Receptor-Based Healing: How Chiropractor Neurology Enhances Proprioception & Whole-Body Health in Nevada City CA

As chiropractic neurologists, we understand that the human body is not merely a collection of muscles and bones—it is a finely tuned network of sensory receptors constantly interacting with the world. At the core of our work lies a profound truth: we are receptor-based beings. Everything from how we move, to how we perceive reality, to how we heal, is driven by how our nervous system processes sensory input. To learn more, please contact our Nevada City CA chiropractic clinic today!

Understanding Proprioception: The Foundation of Self-Awareness in Space

Proprioception is our brain’s ability to sense the position, movement, and orientation of our body in three-dimensional space. Often referred to as the "sixth sense," proprioception is what allows us to walk without looking at our feet, touch our nose with our eyes closed, or maintain balance on uneven ground. This sense is mediated by receptors in the muscles, joints, fascia, and vestibular system that constantly feed information to the brain (Proske & Gandevia, 2012).

When proprioceptive input becomes distorted—due to trauma, inflammation, neurological injury, or disuse—the brain’s internal map of the body degrades. This can lead to poor motor control, balance problems, joint instability, pain, and systemic dysfunction (Han et al., 2016).

Chiropractic Neurology: Stimulating the Brain Through Receptors

Chiropractic neurology offers a receptor-based, non-invasive approach to recalibrating this internal body map. Unlike traditional structural chiropractic, which emphasizes alignment, chiropractic neurology engages specific neurological pathways using receptor stimulation—through chiropractic adjustments, eye movement therapy, balance training, sensory integration, and vestibular exercises (Haavik & Murphy, 2012).

By targeting dysfunctional or underactive circuits, these interventions enhance central integration of sensory input, improving proprioceptive resolution and brain-body communication (Lelic et al., 2016). Studies have shown that spinal manipulation can induce changes in sensorimotor integration and even increase cortical excitability—indicating a neuroplastic effect on proprioceptive pathways (Haavik et al., 2017).

The Ripple Effects of Enhanced Proprioception In Nevada City CA

When proprioception is optimized, the effects ripple outward:

• Improved Motor Coordination: Accurate proprioceptive feedback leads to more efficient motor planning, smoother movement, and fewer injuries. Research shows that even a single session of spinal manipulation can alter motor control and improve reaction times (Haavik & Murphy, 2011).
• Better Immune Function: The brain and immune system are interconnected via the vagus nerve and neuroimmune pathways. Proprioceptive input can influence autonomic tone, which modulates inflammatory responses and cytokine activity (Tracey, 2002; Pavlov & Tracey, 2012).
• Enhanced Sensory Accuracy: A disorganized sensory map can result in central sensitization or altered perception of touch and pain. By restoring accurate input, the brain reduces maladaptive responses and improves sensory discrimination (Nijs et al., 2012).
• Greater Overall Health: A nervous system that accurately senses and interprets the body’s position in space is more adaptable, efficient, and resilient. This translates to improved posture, gait, pain regulation, and cognitive function (Leone et al., 2022).

Seeing the Body as a Feedback System

Ultimately, the body is a dynamic, self-regulating feedback system. Every receptor, from joint mechanoreceptors to inner ear hair cells, is sending critical information to the brain. Our role as chiropractic neurologists is to optimize that input—to sharpen the brain’s map of the body and improve the integration of all sensory information.

When the brain knows where the body is, it knows how to heal, move, defend, and thrive. Chiropractic neurology doesn’t just help people feel better—it helps them become more accurate, resilient versions of themselves, neurologically and physiologically.

References

• Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2011). Subclinical neck pain and the effects of cervical manipulation on elbow joint position sense. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(2), 88-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.12.006
• 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
• Haavik, H., Niazi, I. K., Jochumsen, M., Sherwin, D., Flavel, S., Türker, K. S., & Türker, K. S. (2017). Impact of spinal manipulation on cortical drive to upper and lower limb muscles. Brain Sciences, 7(2), 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci7020012
• Han, J., Waddington, G., Adams, R., Anson, J., & Liu, Y. (2016). Assessing proprioception: A critical review of methods. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 5(1), 80-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2014.10.004
• Leone, C., Feys, P., Moumdjian, L., D’Amico, E., Zappia, M., Patti, F., & Prosperini, L. (2022). Proprioceptive disturbances in multiple sclerosis: Clinical and neurophysiological assessment. Neurophysiologie Clinique, 52(2), 111-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neucli.2021.10.003
• Lelic, D., Niazi, I. K., Holt, K., Jochumsen, M., Dremstrup, K., Yielder, P., ... & Haavik, H. (2016). Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the prefrontal cortex: A brain source localization study. Neural Plasticity, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3704964
• Nijs, J., Van Houdenhove, B., Oostendorp, R. A. B. (2012). Recognition and treatment of central sensitization in chronic pain patients: Not limited to specialized care. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 18(4), 286–291. https://doi.org/10.1179/106698110X12804993427045
• Pavlov, V. A., & Tracey, K. J. (2012). The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex—linking immunity and metabolism. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 8(12), 743–754. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2012.189
• Proske, U., & Gandevia, S. C. (2012). The proprioceptive senses: Their roles in signaling body shape, body position and movement, and muscle force. Physiological Reviews, 92(4), 1651–1697. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00048.2011
• Tracey, K. J. (2002). The inflammatory reflex. Nature, 420(6917), 853–859. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01321