How far to bend over to lift those grocery bags out of your car's trunk? How much muscle force is necessary to pick up and carry your five-year-old child? What specific muscles are needed to maintain your "downward dog" position for 30 seconds in yoga class? How far can your back muscles stretch when you do a back bend at the ballet bar? These are the problems your spinal IQ tries to solve.
Spinal IQ is an inborn ability. Our bodies were designed for the rigors of physical work - they are very smart and very adaptable. One of our built-in control systems is the specialized set of nerve endings known as proprioceptors.
Proprioception is our internal awareness of position in three-dimensional space. This three-dimensional positioning allows us to keep our balance when we walk or run. Proprioception tells our muscles and joints how to work together to throw a baseball from third to first, to drive to the basketball hoop and sink a lay-up, or to hit a tennis ball to the corner of the opponent's service box and win the point.
Proprioception is very important in spinal IQ. The spine is a complex system of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments - a smart proprioception system helps all the parts work together smoothly and seamlessly.
To keep all the parts functioning we need to take an active role. In modern society, if we're not proactive, it's easy for our bodies to break down. Two key strategies for maintaining high levels of spinal IQ are regular strenuous exercise and regular chiropractic check-ups.
Exercise helps our bodies stay smart. When we exercise our joints are mechanically stressed and challenged throughout their complete ranges of motion. This activity stimulates proprioceptors - training them to do their job well and building new and stronger connections between nerve cells. Exercise also builds muscle strength and flexibility, and in the process the muscles are getting smarter, too.
Chiropractic care enhances the benefits of your exercise program by helping ensure optimal functioning of your spine and nerve system. With regular chiropractic care, your proprioceptive system is optimized and your body's ability to adapt to physical challenges is restored.
Dr. Craig’s Comments:
Proprioception, aka you spinal IQ, is one of those things that has always intrigued me. So much so, that I continued to do extensive research on the subject even after I graduated. I found out that abnormal proprioception is connected to: decreased athletic performance, lack of coordination and poor balance, loss of strength and flexibility as one ages, slips and falls, onset of organ and gland disease, even poor mental clarity and mood disorders. Guess what the key player in determining quality of proprioception is – your posture! Posture is directly connected to proprioception. Therefore, normal and healthy posture is absolutely essential to a body that can function well now and in the future. Is your posture normal? If not, now is the time to fix it. Your health and your future depend on it!!!
Proprioception, aka you spinal IQ, is one of those things that has always intrigued me. So much so, that I continued to do extensive research on the subject even after I graduated. I found out that abnormal proprioception is connected to: decreased athletic performance, lack of coordination and poor balance, loss of strength and flexibility as one ages, slips and falls, onset of organ and gland disease, even poor mental clarity and mood disorders. Guess what the key player in determining quality of proprioception is – your posture! Posture is directly connected to proprioception. Therefore, normal and healthy posture is absolutely essential to a body that can function well now and in the future. Is your posture normal? If not, now is the time to fix it. Your health and your future depend on it!!!
“Posture affects and moderates every physiological function from breathing
to hormone production. To live a long, active, energetic life, few things matter
more than good posture.”
The American Journal of Pain Management, 1994
to hormone production. To live a long, active, energetic life, few things matter
more than good posture.”
The American Journal of Pain Management, 1994
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