What is NEUROPLASTICITY?
According to the Oxford dictionary, neuroplasticity is defined as: the ability of the brain to develop new neurons and/or new synapses in response to stimulation and learning. Structural plasticity and functional plasticity are the two main types of neuroplasticity. Structural deals with actual structural change to the brain through learning, whereas functional deals with the brain’s ability to delegate new functions to different parts of the brain depending on damaged and undamaged areas.
The brain is an integral part of the nervous system. Along with the spinal cord, the brain and spinal cord work to promote proper function and healing within the body, as its main objective is survival. God created our bodies so specifically, that even individual cells on the most basic level have a specific job they aim to accomplish. These individual pieces and systems in our bodies are controlled by the nervous system.
How important are my thoughts?
Because of neuroplasticity, (our body’s ability to remember past experiences) it’s important to be intentional with what we give our brain to remember and what we decide to teach it. Originally when neuroplasticity was first being studied, it was thought there was a certain age when the brain could no longer change or learn new things. As this idea continued to be investigated, it was discovered there is in fact no age where our brains stop adapting and changing. This is hopeful, meaning we can always make a change for the better, supporting our brains with healthy patterns and optimal function. It is good to note that even though the brain does remember, the longer a certain pattern is established, (habit) the harder it will be to reverse that pattern and restore proper function.
What can I do to make my brain healthier?
There are many ways to support your brain and brain health. A few examples are through a healthy gut due to the gut-brain connection, proper supplementation, proper sleep hygiene and a low toxic load. As a Chiropractor, my goal is to support and help your nervous system to do the following: adapt to stress, properly heal and function, and promote healthy brain patterns (or neuroplasticity). Through specific adjustments, we can affect the brain and spinal cord while relieving stress and dysfunction in your musculoskeletal system.
–Dr. Sophie Mills, D.C.
References
“Improving Neuroplasticity Through Chiropractic Adjustments.” Chiropractic BioPhysics, IdealSpine, 31 Oct. 2017, idealspine.com/improving-neuroplasticity-through-chiropractic-adjustments/.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886