Why do we need regular chiropractic care?

The brain continuously receives information about the state of the body and our surroundings using our senses in the sensory system. This information is conveyed via receptors in, among others, muscles, joints and skin, which send afferent (incoming) signals to the central nervous system. Our body uses proprioceptive information, which is the body's own sense of joint and position, often called the body's own "GPS". Proprioceptive information from muscles and joints is particularly important, as it provides the brain with information about the body's position, movement and load, and forms the basis for precise motor control.

When the spine is dysfunctional, for example due to reduced joint mobility, sustained strain or injury, the quality of sensory information can be affected. This can lead to altered or less precise afferent signaling to the brain, which can affect the central nervous system's ability to integrate sensory information and regulate motor responses (1). The consequences of this can be poor motor control or other functional problems such as instability.

Chiropractic care aims to improve joint mobility and function in the musculoskeletal system. This can help normalize the signals sent from the body to the brain, improving the sensory signals from peripheral structures such as the arms and legs to the central nervous system. When the brain receives clearer and more precise information, it can affect how it processes signals and controls the body. This can contribute to better movement control and more efficient function, by affecting neural integration and motor control (1,2).

When the spine is dysfunctional, the interaction between senses and movement, or sensorimotor integration, can also be affected. This involves areas of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex, which is important for attention and planning, as well as motor areas that control movement. The consequence can be reduced coordination, responsiveness and control. Studies with EEG have shown that chiropractic treatment can affect brain activity with a single adjustment, even after one treatment. Research suggests that this can improve the brain's ability to process information and increase signals from the brain to the muscles, so-called "cortical drive". This can in turn contribute to better muscle activation, an increase in maximum muscle strength and improved motor control (2,3).

Through daily stress, such as sedentary work, repetitive use, physical stress and minor trauma, the musculoskeletal system is exposed to continuous impact. Over time, this can lead to repeated or persistent joint dysfunction. Such functional changes can affect the afferent signaling to the central nervous system and thus neuromuscular control.

Regular chiropractic care can therefore be a measure to maintain optimal joint function and the quality of sensory input to the central nervous system. The purpose is to support effective neural integration and contribute to the most optimal interaction between the body's structures and the nervous system over time. That is, by stimulating better signal flow to the brain, regular chiropractic treatment can have a preventive effect on functional complaints such as balance problems, dizziness and headaches.