Movement is Life: The Importance of Motion for Health and Healing
As a chiropractor, my focus is on optimizing nervous system function, which is foundational to every other system in the body. One of the most common issues I see in patients is subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, which can interfere with nerve function and overall health. Chiropractic adjustments, especially through NetworkSpinal techniques, address these subluxations by reducing tension in the spinal cord. This approach goes far beyond just relieving pain—by releasing accumulated tension, we enhance the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and heal, ultimately supporting optimal nervous system function and overall well-being.
Understanding the Power of Motion
Movement is not only essential for physical fitness; it’s a fundamental aspect of our body’s deeper functioning. When subluxations cause tension and misalignment in the spine, they disrupt the natural flow of information between the brain and the body. Chiropractic adjustments help release this tension, restoring the body’s natural rhythm and facilitating clear nerve communication. In NetworkSpinal care, each adjustment helps dissolve stored tension, promoting harmony between the spine, nervous system, and muscles. This gentle release sends positive signals to the brain, supporting the body’s healing processes and enhancing its ability to function as it was designed to.
Your Brain’s Role in Health
Our brains process an extraordinary amount of information—around 3 trillion bits per second, to be exact. However, only a tiny fraction of that information, about 50 bits per second, reaches our conscious awareness. Among these signals, only a small percentage are related to pain, which means that much of what happens in our body—especially when it comes to health—is beyond our conscious awareness.
For example, only about 6-10% of the nerves in the body transmit pain signals, meaning that if you have a misalignment or other issue, your body might respond with various health symptoms, but you may not feel pain at all. This is why subluxations can create health issues in the body without you even realizing it. When a subluxation causes misalignment in the spine, receptors in the spinal cord (nociceptors) detect the issue, and most of the signals are sent to the brain without conscious awareness. Often, these signals induce a “stress response” that disrupts the body’s balance, and although we may not feel it as pain, the stress still affects our health over time.
Subluxations and Proprioception: The Importance of Body Awareness
Another significant impact of subluxations is on a function called proprioception, which is our body’s ability to sense its position and movement. Proprioception allows us to coordinate
movements, maintain balance, and respond to our environment. Mechanoreceptors—specialized nerve endings—are responsible for sending this type of information to the brain, keeping us aware of posture, body position, and even subtle shifts in movement.
When a subluxation occurs, however, mechanoreceptors become less effective. The body then receives less proprioceptive input and loses some of its ability to maintain balance, coordinate movement, regulate organ function, and manage emotions. Essentially, subluxations reduce the brain’s ability to interpret what’s going on inside the body and the external environment, which can lead to issues with coordination, balance, and even muscle tone.
Moreover, proprioceptive input also helps inhibit nociceptive signals (negative stimuli related to pain and stress). When spinal subluxations are present, this inhibitory effect is weakened, leading to an increase in negative signals to the brain, which can manifest as tension, stress, or general unease.
Movement is Life: Why Physical Activity and Adjustments Matter
We’ve all heard the saying, “Movement is life.” This phrase is rooted in the truth that physical activity is essential for maintaining health. Regular exercise stimulates proprioceptors in the body, sending positive signals to the brain. This input not only keeps our muscles and joints healthy but also supports our brain in understanding what’s happening within and outside the body.
However, subluxations in the spine can have the opposite effect. Just as a sedentary lifestyle restricts movement and can lead to health issues, so can a spine that is misaligned and lacking proper motion. When spinal joints are “stuck,” they send more nociceptive (negative) information to the brain, which can increase stress on the nervous system. This can contribute to tension, discomfort, and a host of other health problems.
Chiropractic adjustments help correct these subluxations, restoring motion to the spine and increasing proprioceptive (positive) input to the brain. As a result, adjustments help inhibit nociceptive signals, reduce stress, and promote a state of ease and balance in the body.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore motion where it’s needed and reduce stress on the nervous system. Some of the specific benefits of adjustments include:
- Improved Nervous System Function: By restoring spinal alignment, chiropractic adjustments allow the nervous system to communicate more effectively with the rest of the body, supporting overall health and wellness.
- Enhanced Proprioception: Adjustments improve proprioceptive input to the brain, which enhances body awareness, balance, and coordination.
- Reduction in Stress Response: Restoring motion to the spine helps inhibit nociceptive input, which can reduce the stress response and promote relaxation.
- Support for Physical Health: Chiropractic care not only addresses pain but also helps improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength by allowing the body to move freely and function optimally.
- Better Emotional Well-Being: Reduced stress on the nervous system has a positive impact on mental health, making people feel more centered and less tense.
Movement and Health Beyond the Adjustment
While chiropractic adjustments are a powerful way to restore motion and health to the body, incorporating movement into daily life is equally essential. Engaging in activities like walking, stretching, yoga, and strength training all help stimulate proprioceptors, supporting balance, coordination, and overall wellness. Regular physical activity also improves circulation, increases energy levels, and reduces stress—all of which contribute to a healthier body and mind.
When paired with chiropractic care, regular exercise creates a comprehensive approach to wellness, keeping both the spine and nervous system in top shape. Think of chiropractic adjustments as a way to reset and optimize your body’s foundation, while movement in your daily life serves to reinforce and strengthen that foundation.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of Movement?
If you’re curious about how chiropractic care can support your health, now is the perfect time to take the first step. At Thrive Chiropractic and Wellness, we believe that movement truly is life, and we’re here to help you keep your body moving freely and comfortably.
Schedule your Connection Consultation today to learn more about how chiropractic care can help you overcome subluxations, improve nervous system function, and support overall wellness. Reach out to us and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.