Spinal Movement and Brain Health | Keep Your Spine Moving
Most of us think of spinal movement as something for our back. But there's a growing body of research suggesting it may matter for the brain too, and that's worth understanding, not just accepting on faith.
It's not just exercise — it's how you move
We already know that physical activity is important for brain health. Movement has been linked to better outcomes for people managing dementia, depression, and ADHD, and even the ancient Greeks understood there was a connection between moving well and thinking well.
What's less widely known is that researchers are now looking specifically at spinal movement and spinal mobility, not just exercise in general, as a factor in how the brain and nervous system process information.
Some studies suggest that changes in spinal movement may be associated with changes in brain activity, concentration, and reaction time. This is an emerging area of research, and like most emerging research, it's more nuanced than a single headline can capture.
Why your spine needs to do two different jobs
Your spine has a genuinely tricky brief. Sometimes it needs to move freely, think of the way your spinal bones work together to absorb impact while you're running. Other times, it needs to stiffen and stabilise, like when you're lifting something heavy, where a more stable spine helps you manage the load.
Your brain and nervous system help coordinate this switch. They activate the muscles around your spine and skull in the right sequence and at the right time, whether that's allowing movement, creating stability, or helping you react quickly to keep your balance when you stumble or shift position unexpectedly.
The tricky part? When a segment of your spine isn't moving the way it normally would, it may change the information your brain receives from your body. Some researchers believe this could influence how the brain processes sensory information more broadly, although this remains an active area of study, and the exact relationship isn't fully settled.
Where chiropractic care may fit in
This is where chiropractic care becomes relevant, though it's worth being upfront that it isn't a blanket fix, and it isn't the only piece of the puzzle.
Chiropractors are trained to assess spinal movement and identify areas where movement may be restricted or altered. They may use specific spinal adjustments and other approaches to support more normal movement patterns.
Research suggests that spinal manipulation can produce short-term changes in aspects of nervous system and brain activity. However, the significance of these changes, and whether they translate into broader improvements in brain health, is still being investigated.
Good healthcare isn't about assuming one approach works for everyone. If your goal is supporting your spine's movement and understanding how your musculoskeletal system may relate to your overall wellbeing, chiropractic care can be one part of that picture, alongside the everyday habits that matter just as much.
Practical ways to keep your spine moving between visits
You don't need to be under regular care to support spinal movement. Some simple habits that may help include:
Staying generally active, rather than sedentary for long stretches
Trying yoga or other gentle stretching practices
Mixing up your movement patterns rather than repeating the same posture all day
Taking regular breaks if you sit for long periods at a desk
Small amounts of movement throughout the day can be a useful way to avoid spending long periods in the same position.
When to seek other care
If you're experiencing persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or any symptoms that concern you, it's worth speaking with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional first, rather than assuming spinal care is the right starting point.
Chiropractic care isn't appropriate for every situation, and if another provider is better placed to help, we'll always be honest about that.
Your spine and brain: an interesting connection worth understanding
Spinal movement is one small but genuinely interesting piece of the broader picture of brain health, alongside sleep, exercise, nutrition, and everything else that goes into looking after yourself.
If you're curious about how your own spine is moving, we're always happy to have that conversation at your next visit. If you're in Canberra and would like to better understand your spinal movement and musculoskeletal health, our team at Capital Chiropractic Centre in Braddon is happy to help, no pressure, just a chance to understand your body a little better.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be professional advice of any kind. We encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your own research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Source material adapted from "Keep Your Spine Moving," © Haavik Research 2021