Is Chiropractic Safe and Beneficial After Spinal Surgery? A Neurological Perspective

The episode addresses the common question of chiropractic safety after spinal surgery, challenging the misconception that chiropractic is solely about "twisting and popping." Dr. Ekberg explains that the true mechanism of chiropractic involves influencing the brain's regulatory system by providing sensory feedback from muscles and joints. Misalignments or lack of movement are attributed to the brain not sending correct signals, often due to insufficient or confused sensory input.

The brain, being "blind," relies entirely on billions of bits of information received from the body to form a "true picture of the world" and regulate function. Movement of joints and muscles provides approximately 90% of this crucial information. When spinal surgery involves fusing segments, the motion that previously generated these vital signals is lost, leading to a "starving" brain and potential atrophy or degeneration in brain areas deprived of stimulation.

Dr. Ekberg clarifies that even with fused joints, chiropractic remains not only safe but "more important than ever." The goal is not to move the fused bone, but to activate receptors in the surrounding tissues and muscles, thereby generating signals that stimulate the brain. He recommends seeking chiropractors who understand the neurological basis of adjustments and utilize gentle methods like Activator or ArthroStim, rather than those focused on forceful manipulation of fused segments.

The broader context highlights the "triad of health"—chemical, structural, and emotional aspects—all influencing signal processing to the brain. Beyond structural adjustments, proper nutrition, detoxification, relaxation, and emotional well-being are crucial for optimal brain function. The episode underscores the profound impact of sensory input on brain health and the body's overall regulatory capacity, positioning chiropractic as a vital tool for maintaining neurological integrity, especially in post-surgical patients.

"chiropractic is not about twisting and popping and cracking the spine that is not the mechanism by which chiropractic works"

"the brain controls everything in the body but it can only do that based on feedback because the brain is essentially blind"

"all the brain knows is based on the signals the billions of bits of information that the brain receives that paints a picture for the brain"

"the human body mind is chemical structural and emotional"

"movement of the joint the movement attention and movement of a muscle these receptors from joints and muscles provide about 90% of all the information that gets to the brain"

"if we don't send it a certain amount of signals then it's going to atrophy"

"when you have spinal surgery you are typically going to fuse one or more segments together... and the motion that used to generate signals for the brain is no longer there so now the brain is suffering"

"not only is chiropractic safe but it is more important than ever because there's less movement in the spine there is less stimulation from the brain and the brain is starving"

"find someone who can use a gentle adjusting method like activator or arthri stem or some other tools some other adjusting tool"