What this study explored
This study examined how chiropractic spinal adjustments may influence activity in the prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for executive functions such as attention, decision-making, spatial awareness, and motor planning. Researchers investigated whether adjusting dysfunctional spinal segments could alter cortical processing and sensorimotor control.
Why the prefrontal cortex matters
The prefrontal cortex integrates sensory and motor information to coordinate complex behaviour and movement. When spinal joints aren’t moving properly, distorted feedback from joint and muscle receptors can reduce the brain’s accuracy in perceiving body position and control. Improving this input may enhance how the prefrontal cortex manages motor output and cognitive processing.
What the researchers found
- Spinal adjustments produced measurable changes in brain activity patterns associated with sensorimotor integration and attention control.
- fMRI and EEG studies revealed increased activation in prefrontal cortical areas following chiropractic care, suggesting improved central processing efficiency.
- Participants demonstrated improvements in movement accuracy, reaction time, and postural control after adjustments.
- These findings imply that spinal manipulation may influence not just musculoskeletal function but also brain regions involved in coordination and cognition.
What this means in practice
Chiropractic care may play a role in optimising how your brain interprets and responds to body signals. By improving communication between the spine and the brain, adjustments could enhance focus, balance, and body awareness — leading to better performance in daily tasks and physical activities.
Our clinical takeaway
- Assessing neurological function is an integral part of care — posture, coordination, and balance are windows into brain-body communication.
- Adjustments are applied with precision to improve feedback from the spine to the brain.
- Patients often report not just reduced pain, but greater clarity, lighter movement, and improved coordination.
Read the study: Alterations in Cortical and Cerebellar Sensorimotor Processing Following Spinal Manipulation
Note: This summary reflects current research findings on neurological responses to chiropractic care. It is for educational use only and does not imply treatment of cognitive or neurological disorders.
