Structural Chiropractic and a Healthy Brain
Over the next three weeks, we will be discussing the three main components to getting and keeping a healthy brain. Those three components are Cerebrospinal fluid, Blood Flow, and Nerve conduction. Neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s are growing in prevalence all around the world. Nearly 1 in 6 of the world’s population suffer from a neurological disorders.
Our goal for the next three weeks is to discuss how Structural Chiropractic can be a PROACTIVE step towards limiting and even preventing future neurological disease by protecting the brain.
The first component that we will be discussing is Cerebrospinal fluid.
Here is the definition of CSF from the Encyclopedia Britannica :
“Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy of the brain, the CSF compensates with an increase in volume. The fluid also transports metabolic waste products, antibodies, chemicals, and pathological products of disease away from the brain and spinal-cord tissue into the bloodstream.”
So the question now would be, how does an abnormal shift in the neck affect CSF?
An abnormal shift in the neck causes an abnormal flow of the CSF fluid from the skull into the spine. CSF is created in the deepest part of your brain called the ventricles. It is pumped out of the brain into the skull and then it flows down through the spinal column. However, an abnormal shift at the base of the skull and the top of the neck causes an obstruction to the natural flow of CSF. Imagine a clogged toiled, water flowing from the toilet into the pipe is slowed and can lead to back up.
What happens to your brain when this CSF flow is disrupted?
- Metabolic waste and proteins linger causing damage to Brain tissue
- CSF build up in the skull creates a high pressure environment that causes compression of Brain matter (usually resulting in migraines and headaches)
- Turbulent CSF flow can also wear out brain tissue similar to a river smoothing over a rock
When a Structural correction is made, CSF flow returns to normal, metabolic waste and proteins are flushed from the system and the pressure is normalized in the Skull.
Next week, we will discuss the importance of oxygen for tissues in the Brain and How Structural corrections can insure proper blood flow from the neck into the skull and brain. See you then!
