The following blog will help unravel the science of the nervous system and touch on its

deep connection with chiropractic care.

What is the Nervous System?

The nervous system is the body’s communication network. It controls everything from

basic bodily functions to complex actions. It allows us to speak, see, eat, laugh, and feel

love. This system oversees and manages all bodily functions and processes. It consists of

multiple parts, which we will examine in detail now.

Understanding the Components of the Nervous System

The nervous system, consisting of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral

nervous system (PNS), governs our every move and sensation, acting as the ultimate

communication network within our bodies.

Central Nervous System: Command Center of the Body

The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system, directing our thoughts,

emotions, and bodily functions. From the primal instincts of the brainstem to the

intricate processing of the cerebral cortex, each region plays a crucial role in shaping

our daily experiences and perceptions.

Located at the base of the brain, the brainstem is a critical component of the CNS. It

regulates essential functions such as your heartbeat, breathing, and consciousness.

Despite its small size, the brainstem serves as the gateway between the brain and spinal

cord, controlling and coordinating the body’s most vital processes.

Peripheral Nervous System: Bridging Mind and Body

The peripheral nervous system extends beyond the CNS, connecting it to the rest of the

body. It’s responsible for relaying sensory information and coordinating motor

responses, allowing us to interact with our environment. So, it is how our hands talk to

our brain and how our brain talks to our hands! It is also the way our body

communicates with and controls our internal organs, it allows for your organs to talk to

each other and the brain, so everything can stay coordinated and balanced.

Exploring Vertebral Misalignments and Chiropractic Care

Now, let’s examine how chiropractic care and the nervous system are related. The

purpose of your spine is to protect the nervous system and allow for movement around

it. Each segment of the spinal cord has special openings for your nerves to flow through

and around. However, through the different stresses and traumas of life, these spinal

segments can misalign upon one another and start to interfere with the nerves close by.

Chiropractors specialize in detecting and correcting these misalignments, restoring

proper alignment and function to the spine and nervous system. By removing

interference from the nerves, chiropractic adjustments aim to optimize nerve

communication to allow your body to function at its best.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a specialized approach aimed at optimizing nervous

system function by targeting the crucial intersection of the central and peripheral

nervous systems, spine, skull, and brain, known as the craniocervical junction.

The C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) vertebrae are pivotal in this region. Being the most mobile

segments of the spine, they are prone to misalignment. These misalignments can affect

nearby structures, interfering with the correct function of the brainstem, brain, and

both central and peripheral nervous systems.

At Top Chiropractic, our focus is on correcting these misalignments to promote better

function of your nervous system. By realigning the C1 and C2 vertebrae, we aim toalleviate interference and enhance the body’s innate ability to regulate and coordinate

its functions effectively.