Meet the Cerebellum & Learn How to Test Your Brain

At Better Body Solutions we utilize the newest advances in functional medicine, chiropractic and chiropractic neurology. Chiropractic neurology is a relatively new science that deals with diagnosing functional problems within the brain and nervous system. Medical neurology is more oriented to disease. Chiropractic neurology was originally developed due to advances in brain science – particularly the understanding that the brain is capable of rewiring itself (plastic) .

Since many of our patients have pain disorders of spinal origin like disc bulges, herniation, arthritis or stenosis, we often work to improve the function of the part of the brain that plays a major role in balance, muscle tone and posture. I mentioned in the last post that a general complaint that the public has regarding chiropractic is that chiropractors keep their patients coming in too long. Treating the cerebellum has been my “secret weapon” in getting fast, long lasting results.

We check the cerebellar function of virtually every patient who seeks our care and find functional problems a little over 50% of the time. In general, the cerebellum takes sensory information from your muscles and joints and integrates that barrage of information to help you stand up straight and move smoothly with proper muscle tone. Cerebellar problems can cause abnormal posture, balance and muscle tone and that’s why they interest to us.

For instance, if you have chronic pain and no doctor can help you, or your symptoms return again and again, it may because your cerebellum isn’t working as well as it should. If your cerebellum doesn’t maintain normal muscle tone and one side of your spinal muscles are tighter than the other side, you are more susceptible to disc injury and re-injury. Aside from chiropractic neurologists, I don’t know of anyone else treating functional problems of the cerebellum as they relate to back pain.

To test the health and function of your cerebellum perform the following tests with a partner.

1. Close your eyes - Do you sway? If so, how much?

2. With your eyes closed, raise your arms equally high to about the height of the shoulder. Is one arm higher than the other?

3. With your eyes closed and your arms outstretched, try touching one pinky to the tip of your nose. Was the movement smooth and accurate? Was it the same from side to side?

You may recognize similarities between these tests and sobriety tests delivered roadside by policemen. Alcohol greatly interferes with normal cerebellar function leading to a lack of coordination and balance.

Take Away: If your cerebellum isn’t working properly on each side, it can lead to chronic pain disorders and balance problems. Like the rest of the brain, the cerebellum is capable of re-wiring which fortunately can improve its function; reducing pain and improving balance, muscle tone and posture.