The Nervous System: What Causes Imbalances and Dysfunction?
Our nervous system is incredibly complex and powerful, providing us with the ability to think, plan, learn and remember. Unfortunately, this amazing system can succumb to imbalances and dysfunction that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or unable to function optimally. But what causes a less than optimal functioning nervous system? In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential sources of these imbalances and how they can be addressed with chiropractic care.
What Does the Nervous System Do?
The nervous system is the control center of our bodies. It sends signals from the brain to the body, allowing us to move, think and feel. The nervous system also has a regulatory role, helping to maintain all of our bodily functions. When this system is functioning optimally, we tend to feel well-balanced and at ease. The nervous system is responsible for:
- intelligence, learning and memory: your thoughts and feelings
- movement: how your body moves
- basic body functions like the beating of your heart, breathing, digestion, sweating and shivering
- the senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell
What Causes Imbalances?
Unfortunately, a number of factors can lead to imbalances in the nervous system. These include physical or emotional trauma, poor diet and lifestyle choices, environmental toxins, and even genetic predispositions.
One common cause of dysfunction in the nervous system is misalignment or subluxation of the spine. Due to the intricate connection between the spine and nerves, a misalignment can put significant strain on the nervous system. This can lead to pain, fatigue, and even difficulty thinking or concentrating.
Disorders of the Nervous System
Disorders of the nervous system may involve the following:
- Vascular disorders, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage and hematoma, and extradural hemorrhage
- Infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, polio, and epidural abscess
- Structural disorders, such as brain or spinal cord injury, Bell’s palsy, cervical spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain or spinal cord tumors, peripheral neuropathy, and Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Functional disorders, such as headache, epilepsy, dizziness, and neuralgia
- Degeneration, such as Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington chorea, and Alzheimer disease
Signs of Problems
An imbalance in the nervous system can manifest itself in a variety of ways. These include physical symptoms such as back or neck pain, headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues. It can also lead to cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and feeling “foggy” or overwhelmed. Emotionally, it can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Chiropractors are trained in working with subluxations of the spine, helping to restore proper alignment and balance. With regular adjustments, chiropractors can help to reduce the pressure on the nerves, allowing for improved functioning of the nervous system. As a result, you may experience a decrease in pain levels, better sleep quality, and improved overall well-being.
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors provide lifestyle advice and nutritional counseling to help support the nervous system. This can involve identifying and eliminating potential sources of toxins, incorporating exercises to improve core strength, or even modifying your diet to include more nutrient-dense foods.
By addressing the underlying cause of imbalances in the nervous system, chiropractors can help to restore balance and well-being. If you are experiencing any of the signs of nervous system dysfunction, be sure to speak with your chiropractor about ways to address the root cause. With their help, you can get back on track toward optimal functioning.
Make an Appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab
At Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your healthiest self. Our team can provide you with the care and guidance you need to address any imbalances in your nervous system. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact us today!
