Brain-Body Effects of Chiropractic
You might arrive at the chiropractor’s office feeling stiff, tense, and out of alignment—and leave standing taller, moving easier, and wondering what just changed.
But what’s really happening after a chiropractic adjustment?
Let’s take a closer look at what actually happens in the body after a chiropractic adjustment—because the benefits go far beyond the audible “crack” or the momentary relief.
Hint: It’s not just your back: it’s your brain.
1. Your Brain and Body Reconnect
Your spine isn’t just a stack of bones, it’s the highway for your nervous system. When vertebrae are misaligned (what chiropractors call a ‘subluxation’), they can interfere with nerve signals, disrupting the communication between your brain and the rest of your body.
Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments change how the brain processes sensory information, particularly from the spine and limbs.
In one study, participants demonstrated measurable improvements in sensorimotor integration (how the brain interprets and responds to body signals) right after a spinal adjustment. [1][2]
✅ In short: You move better, react faster, and your brain gets clearer, more accurate data from your body.
2. Better Proprioception and Postural Control
Let’s talk about your sixth sense: proprioception: your body’s ability to sense where it is in space. It's what lets you touch your nose with your eyes closed or walk without looking at your feet.
Spinal misalignments can distort this feedback. That means your brain gets glitchy information, which can lead to poor coordination, unsteady movement, or even increased injury risk.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore accurate proprioceptive signals, giving your brain a clearer picture of your body’s position and movement. Dr. Haavik’s findings suggest this improves motor control and posture, even in healthy individuals. [3]
🎯 Real-world perk? Less clumsiness, better balance, and smoother movement.
You move more efficiently and with greater stability, often without even realizing it.
3. Muscles Relax, Coordination Levels Up
Ever feel like your muscles are permanently stuck in “clench” mode? That’s often your brain compensating for miscommunication with your body.
We found that spinal adjustments improve motor control, helping your brain better coordinate muscle activity.
💡 You might not suddenly become a yoga master, but you’ll likely notice improved posture, smoother movement, and less tension.
It’s not about strength, it’s about efficiency. Your body starts working with itself again instead of against itself. [1][2]
4. Better Sleep, Focus, and a “Strangely Good” Feeling
Many patients report sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and feeling unexpectedly calm after adjustments. It’s not just in your head (well… okay, it is, but also literally).
Chiropractic care helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a stressed “fight-or-flight” state into a more relaxed “rest-and-digest” mode. This can lead to better sleep, improved focus, and an overall sense of wellbeing.
Scientists refer to this as a neuroplastic effect: your brain adapting and reorganizing itself after a spinal adjustment. [4]
✨ Think of it as a system reboot. It’s more than short-term relief: it’s functional change!
Bonus: Some Mild Soreness? Totally Normal.
Just like hitting the gym after a break, your body might feel a little sore as it adapts. That’s normal—and usually fades within 24–48 hours.
Drink water. Move gently. Rest as needed. Your body’s learning new tricks.
The Bottom Line
Chiropractic care doesn’t just affect the spine: it impacts how the brain controls the body. Thanks to researchers like Dr. Heidi Haavik, we now have growing evidence of adjustments effects:
Improved brain-body communication
Enhanced proprioception (a.k.a better balance + coordination) and postural control
Better muscle control and relaxation
Better sleep, reduced stress, and improved focus
Helps regulate the nervous system
Chiropractic isn’t just about reducing pain: it’s about helping the brain perceive and respond to the body more accurately.
So, next time you leave your chiropractor’s office feeling clearer, lighter, and more balanced—it’s not just in your head. It’s neuroscience.
References
[1]Haavik H, Murphy B. Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012;22(5):768-776.
[2]Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), 768–776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.02.012
[3]Haavik H, Murphy B. Subclinical neck pain and the effects of cervical spine manipulation on elbow joint position sense. JMPT. 2011;34(2):88-97.
[4]Haavik, H., Niazi, I. K., Amjad, I., Kumari, N., Ghani, U., Ashfaque, M., Rashid, U., Navid, M. S., Kamavuako, E. N., Pujari, A. N., & Holt, K. (2024b). Neuroplastic responses to Chiropractic care: Broad impacts on pain, mood, sleep, and quality of life. Brain Sciences, 14(11), 1124. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111124
Haavik, H. The Reality Check: A Quest to Understand Chiropractic from the Inside Out. 2014.