Nervous System Physiology

Virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body is controlled and regulated by your nervous system. And while the complex chemical and electrical nature of this vast network is best left to others, here are four key things you should know:

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Efferent Communications

Nerve impulses are sent from the brain out to the organs and tissues of your body.

Afferent Communications

Nerve impulses are sent back to the brain to make sure everything is working correctly.

Compressive Lesions

If spinal vertebrae pinch or choke nerve tissue, signals going from or to the affected organ or tissue can be diminished. (i.e., constipation.)

Facilitative Lesions

If spinal vertebrae chafe or irritate nerve tissue, signals going from or to the affected organ or tissue can be excited. (i.e., diarrhea.)

The nervous system is vulnerable where delicate nerve tissue comes into proximity with the moving bones of your spine. That’s why we're interested in your spine!


Dr. V Asks some important questions of interest to Pittsburgh residents - Chiropractor Pittsburgh Dr. V Asks...

What can a chiropractor do for asthma?
Many people think of chiropractic as exclusively dealing with the spine. But I'm interested in the spine because it covers the nervous system. Problems in the spine can produce problems in the organs and tissues controlled by the affected nerves—including those to the lungs and bronchial tubes. Find out how chiropractic care has helped those with asthma.
Are aches and pains good or bad?
While aches or pains may be unpleasant, they're merely warning signs. As a Pittsburgh chiropractor, I see this all the time. The pain is not the problem! It just means a limitation has been reached and something needs to change. That's when we get to work correcting the underlying cause.