Sustaining a Healthy Brain

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.

Normal Brain Blood Flow

The brain and the brainstem require a constant delivery of nutrients and oxygen from blood vessels that travel through the neck. The main two blood vessels that send blood to the brain are the vertebral artery and the carotid artery. The vertebral artery travels up through the outer portion of bones in the neck and through the atlas bone, which is the top bone of the spine. The carotid artery travels deep in the neck and passes directly in front of the atlas bone.

Blood that travels to the brain also has to leave the brain effectively. The largest blood vessel that drains the brain is the internal jugular vein. The internal jugular vein also passes directly in front of the atlas bone on its way down the neck. 

Normal CSF Flow

The brain is surrounded by a protective fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid plays and important role in brain function and brain protection. This CSF provides protection from shock such as falls and head injuries. The CSF is also responsible for delivering nutrients to the brain from the bloodstream. Not only does it provide nutrients, but it plays a major role in clearing out waste between the nerve cells of the brain. 

The cerebrospinal fluid is produced deep inside the brain in an area called the ventricles. Once the fluid is made, it is transported down the center of the spinal cord and out of the ventricles at the brainstem. As it exits the ventricles, the CSF surrounds the brain and the outside of the spinal cord. It collects in structures within the skull called the dural-venous sinuses and drains via the internal jugular vein out past the atlas bone.

Turbulent Flow Patterns

The 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.

Correcting the Problem

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. 

Non-surgical restoration of the cerebrospinal fluid can be influenced through Upper Cervical Care. Upper Cervical chiropractic care is known for gentle and precise correction of the craniocervical junction. There are a number of these gentle procedures used, but the goal of this care is to restore health to the body through the stability of the upper cervical spine.

Our doctors are trained to examine the upper neck for misalignment of the craniocervical junction. The Upper Cervical procedures used to correct this misalignment do not involve forceful twisting of the neck. Instead, these gentle and calculated procedures can align the upper cervical spine, allowing for normal blood flow and CSF flow through the brain and body.

Get Help Today

Our chiropractic clinic is located in St. Petersburg, FL.  If you suffer from brain fog and and would like to see if you are a candidate for care, please call the office at (727) 677-0001. We will schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors to determine if you are a a potential candidate for this care. If you are, you and your doctor will evaluate the extent of factors involved in your case, and take a specific set of Upper Cervical images along with any other requisite images to better understand your case. If you are a candidate for care, our doctors will explain what they found, tailor a plan, and start the correction process. We care about you, we understand you want the root of the problem corrected, and we are here to help.