough water. According to Harvard Health, there are certain foods that are linked to brain power, such as green leafy vegetables (i.e., kale, spinach, broccoli), fatty fish, strawberries and blueberries, walnuts, and even tea and coffee.

There is a definite link between chiropractic care and cognitive functions such as memory and neuroplasticity. By focusing on spinal health, chiropractors are responsible for helping to alleviate physical pain and enhance brain function and cognitive health.

Whether you are seeking relief from physical discomfort or looking to boost your cognitive abilities, chiropractic care could prove invaluable to your wellness routine.

It’s amazing how we are able to improve the quality of life through holistic and integrative healthcare approaches. Remember, your health is in your hands; our hands are here to help.

Dr. Gena Chiropractic is the premiere pediatric and family chiropractic clinic serving the Plantation and the greater Fort Lauderdale community in Broward County. To book a consultation with our team, contact us at 954-417-5815.