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Brain Fog & Upper Cervical Chiropractic
In order for the brain to work optimally, it needs ample supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through the blood flow through the major vessels in the neck and proper flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Any decrease or alteration of the flow of either of these flow patterns can lead to neurodegeneration and decreased brain activity.
What Causes Brain Fog?
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has a pumping effect that pumps with each beat of your heart and movement of your spinal column. The fluid will circulate around the brain and down the spinal cord in a particular flow pattern. The flow is not noticeable under normal circumstances, it can, however, be disrupted and cause turbulence, much like rough river beds that cause rapids.
In some instances, the brainstem can also plug the bottom of the brain and cause a blockage of the CSF flow. This blockage is like putting a cork in the bottom of your brain cavity, backing up the fluid. This blockage occurs commonly with people who have Arnold-Chiari malformations, especially if they also have an upper cervical misalignment. It can also occur in individuals who have had traumatic whiplash-type injuries that have pulled the spinal cord and brainstem down. These injuries will often lead to a misalignment of the upper cervical spine.
When the CSF fluid flow is blocked at the upper cervical spine, the fluid can back up and can increase pressure in the cranium (linked to hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly). This backed up fluid can lead to pulsating migraines and pain behind the eyes. If the fluid is not draining properly, waste products from the brain can accumulate which can slow down cognitive function. If left long enough, it can progress to more severe conditions such as hydrocephalus, neurodegeneration, and even dementia.
The Upper Cervical Spine
Because of the close proximity to the atlas bone, blood to and from the brain and CSF flow is susceptible to problems in the upper cervical spine. A misalignment of the craniocervical junction (the joints between the skull and the top of the spine) can cause pressure and tension on these blood vessels, diminishing proper flow. Twisting of the craniocervical junction can be especially compromising.
When blood traveling to the brain is diminished, it can cause significant problems in the brain. A condition called "Vertebrobasilar insufficiency" is when the vertebral arteries do not deliver enough blood to the brainstem and the back of the brain. A misalignment in the upper neck, namely the atlas bone, can cause a mild vertebrobasilar insufficiency. This can lead to vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and numbness in the hands and feet.
Diminished blood flow to the brain can also diminish brain activity over time. Without proper blood flow, the brain cannot receive proper nutrients and brain function can be impaired. The longer that blood flow carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is diminished, the more difficult it becomes to think clearly and have the brain work its best i.e. brain fog.
Blood flow traveling out of the brain through the jugular vein can also be compromised. When the brain cannot correctly drain cellular waste from the day or physical trauma, pressure can build in the brain cavity. This can lead to brain fog, migraines, idiopathic intracranial pressure, and hydrocephalus. If left long enough, there is evidence showing that this can lead to long term neurodegeneration, as is the case with Alzheimers, Dementia, and Parkinson's.
Can An Upper Cervical Correction Help?
The most common misconception about Upper Cervical care is that it only helps back and neck pain.
Upper Cervical care is based on the universal law of cause and effect. For every effect or symptom, physical or mental, there must be a cause.
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Upper Cervical doctors recognize that the body is a self-healing organism, controlled and coordinated by the central nervous system, which is protected by the skull and spine.
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Using a gentle technique, Upper Cervical doctors locate and remove interference to the nervous system, allowing the body to heal itself naturally without drugs or surgery.
Align Your Spine!
Correcting the alignment of the craniocervical junction can improve flow of CSF and through the brain and down the spinal cord. It can also improve blood flow to and from the brain. By improving CSF flow, the brain function improves and nerves begin to heal. By improving blood flow, proper nutrients can fuel the brain. Correcting the misalignment can also improve pressure regulation by allowing the fluid to drain and filter correctly.