A receptor is a nerve cell that receives specific sensory information into the nervous system. Afferentation is the process of stimulating receptors of a specific type from the peripheral nervous system into the brain. Information from vision, hearing, taste, temperature and touch make up the primary classes of nerve receptors that travel through various afferent pathways to the brain. All five classifications have interactions with the others, yet the one that has the greatest influence on the others as well as overall brain function is the touch receptor. This is because it is stimulated by the only constant environmental stress, GRAVITY.

Realize a child cannot develop its brain till it can lift its head to resist the earth's gravitational fields and experience their environment. Changes in behavior and emotional status often coincide with postural mechanisms. It is common in post-whiplash patients to have symptoms of "brain fog". Difficulty with concentration, short-term memory loss and increased anxiety when confronted with stress are common findings with this condition. When's the last time you've seen someone depressed with a good curve in their neck?

Proper spinal biomechanics consist of three curves in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions along with the tilt of the sacrum.. The various muscle groups of the body have to interact in concert in order to function properly. The cerebellum is that part of the brain that controls balance, posture and coordination of muscular movements. It specifically activates the deep postural muscles of the spine that stabilize the curves in the neck and lower back. Nerve receptors called mechanoreceptors are found in spinal joints. Their function is to convey afferent information about muscle tone, coordination and balance into the brain. If these afferent pathways are not functioning to their potential, imbalances can occur in muscle function to the extent that various sprains and strains occur from repetitive movements.

Mechanoreceptors also function to stimulate various afferent pathways to the brain to naturally inhibit pain sensations. Most prescription and over the counter pain medications work by inhibiting chemical pathways at the nerve receptor site. The science behind chiropractic is adjustments stimulate joint function to effect nerve receptor afferent pathways into the brain to naturally suppress pain reflexes. Contraindications to chiropractic care are minimal compared to side effects from drugs and surgery

Afferent pathways from primary sensations also have profound effects on internal organ function largely through changes of vascular tone. Improved function in the nervous system through chiropractic care has shown to improve many symptoms such as allergies, menstrual cramps and digestive problems

Perception of pain is actually a very small aspect of brain function. An area the size of your index finger is dedicated to pain. Pain is an emotional response, cannot be quantified and can vary from one person to the next with the same sensation. Often patients may not even have pain, but present with symptoms of dizziness due to changes in afferent responses into the cerebellum

Research has shown with geriatric patients, compared to those in the same age group that have been going for chiropractic care, 20% shorter hospital stays and 25% less use of prescription drugs. In my 12 years of clinical practice, I have found it is rare for a new patient in their 70's to come in without some curve in their neck. What this shows is that most people without curves in their neck have already passed on having succumbed to some disease process. As we enter the new millenium, take time to evaluate where you are and where you want to go with your personal health status. Brain function is dependent on afferent pathways. We know that music and color can change the way you feel. Likewise, a properly functioning spine will increase the probability of improving quality as well as quantity of your life.