Our brain sits inside of our skull… we all know that. What hangs out between the brain and the bone of the skull is what we are going to dive into today. Inside the skull is something called Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and we are continually learning more and more about the importance of having the CSF flow around our brain be optimal.
This CSF plays a vital role in the normal function of the body, both for the health of the brain and the body systems as a whole. As the CSF flows around the brain and spinal cord,
it flushes out “junk” that accumulates via the glymphatic system.(1) This plays a vital role in many areas of our every day health, including parts such as the immune system functioning normally (2) and recovery after a traumatic brain injury.
The affect of the Atlas Displacement Complex (ADC) on proper CSF (Cerebro-Spinal Fluid) flow, and the long-term, systemic affects when it is obstructed is an important factor for the health of the person, regardless of age.
Many neurological disorders are being linked to altered craniospinal hydrodynamics A few examples include: Traumatic Brain Injury leading to Post Concussion Syndrome (3), neuro-degenerative processes such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (4), and many other neurological disorders such as Migraines. (5)
A new study is being published this week that shows a link between improper CSF flow in infants and a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This finding is significant and offers great potential and hope for helping those on the spectrum "reestablish/restore" more optimal CSF circulation, which may improve neurodevelopment. (6)
(We will be sharing more information about this, its implications, and what parents need to know in the coming weeks.)
A structural shift in the cervical spine is typically the result of an accident, injury or trauma such as concussion or fall. The atlas is the top bone in the neck that the head sits on. When the brain stem leaves the skull, the spinal cord goes straight through it to the rest of the body. When a person is living with Atlas Displacement Complex (ADC), it is like the plumbing system (CSF) of the brain is backed up.
The atlas is compressing the blood vessels of the head and neck, and all of the waste products are getting pushed back up because the plumbing isn’t draining correctly…. and the brain does NOT like having that waste. Why? This waste accumulation leads to, toxicity, congestion, brain inflammation and many other secondary conditions.
This is why we stress the importance of checking for the presence of ADC by a structural chiropractor who focuses on the Cranio Cervical Junction. (Upper Cervical Spine). At Precision Chiropractic our focus is structural correction with a primary focus on the cranio cervical junction. If you or someone you know believes this could be an underlying issue with your current health challenges call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Normal Structure --> Optimal Function
(1) Neuroimmunology: Uncovering the secrets of the 'brain drain'--the CNS lymphatic system is finally revealed.
Nat Rev Neurol. 2015 Jul;11(7):367. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2015.105. Epub 2015 Jun 23. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrneurol.2015.105
(2) Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatics Antoine Louveau, Igor Smirnov, Timothy J. Keyes, Jacob D. Eccles, Sherin J. Rouhani, J. David Peske, Noel C. Derecki, David Castle, James W. Mandell, S. Lee Kevin, Tajie H. Harris, Jonathan Kipnis Nature. 2015 Jul 16; 523(7560): 337–341.
(3) MRI Evidence for Altered Venous Drainage and Intracranial Compliance in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Pomschar A, Koerte I, Lee S, Laubender RP, Straube A, et al. (2013) PLoS ONE 8(2): e55447. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0055447 http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055447
(4) “Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis,” P. Zamboni, R. Galeotti, E. Menegatti et al., Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, vol. 80,no. 4, pp. 392–399, 2009. http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/80/4/392
(5) “Altered cerebrovenous drainage in patients with migraine as assessed by phasecontrastmagnetic resonance imaging,” I. K. Koerte, C. J. Schankin, S. Immler et al., Investigative Radiology, vol. 46, no. 7, pp. 434–440, 2011. https://miami.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/altered-cerebrovenous-drainage-in-patients-with-migraine-as-asses
(6) Early brain enlargement and elevated extra-axial fluid in infants who develop autism spectrum disorder Mark D. Shen,1 Christine W. Nordahl,1 Gregory S. Young,1 Sandra L. Wootton-Gorges,2 Aaron Lee,1 Sarah E. Liston,1 Kayla R. Harrington,1 Sally Ozonoff1 and David G. Amaral Brain: Journal of Neurology 2013: 136; 2825–2835 Link to Article