Your Spinal IQ

Your IQ that's measured in school has to do with problem solving - mental gymnastics. Your spinal IQ also has to do with problem solving - these are "problems" of the physical kind.

How far to bend over to lift those grocery bags out of your car's trunk? How much muscle force is necessary to pick up and carry your five-year-old child? What specific muscles are needed to maintain your "downward dog" position for 30 seconds in yoga class? How far can your back muscles stretch when you do a back bend at the ballet barre? These are the problems your spinal IQ tries to solve.

Spinal IQ is an inborn ability. Our bodies were designed for the rigors of physical work - they are very smart and very adaptable. One of our built-in control systems is the specialized set of nerve endings known as proprioceptors.

Proprioception is our internal awareness of position in three-dimensional space.1,2 This three-dimensional positioning allows us to keep our balance when we walk or run. Proprioception tells our muscles and joints how to work together to throw a baseball from third to first, to drive to the basketball hoop and sink a lay-up, or to hit a tennis ball to the corner of the opponent's service box and win the point.

Proprioception is very important in spinal IQ. The spine is a complex system of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments - a smart proprioception system helps all the parts work together smoothly and seamlessly.

To keep all the parts functioning we need to take an active role. In modern society, if we're not proactive, it's easy for our bodies to break down. Two key strategies for maintaining high levels of spinal IQ are regular strenuous exercise and regular chiropractic check-ups.

Exercise helps our bodies stay smart.3 When we exercise, our joints are mechanically stressed and challenged throughout their complete ranges of motion. This activity stimulates proprioceptors - training them to do their job well and building new and stronger connections between nerve cells. Exercise also builds muscle strength and flexibility, and in the process the muscles are getting smarter, too.

Chiropractic care enhances the benefits of your exercise program by helping ensure optimal functioning of your spine and nerve system. With regular chiropractic care, your proprioceptive system is optimized and your body's ability to adapt to physical challenges is restored.

Your chiropractor will be glad to assist you in designed an exercise program that will work for you, helping you to improve your spinal IQ and your health.

1Armstrong B, et al: Head and neck position sense. Sports Med 38(2):101-117, 2008
2Chow DH, et al: Changes in spinal curvature and proprioception of schoolboys carrying different weights of backpack. Ergonomics 50(12):2148-2156, 2007
3Akuthota V, et al: Core stability exercise principles. Curr Sports Med Rep 7(1):39-44, 2008

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 AM

5:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM

5:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM

5:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM

5:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM

5:00 PM

Saturday:

By Appt.

By Appt.

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I have been going to Dr. Wearsch since 1993. During this period of time I have had issues with my lower back and sciatic nerve pain. Every visit brings relief and I am not taking pain medicine or having surgery. I am a believer in Chiropractic Medicine and will continue with this care all my life."
    Alan D.
  • "Dr. Wearsch helped me recover full range of motion in my neck after I was in a bad car accident that totaled my truck. I am grateful. Also, with the physical work I do, my back goes out sometimes, but Dr. Wearsch gets me back to work quickly. Thanks!"
    Mark M.
  • "I would not be living the life I am without chiropractic care and Dr. Greg Wearsch. I have a fusion in my neck area that I was born with. This causes headaches and life altering pain. Traditional medicine's remedy was to use pain medications and muscle relaxers. I could not live the life I wanted following their prescribed treatment. I accidentally found Dr. Greg Wearsch 15 years ago and thank The Lord I did. He has helped me live my life as pain free as possible. When my neck is misaligned he w"
    Stacy S.