The connection that exists between the brain and all other parts of the human body is the nervous system. Signals pass between the brain, eyes, tongue, stomach, toes and indeed, throughout the entire body on "electrical wires" called nerves. These nerves pass from the brain down the spinal column or back bone, and exit between the spinal bones at 24 levels from the base of the skull to the tailbone, controlling all bodily functions. If the spaces between the spinal bones should become narrowed or cut off due to a misalignment or "kink" in your spinal backbone, this is called a subluxation, and the nerve signal is then interrupted or reduced at that specific level. The nerve fiber traveling away from this "pinch" has now become "short circuited" as it heads toward the muscle, finger or specific organ it controls. The result is a demonstration of pain, loss of function or degeneration in that specific muscle, finger or organ. Even an everyday headache can result from nerve pressure due to a spinal misalignment. The Gonstead Chiropractic approach is to locate these misalignments in the spinal column, then specifically and gently adjust the segment back into place manually, removing the subluxation and "pinch". By applying the Gonstead adjustment to the back, the pressure is removed from the nerve while joint function is restored. More importantly, nerve function is restored, and the path of that specific nerve is then again sending and receiving the "electrical" impulses as it should and ultimately, health is restored.

Doctors of Chiropractic refer to the "Brain-Body" connection as the "Safety Pin Cycle."
Each brain cell has a specific function of communicating to the body through special "message" lines called nerves. A perfectly functioning nerve system is capable of transmitting the necessary messages for 100% optimum body function.

When a brain cell sends a message to a tissue cell, a function is performed based on the command sent to the tissue cell. After the tissue cell performs the requested function, it sends a message back to the brain cell to inform it of the action taken. Any disruption of this cycle results in malfunction.

If a distorted signal is sent to the tissue cell, or if a distorted signal is sent back to the brain cell, malfunction is manifested. If this malfunction is left uncorrected, disease results. Cancer is a perfect example of the body failing to communicate properly with cells growing out of control!

Vertebral subluxation (spinal nerve pressure) results in abnormal nerve signals (distorted messages). Chiropractors are the only specialists trained to analyze, locate, and correct vertebral subluxation!
 

Nervous System Physiology

Virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body is controlled and regulated by your nervous system. And while the chemical and electrical nature of this vast network is best left to specialists, here are four key things you should know:

Efferent Communications
Nerve impulses are sent from the brain out to the organs and tissues of your body.

Afferent Communications
Nerve impulses are sent back to the brain to make sure everything is working correctly.

Compressive Lesions
If spinal vertebrae pinch or choke nerve tissue, signals going from or to the affected organ or tissue can be diminished. (i.e., constipation.)

Facilitative Lesions
If spinal vertebrae chafe or irritate nerve tissue, signals going from or to the affected organ or tissue can be excited. (i.e., diarrhea.)

The nervous system is vulnerable where delicate nerve tissue comes into proximity with the moving bones of your spine. That’s why we're interested in your spine!