From structure to neuroscience
Chiropractic care has evolved far beyond its traditional mechanical roots. Modern research, led by Dr Heidi Haavik and her collaborators, shows that the effects of spinal adjustments extend deep into the nervous system — influencing how the brain and body communicate. This growing body of evidence highlights that spinal health is fundamentally about neurophysiology, not just posture or pain.
What the research collectively shows
- Improved brain communication: Adjustments can alter activity in regions such as the sensorimotor cortex, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex, improving how the brain processes sensory information.
- Enhanced coordination and motor control: Studies demonstrate better reflex timing, balance, and muscle activation following spinal manipulation.
- Increased neuroplasticity: Repeated care may support the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise — a key factor in healthy aging and recovery.
- Better autonomic regulation: Heart rate variability (HRV) studies suggest chiropractic care promotes parasympathetic balance, supporting rest and recovery.
- Reduced pain sensitivity: Central pain modulation mechanisms show how adjustments influence how the brain interprets pain signals.
The chiropractic difference
What makes chiropractic unique is its focus on the nervous system. By identifying and correcting areas of spinal dysfunction, chiropractors help restore clear, balanced feedback between the body and brain. This approach influences how we move, feel, and perform — forming the foundation of long-term wellness.
In practice at our clinic
- Every assessment includes neurological indicators such as posture, balance, and coordination.
- Adjustments are tailored to each patient’s functional and neurological profile.
- Education and movement strategies help reinforce neuroplastic changes between visits.
Why this matters for everyday life
When your spine moves well, your brain receives accurate information about your body and environment. This supports better posture, faster reflexes, calmer stress responses, and improved overall wellbeing. The emerging field of chiropractic neuroscience is showing that spinal care can enhance the body’s natural intelligence — the continuous dialogue between structure and function, body and brain.
Further reading
- The Contemporary Model of Vertebral Motor Control and Neuromuscular Function
- Alterations in Cortical and Cerebellar Sensorimotor Processing Following Spinal Manipulation
- Changes in Resting-State EEG Functional Connectivity Following Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment
- Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care: Impact on Pain, Mood, and Quality of Life
This article summarises key trends in modern chiropractic neuroscience. The findings support chiropractic care as a functional, brain-based approach to optimising health and performance — always complementing, not replacing, medical care.
