Understanding the Nervous System

You may wonder why, as a Chiropractic office, would we work with the nervous system.

What structures are part of the Nervous System?

The brain, spinal cord (Central Nervous System), the autonomic nervous system, sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, olfactory nerves, etc.)

Getting an idea of why the nervous system is considered the information highway of the body, and why it would be important as a Doctor of Chiropractic to keep this communication open? Now we get to discuss the two main systems the nervous system is divided into: the autonomic nervous system, and the central nervous system.

Autonomic Nervous System

This part is self-controlling (automatic). Regulating our involuntary bodily functions in two branches. The sympathetic impulse affect (fight-or-flight response) and parasympathetic impulse affect (rest-and-digest). The sympathetic nervous system dominates during stressful situations. When the body feels fear or danger this response will activate. It relates to the thoracic and lumbar regions of the body. The parasympathetic nervous system takes over in non-stressful times. Also, it relates to the upper spine and brain.

Central Nervous System

This consists of the brain and the spinal cord, the centers of communication, regulation, coordination and sensory evaluation of the body. The medulla which is at the base of the skull has many jobs and functions as well. Including, influencing blood pressure, heart rate, and mineral utilization to name a few. The medulla utilizes the tonsils as a main lymphatic drainage point for the head.

At CORE we know how important it is to keep these pathways functioning properly.