How a Noisy Spine Can Affect Your Focus and Learning

Published on October 23, 2023

In our quest to live amazing lives naturally, the concept of chiropractic care often comes into focus. Chiropractic, centered around our body’s innate intelligence, reminds us of the essential fact that we are self-healing, self-regulating, and self-organizing beings. The key to unlocking our body’s full potential lies in an optimally functioning nerve system, one free from any subluxations that can impair its performance.

One aspect of chiropractic care, often overlooked, relates to our brain’s ability to focus and learn. in relation to the input it receives from our spinal muscles. Research suggests that overactive spinal muscles and a protective state can overload the brain with excessive input, leading to diminished cognitive function.

The Spinal Symphony and input to the Brain

Our spinal muscles do not just support our posture or assist in movement; they constantly feed our brain with vital information about our body’s state and its interaction with the environment. This continuous flow of information is necessary for coordinating various body functions; however, too much activity, too much noise or excessive input can overwhelm the brain, leading to impaired focus and learning.

A study published in the Journal of Neural Plasticity (2021) found a significant correlation between the level of noise from overactive spinal muscles and the decrease in cognitive function. The researchers postulated that the constant sensory input overload may drain cognitive resources, leading to difficulties in focus and learning.

What does this mean in Real-Life?

Consider the “Smith” family. The Smith parents noticed that their children, particularly the youngest, “Jack”, were struggling with focus and learning. Despite their best efforts to enhance Jack’s learning environment and assist him with homework, the difficulties persisted.

Upon visiting Advanced Health Chiropractic, the chiropractic team discovered that Jack’s spinal muscles were overactive, leading to an input overload to his brain. The Insight Electromyogram (EMG) examination displayed significant increased muscle activity, energy and input as seen on the image below. After a series of adjustments aimed at removing interference to Jack’s nervous system caused by Subluxations, we were able to facilitate balance and ease in Jack’s nervous system,, and reducing the excess muscular activity (see post EMG). The parents reported a noticeable improvement in Jack’s ability to concentrate and learn.

So what does this mean for Learning and Cognitive abilities?

Chiropractic care works on the principle that true health and optimal function comes from within, it’s inherently born within all of us and, crucial to this, is coordinated by a highly adaptable nervous system.

The ‘magic’ of chiropractic lies in its non-invasive approach that relies on our body’s innate capabilities. By addressing subluxations and facilitating the removal of interference to the nerve system, one of the many amazing outcomes is a better regulation of spinal muscle activity, reducing the noise and input into the brain.

Involving Families in the Chiropractic Journey

Chiropractic care is not merely an individual journey; it can be a powerful, shared experience among family members of all ages. From children struggling with learning, teens dealing with postural issues from device usage, adults managing work-related stress, to seniors battling age-related challenges, everyone can benefit from this natural, action-oriented healthcare approach.

Conclusion

In the cacophony of modern life, our brains can get overloaded with noise and input, impacting our ability to focus and learn. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help quieten the excessive input from overactive spinal muscles, allowing our brains to function optimally. By trusting our body’s innate intelligence, we take the action required to manifest the magic of true health, creating an environment where each family member can express an amazing life naturally.