Good posture is a sign of many things; one of those things is a well-functioning brain. The body and central nervous system are connected. Your posture results from a developed proprioception, balance, coordination, and muscle function.
Proprioception (or kinesthesia) is our perception of our body’s position and movement. The term “proprioception” was coined by neuropsychologist C.S. Sherrington, the combined Latin word for “one’s own” and reception. Meaning paying attention to ourselves.
If you think about it, you know exactly where every part of your body is. You know if your knees bend straight or not. You can close your eyes and touch your nose. This is because your proprioceptive sense lets you know where your body parts are.
These sensations are signals of sensory receptors within your muscle, skin, and joints. Proprioception helps us be aware of our own limbs in relation to external objects, control our movements, and keep our bodies properly aligned.
Proprioception benefits our bodies in numerous ways, from improving reaction time and speed to preventing injuries and improving balance. It’s even been linked to reducing stress and being able to pay closer attention to things.
Our proprioception worsens as we age, thus the higher risk for injury and falls resulting from things like twisted ankles or displaced hips. Diseases like Parkinson’s can also affect your proprioception.
Balance is directly linked to proprioception. It’s impossible to balance yourself without the ability. That and proper posture require this ability and focus. That’s why focusing on the issue of poor proprioception is going to generate more positive results.
We may not realize how often we use our balance because it’s a part of our everyday life. People who have poor balance can find the simplest movements difficult to perform. If you want coordination of good posture, it’s vital to maintain good balance.
There are many different ways to improve your balance. For example, Yoga is a great way to get low-impact exercise while improving balance and coordination. Try yoga-based balance poses like the single-leg Tree Pose.
It’s common for us to breathe with short, shallow breaths. But when we become more aware of our breathing habits, we can focus on taking slow deep long breaths. Breathing deeply and filling our lungs with air is directly related to posture.
Deep breathing has been linked to decreasing stress, improving posture, increasing cognitive function, and decreasing pain levels, all while boosting your energy.
Research has often shown that chiropractic adjustments focus on lower back or neck pain and musculoskeletal problems. While still associated with chiropractors, that’s no longer just the case. More and more evidence shows that adjustments can transform the structure and function of the nervous system and brain.
Regular chiropractic adjustments can improve proprioception, posture, balance, and coordination.
Posture is a direct indication of brain functionality. Correcting the linked problems o proprioception and proper posture will lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Degenerative joint disease is also known as osteoarthritis. Bony spurs can develop as the spine degenerates. This happens when the cartilage becomes rough and worn out, causing the joints to rub against each other, creating inflammation, pain, stiffness, loss of motion and ultimately the formation of bone spurs.
The fluid lubricant may become thin and the joint lining swollen and inflamed. This is the most common form of arthritis, the most frequently disabling, and often the most painful. Avoiding and stopping any progression of spinal degenerative change is a primary goal of chiropractic care. All anatomical joints can be affected, commonly weight bearing joints (hips and knees) as well as hands, elbows, knees and feet.
Contact us today to learn about Atlas Brain and Body and the many conditions we treat. 828-253-0700
Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist
Atlas Brain and Body
(828) 253-0700
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Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back and neck pain. Simply put, it is the weakening of one or more of the discs that serve as a cushion between the vertebrae. This condition can develop over time as a part of the aging process, improper self-care, or as a result of injury.
From either wear and tear or injury, small tears compromise the disc wall causing dysfunction and pain. Scar tissue develops as a part of the healing process, but remains as a weakened area of the disc wall. This weakening promotes instability of the spine, and repeated instances, if not treated, can lead to debility and/or disability.
Depending upon the severity and advancement of the disc degeneration, it can be treated with instrument-based chiropractic or Atlas Orthogonal. We offer the non-surgical alternative of spinal disc decompression as well as laser and infrared light therapy.
Contact us today to learn about Atlas Brain and Body and the many conditions we treat. 828-253-0700
Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist
Atlas Brain and Body
(828) 253-0700
Follow me on Facebook
