SLEEP POSTURE AFFECTS SPINAL AND BRAIN HEALTH - NEW RESEARCH PROVIDES FURTHER EVIDENCE OF CHIROPRACTIC BENEFITS
Good sleeping posture may be more important for overall health than previously thought, according to the New Zealand
Chiropractors’ Association (NZCA).
New research published[1] in the Journal of Neuroscience earlier this month, shows that body posture may affect the efficiency of the brain and spinal system’s waste clearance.
The research suggests that sleeping on your side may be better for your brain and the health of your spine.
Using fluorescence microscopy and radioactive tracing, researchers from the University of Virginia reported the
identification of lymphatic vessels in the central nervous system. Until recently, the brain and spinal cord have been thought to lack lymphatic vessels, as they’d never been found. The
researchers showed that drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid worked best in mice lying on their sides compared to those lying on their back or standing up.
Speaking on World Spine Day, chiropractor and NZCA spokesman Dr Hayden Thomas explains: `Building on a base of
neuroscience research this work provides further insight into how our complex brain and spinal system works and how
chiropractic care through various mechanisms can help spinal and overall health. We now know that the lymphatic system
extends into the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord. We’re only just beginning to understand the
importance of sleep to brain health but there is evidence that it is critical for memory consolidation. While these studies were performed in mice, similar lymphatic vessels are very likely present in the human brain and
spinal cord, but of course further research will be needed.
`The focus of chiropractic care is on the health and integrity of the nervous system. The spinal cord is part of the
central nervous system and we now know that it processes information just like parts of the brain do[2] and the latest New Zealand research into the effects of chiropractic care suggests that we may have an important role
to play in maximising performance and aiding recovery from a range of conditions where muscle function has been
compromised.’
Earlier this year, the New Zealand College of Chiropractic Centre for Chiropractic Research published a study in the
journal Experimental Brain Research[3], which suggests that full spine chiropractic care can significantly improve brain-body communication and coordination.
Dr Thomas adds: `We know that good posture is a key part of maintaining good spinal health, so we want to encourage New
Zealanders to visit their chiropractor and make sure that everything is aligned and moving the way it should be. Your
NZCA chiropractor will be able to advise you on ways to improve your posture and ensure you have a healthier spine. A
healthier spine is a key for overall health and wellbeing.’
Each year World Spine Day is observed to encourage spinal health by disseminating information on good spinal health
habits. The NZCA runs the Straighten Up New Zealand online resource www.straightenup.org.nz, which provides information for adults, children and healthcare professionals on ways to keep active and maintain
spinal health by using the Just Start Walking and Straighten Up programmes.
Dr Hayden Thomas explains: ‘The NZCA recommends having every member of the family checked by a chiropractor because a
healthy spine and nerve system are vital parts of a healthy life. Alongside professional care, doing the three-minute
set of simple exercises recommended by Straighten Up New Zealand (SUNZ) every day will also help to improve posture,
stabilise core muscle groups, enhance health and prevent spinal disability. It is important to encourage family members
and colleagues to stand or sit upright and to take frequent breaks to walk around and stretch if they have been sitting
down for a while. This activity will also help prevent muscles getting tight and strained, joints from stiffening,
cerebrospinal fluid from pooling and nerves from fatiguing.’
SUNZ is a simple, engaging spinal exercise programme, designed to promote spinal health. The Straighten Up campaign was
originally developed in the US and is now being adopted by countries all over the world. The NZCA has produced brochures
and posters, and developed a website to support the campaign. Remember that is always advisable to have any pain that is
severe or not improving checked out promptly by your NZCA member chiropractor.
For more information on the Straighten Up campaign, visit www.straightenup.org.nz. Further details on the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association can be found atwww.chiropractic.org.nz.
ENDS