Cerebral Spinal Fluid Flow

When we think of the central nervous system, it is usually associated with the spine and the brain, which make up the main functions of this system. However, another important part that is often ignored is cerebral spinal fluid or CSF, which is the fluid that cushions the brain within the skull. As more research is done on this fluid, we are learning that it has a big impact on the body’s functions and that the flow of this fluid is one of its most important components. At Experience Family Chiropractic, our focus on upper cervical chiropractic care can have a positive impact on your CSF flow and overall health.

Why CSF Is Important

We have long understood CSF to be there as a way of protecting your brain from the skull and any damage that may occur. Brain tissue may deform as a result of its own weight without the buoyancy provided by this fluid. It is also an immunological barrier, offering protection to the brain as it transfers nutrients, as well as metabolic waste.

More neurological disorders are now being linked to issues with the presence and flow of cerebral spinal fluid, including Post-Concussion Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, and migraines. In addition to these related ailments, there is also Atlas Displacement Complex (ADC), which can affect flow and cause other health issues. In ADC, the atlas compresses blood vessels in the head and neck, pushing waste products back upward, as if your pipes were clogged. The accumulation of waste near the brain can cause toxicity, brain inflammation, and other health issues.

Impaired CSF Flow

When something happens to interrupt the flow of CSF, the proper exchange of nutrients and waste that your body relies on is inhibited. This can be caused by any misalignments in the spine, due to traumatic injury or a sedentary lifestyle. Our bodies are designed to produce about one cup of CSF every day to replace what is absorbed throughout normal functioning. When flow is interrupted, you may produce too much extra CSF, which can cause a buildup of fluid in the brain.

When the transmission of this fluid is impaired, there can be a disruption of neurotransmitters, leading to a lack of blood flow around the brain or impacted brain function. To prevent this from occurring, upper cervical chiropractic care is an important intervention.

Improving CSF with Chiropractic Care

Because one of the ways CSF flow is affected is by injuries or misalignments in the spine, it is important to address those and prevent any serious issues from occurring. An upper cervical chiropractic adjustment can increase CSF flow quickly, helping to restore healthy flow and bodily function.

Sources

Louveau, A., Smirnov, I., Keyes, T.J., Eccles, J.D., Rouhani, S.J., Peske, J.D., Derecki, N.C., Castle, D., Mandell, J.W., Lee, K.S., Harris, T.H., Kipnis, J. “Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatics.” Nature, 2015 Jul 16; 523(7560): 337-341.

Koerte, I.K., Schankin, C.J., Immler, S., Lee, S., Laubender, R.P., Grosse, C., Eftimov, L., Milde-Busche, A., Resier, M., Straube, A., Heinen, F., Alperin, N., Ertl-Wagner, B. “Altered cerebrovenous drainage in patients with migraine as assessed by phasecontrastmagnetic resonance imaging.” Investigative Radiology, 2011 Jul 1; 46 (7): 434-440.