The Crucial Link Between Spine Health and Brain Health
Understanding Posture’s Role in Brain Health
The way we stand, sit, or move has more than just a superficial effect on our appearance; it plays a pivotal role in our overall health, particularly when it comes to brain health. Dr. Roger Sperry, the celebrated Nobel laureate, revealed a startling fact: a whopping “90% of the brain’s energy is used for posture alone.”
Delving deeper, he explained, “The more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism, and healing.” This emphasizes the importance of posture as we age, especially with the rise of age-related ailments that can affect our quality of life.
Aging and Its Effect on Brain and Spine
The American Psychological Association has classified mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that lies between normal cognitive decline and early-stage dementia, as one of the challenges of aging. Though not always leading to dementia, MCI does heighten the risk.
Simultaneously, age wears down our spinal balance, particularly in the lumbar and pelvic areas. Previously brushed off as a standard aspect of aging, spinal imbalances have now been classified as adult spinal deformities (ASD). The repercussions are severe: even minor imbalances can amplify fall risks, while major ones significantly hamper our quality of life. Studies like that by Dr. Steven Glassman in 2005 have established the correlation between declining posture and deteriorating overall health.
Unearthing the Connection Between Brain Function and Spinal Health
Evidence suggests that our cognitive performance might be intertwined with our spinal health. A study involving over 400 Japanese participants aged between 50 and 89 uncovered a relationship between balance, measured using the vertical axis (SVA), and cognitive functions. Male participants with SVA displayed higher cognitive decline rates, while females showed links between cognitive decline and factors like age, SVA, osteoporosis, and subjective fatigue.
This emerging body of research underscores the possibility that spinal imbalances might flag cognitive and motor function declines. While a direct cause-and-effect relationship hasn’t been firmly established, the parallel occurrence of cognitive decline and sagittal imbalance with age cannot be ignored.
Boosting Brain Health Through Spinal Care
Despite these compelling findings, a mystery remains: the chicken-or-the-egg conundrum regarding spinal imbalance and cognitive decline. Yet, experts unanimously agree on the value of good posture as a potential solution to stave off health decline.
Brain health is intrinsically tied to a holistic lifestyle: a balanced diet, proactive chiropractic care, and consistent physical activity. Proper spinal alignment fosters optimal communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Regular chiropractic adjustments by professionals like Dr. Faith at Simply Well Chiropractic can help maintain this alignment, mitigating conditions and reinforcing the body against injuries.
Prioritizing Posture for Lifelong Brain Health
It is not just speculation that there is a connection between posture and brain health; rather, there is evidence to support it, and it holds the promise of bettering both physical and mental health. With such insights, it’s evident that proactive spinal care is the way forward.
It’s never too late to prioritize your spinal and brain health. Dr. Faith at Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati is here to guide you on this journey. Connect with her at (513) 271-1233 or book an appointment at simplywellchiro.com to embark on a path toward optimal brain health today!
