Can You Give My Kiddo an Attitude Adjustment?
I may have been asked this once or twice at my office here in Franklin! And though I joke that I’ll do the best I can, there is supporting that chiropractic adjustments could be doing something close!
Let me explain a little deeper.
If you’ve been to a chiropractor, you probably noticed the changes physically, mentally and emotionally that occurred after you got adjusted, but what about those changes that are occurring at a molecular level in your brain? Yes, with every adjustment positive changes in your brain’s function can be measured!
There have been multiple studies looking into how a chiropractic adjustment impacts your brain, and since most people don’t enjoy reading research papers, we did it for you and summarized below!
One study looked into the changes that were occurring in the patient’s prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain that regulates behavior and reasoning) after an adjustment. Using an EEG (the mad scientist looking test with electrodes hooked on your head), this study focused on activity in a patient’s brain pre and post adjustment. What this study found was that the prefrontal cortex showed increased activity after an adjustment.¹
Another study used a PET scan (similar to an MRI, but looks at how your organs and other tissues are functioning) to monitor glucose metabolism in the brain. It found that post adjustment, glucose metabolism was increased in multiple areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex. To sum it up, the brain was better able to uptake and utilize its primary fuel source!³
Fun fact, the patients in this study also reported lower stress levels and better quality of life!
Now a little about the prefrontal cortex and why these studies are so significant. The prefrontal cortex’s main job is regulating behavior, reasoning, motivation, short term memory and speech. The prefrontal cortex also plays a role in the regulation of stress induced responses.²
How amazing is that?!
Chiropractic adjustments have been known for their impact on the nerves and spine, but as more research comes out supporting these positive changes happening in the brain as well, we can’t help but geek out a little bit.
Though we can’t guarantee the much needed “attitude adjustment” for you or your kiddo, research is showing that an adjustment can improve function in the behavior and emotional regulation part of your brain, which comes close!
Is it time to investigate how the power of Chiropractic care can be beneficial in your family’s life? Reach out so we can help!
Sources:
Dina, et al. “Manipulation of Dysfunctional Spinal Joints Affects Sensorimotor Integration in the Prefrontal Cortex: A Brain Source Localization Study.” Neural Plasticity, Hindawi, 7 Mar. 2016, www.hindawi.com/journals/np/2016/3704964/.
Fuster, J.M. “Prefrontal Cortex.” Prefrontal Cortex – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/prefrontal-cortex.
Ogura, Takeshi, et al. “Cerebral Metabolic Changes in Men after Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Neck Pain.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22314714.
