Structural Chiropractic and Brain Health
Structural chiropractic is a distinct approach within the chiropractic profession that focuses specifically on the alignment and structural integrity of the spine as it relates to the function of the central nervous system. While many people associate chiropractic care primarily with pain relief, structural chiropractic operates on a broader premise: that the architecture of the spine directly influences the quality of communication between the brain and every system in the body. At the heart of this approach is a concept called structural shift — a measurable deviation of the spine away from its normal position.
These shifts, which can develop gradually over years from postural habits, repetitive stress, old injuries, or inactivity, place abnormal mechanical tension on the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. The result is interference in the nervous system's ability to send and receive clear, unimpeded signals. Because the nervous system regulates virtually every organ, tissue, and chemical process in the body, this interference is never purely local. Structural chiropractic correction involves precise, specific adjustments designed not merely to produce temporary pain relief, but to restore the spine toward its normal structural position over time — reducing neurological stress at its source rather than managing symptoms at the surface.
Loss of the proper curve (structure in the neck) decreases blood volume. Below is the research from the publication, Brain Circulation, demonstrating these effects.
These shifts, which can develop gradually over years from postural habits, repetitive stress, old injuries, or inactivity, place abnormal mechanical tension on the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. The result is interference in the nervous system's ability to send and receive clear, unimpeded signals. Because the nervous system regulates virtually every organ, tissue, and chemical process in the body, this interference is never purely local. Structural chiropractic correction involves precise, specific adjustments designed not merely to produce temporary pain relief, but to restore the spine toward its normal structural position over time — reducing neurological stress at its source rather than managing symptoms at the surface.
Loss of the proper curve (structure in the neck) decreases blood volume. Below is the research from the publication, Brain Circulation, demonstrating these effects.
Nitric Oxide and Brain Health
The brain is the most metabolically demanding organ in the body. Though it represents only about 2% of body weight, it consumes roughly 20% of your oxygen supply and demands continuous, uninterrupted blood flow to function. This is precisely why the brain is so exquisitely sensitive to the health of your vascular system — and why nitric oxide, as a primary regulator of that system, has profound implications for cognition, mood, and neurological resilience. In the brain, neuronal NOS produces nitric oxide that functions as an unconventional neurotransmitter. Unlike classical neurotransmitters that cross a synapse in one direction, NO is a gas that diffuses freely in all directions, coordinating activity across entire networks of neurons simultaneously. It plays a direct role in long-term potentiation — the synaptic strengthening process that underlies learning and memory formation — and it regulates cerebral blood flow, ensuring that the most active brain regions receive the blood supply they need moment to moment. When this signaling is disrupted, the consequences are significant: reduced cerebral perfusion is associated with cognitive decline, poor concentration, brain fog, accelerated neurodegeneration, and increased risk for conditions like dementia and stroke. Supporting the body's ability to produce and sustain adequate nitric oxide is therefore not merely a cardiovascular strategy. It is a brain health strategy.
Nitric Oxide and Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and at the root of most cardiovascular disorders lies a common pathology: atherosclerosis — the progressive hardening and narrowing of the arteries. What researchers have increasingly recognized is that this process is not simply about cholesterol or diet in isolation. It is fundamentally a disease of endothelial dysfunction — and nitric oxide sits at the center of that story. The endothelium, that single-cell-thick lining of your blood vessels, is not merely a passive barrier. It is a dynamic, metabolically active tissue that regulates virtually every aspect of vascular health. When the endothelium is functioning well, it produces sufficient NO to keep vessels pliable, prevent platelets from clumping, discourage inflammatory cells from adhering to vessel walls, and inhibit the uncontrolled growth of smooth muscle cells that leads to arterial plaque. When it is not — due to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypertension, or diabetes — NO production drops and these protective mechanisms fail simultaneously. Research consistently shows that nearly all major cardiovascular risk factors are connected to a measurable decrease in endothelial nitric oxide production, making the restoration of NO bioavailability one of the most important targets in cardiovascular health today.
The Connection: Spine, Nervous System, and Nitric Oxide
So how does the alignment of your spine relate to a gas molecule produced by your blood vessel walls? The answer lies in the intimate relationship between the nervous system and the endothelium. Endothelial NO production is not autonomous — it is regulated, in significant part, by the nervous system itself. The endothelium is richly innervated by the autonomic nervous system, and when the nervous system is operating in a state of chronic stress or imbalance, sympathetic tone dominates. This sustained sympathetic activation causes blood vessels to constrict, reduces endothelial NO production, accelerates oxidative stress, and drives the exact conditions that research links to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and impaired cerebral blood flow. Structural shifts in the cervical spine — particularly in the upper neck — are especially significant here, because this region houses the brainstem, the primary control center for autonomic regulation. When the brainstem is under mechanical stress from structural compromise, the entire regulatory apparatus it governs is affected, including the signaling pathways that produce nitric oxide. Research into chiropractic's effects on the autonomic nervous system suggests that corrective spinal adjustments can shift the body toward greater parasympathetic activity — a state associated with improved endothelial function, reduced inflammatory tone, and enhanced NO production. A spine that is structurally sound reduces mechanical stress on the neural pathways connecting the brain to the rest of the body. A nervous system freed from chronic structural tension is better able to maintain the autonomic balance that supports healthy cerebral blood flow. And healthy cerebral blood flow — mediated in large part by nitric oxide — is the foundation on which memory, clarity, and long-term neurological resilience are built.
ON-SITE DIGITAL XRAY
Meet The Doctor
Dr. Wegmann is a Doctor of Chiropractic, graduating on the Dean’s List from the world’s most prestigious chiropractic school; Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. MJ Wegmann and his wife Dr. Kallie Wegmann founded Discover Chiropractic in 2004. With just shy of 20 years in practice, there is a lot of experience with neck and headache problems.
Dr. Wegmann utilizes a contemporary, evidence-based chiropractic technique called CBP; Chiropractic Bio-Physics. CBP is the most published technique within the Index Medicus in the history of chiropractic. CBP has more published papers in peer-reviewed journals than all other techniques combined.
Spinal Correction Certification
It’s an unfortunate scientific fact that a spine out of alignment deteriorates far more rapidly than a spine in alignment. If your spine is in it’s appropriate position, it will actually experience little if any degeneration at all. Your spine was designed to work within the laws of gravity and last a very, very long time in good health. Because the spine houses your nervous system; a healthy spine = healthy muscles, organs, and even effects mood. Therefore, a spine out of alignment can do more than just hurt or develop arthritis, studies show it also leads to sickness and disease.
Using the models published in the Index Medicus of a normal, healthy spine and nervous system, Maximized Living doctors are certified in techniques designed to correct the spine or restore it back to normal. These techniques offer safe, comprehensive methods that rehabilitate the spine and associated soft tissues.
While some types of care may help you feel better, they don’t offer any real proof the spine and nervous system improved in structure and function. On the other hand, the most exciting part of the type of care our doctors provide is that you’ll not only subjectively improve, but objectively you’ll see that you’re body is actually healthier.
Maximized Living doctors certified in spinal correction utilize x-rays for diagnosing along with other types of tests like range of motion and muscle and thermal scans. This allows the doctor and patient to visualize structural improvement as well as analyze functional progress.
Through both in-office and home care programs, the techniques that are taught allow for faster correction and even some level of re-generation. To make sure the process is successful and not hard to duplicate, we offer both physical and on-line support.
There are several good techniques in Chiropractic. We believe that the best ones offer spinal correction so we’ve made sure ML doctors are trained and ready to gently, safely, and effectively help you reach your health potential.
Nutrition Certification
With growing disease rates and rising health care costs, the current state of North Americans’ health in very poor – and all experts agree that poor nutrition is one of the major causes of the crisis. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity are just a few of the hundreds of North American illnesses that have been shown to improve through better nutrition.
Maximized Living doctors are committed to teaching their patients specifically how to avoid dangers of the modern food supply. Therefore, it’s standard that each of our doctors is certified in nutrition.
The Maximized Living Nutrition Plans our doctors are trained in are helping hundreds of thousands of people reach their wellness goals. These goals include helping people reach their ideal weight and proper percentage of body fat and most importantly, find true health that is sustainable forever.
We’ve utilized thousands of resources over the past decade to pinpoint the most cutting edge, vital nutritional principles known today. More than that, our offices are “Living laboratories” that have proven what we do works to bring about the most desirable health benefits for people from every walk of life.
Maximized Living doctors attend 8 hours of continuing education each year in the field of clinical nutrition, studying the most advanced principles and current research in this field. Their training makes them natural experts in weight loss, nutritional supplementation, and hormone-based diets to optimize health.
As a patient, your doctor is prepared to identify your individual nutritional needs and recommend specific plans to address them. In conjunction with the highest level of patient care, your ML doctor will lead several seminars and workshops each year to assist you in transforming your lifestyle and nutrition habits.
Maximized Living Doctors Certified in Nutrition:
Dr. Wegmann utilizes a contemporary, evidence-based chiropractic technique called CBP; Chiropractic Bio-Physics. CBP is the most published technique within the Index Medicus in the history of chiropractic. CBP has more published papers in peer-reviewed journals than all other techniques combined.
Spinal Correction Certification
It’s an unfortunate scientific fact that a spine out of alignment deteriorates far more rapidly than a spine in alignment. If your spine is in it’s appropriate position, it will actually experience little if any degeneration at all. Your spine was designed to work within the laws of gravity and last a very, very long time in good health. Because the spine houses your nervous system; a healthy spine = healthy muscles, organs, and even effects mood. Therefore, a spine out of alignment can do more than just hurt or develop arthritis, studies show it also leads to sickness and disease.
Using the models published in the Index Medicus of a normal, healthy spine and nervous system, Maximized Living doctors are certified in techniques designed to correct the spine or restore it back to normal. These techniques offer safe, comprehensive methods that rehabilitate the spine and associated soft tissues.
While some types of care may help you feel better, they don’t offer any real proof the spine and nervous system improved in structure and function. On the other hand, the most exciting part of the type of care our doctors provide is that you’ll not only subjectively improve, but objectively you’ll see that you’re body is actually healthier.
Maximized Living doctors certified in spinal correction utilize x-rays for diagnosing along with other types of tests like range of motion and muscle and thermal scans. This allows the doctor and patient to visualize structural improvement as well as analyze functional progress.
Through both in-office and home care programs, the techniques that are taught allow for faster correction and even some level of re-generation. To make sure the process is successful and not hard to duplicate, we offer both physical and on-line support.
There are several good techniques in Chiropractic. We believe that the best ones offer spinal correction so we’ve made sure ML doctors are trained and ready to gently, safely, and effectively help you reach your health potential.
Nutrition Certification
With growing disease rates and rising health care costs, the current state of North Americans’ health in very poor – and all experts agree that poor nutrition is one of the major causes of the crisis. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity are just a few of the hundreds of North American illnesses that have been shown to improve through better nutrition.
Maximized Living doctors are committed to teaching their patients specifically how to avoid dangers of the modern food supply. Therefore, it’s standard that each of our doctors is certified in nutrition.
The Maximized Living Nutrition Plans our doctors are trained in are helping hundreds of thousands of people reach their wellness goals. These goals include helping people reach their ideal weight and proper percentage of body fat and most importantly, find true health that is sustainable forever.
We’ve utilized thousands of resources over the past decade to pinpoint the most cutting edge, vital nutritional principles known today. More than that, our offices are “Living laboratories” that have proven what we do works to bring about the most desirable health benefits for people from every walk of life.
Maximized Living doctors attend 8 hours of continuing education each year in the field of clinical nutrition, studying the most advanced principles and current research in this field. Their training makes them natural experts in weight loss, nutritional supplementation, and hormone-based diets to optimize health.
As a patient, your doctor is prepared to identify your individual nutritional needs and recommend specific plans to address them. In conjunction with the highest level of patient care, your ML doctor will lead several seminars and workshops each year to assist you in transforming your lifestyle and nutrition habits.
Maximized Living Doctors Certified in Nutrition:
- Fully understand the dangers in the current food supply and are able to help their patients understand and avoid them.
- Are able to identify an individual’s current nutritional deficiencies and needs and are able to develop a customized plan to address these needs.
- Have extensive training on the most effective nutritional strategies for sustainable weight loss. While many other weight loss plans may elicit some degree of short term weight loss, they are not designed for long term health. Maximized Living doctors focus on the long term best interests of each individual. These weight loss strategies have resulted in thousands of people losing the necessary weight while being able to maintain the changes to build a healthy future.
- Have the ability to design nutritional changes and recommendations that can balance and regulate hormones for weight loss and for specific health challenges.
- Design short and long term, specific nutritional strategies for preventing and even reversing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
- Continually receive the most up to date, cutting edge research on nutrition, weight loss, hormones, and disease prevention.
- Can provide individual counseling, tools, workshops, resources, and practical guides to assist people in applying the necessary changes to their current lifestyles.
- Are trained to offer specific supplementation recommendations tailored to an individual’s current needs
- Have access to the Maximized Living network of resources.
References
(1) Yavin D1, Casha S1, Wiebe S, Feasby TE, Clark C, Isaacs A, Holroyd-Leduc J, Hurlbert RJ, Quan H, Nataraj A, Sutherland GR, Jette N. Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurosurgery. 2017 May 1;80(5):701-715. doi: 10.1093/neuros/nyw162.
(2) Wang X, Borgman B, Vertuani S, Nilsson J. A systematic literature review of time to return to work and narcotic use after lumbar spinal fusion using minimal invasive and open surgery techniques. BMC Health Serv Res. 2017;17(1):446. Published 2017 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s12913-017-2398-6
(3) Ratliff JK, Lebude B, Albert T, Anene-Maidoh T, Anderson G, Dagostino P, Maltenfort M, Hilibrand A, Sharan A, Vaccaro AR. Complications in spinal surgery: comparative survey of spine surgeons and patients who underwent spinal surgery. J Neurosurg Spine. 2009 Jun;10(6):578-84. doi: 10.3171/2009.2.SPINE0935.
(4) Zaina F, Tomkins-Lane C, Carragee E, Negrini S. Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(1):CD010264. Published 2016 Jan 29. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010264.pub2
(5) Adogwa O, Parker SL, Bydon A, Cheng J, McGirt MJ. Comparative effectiveness of minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: 2-year assessment of narcotic use, return to work, disability, and quality of life. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2011;24(8):479–484. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21336176
(6) Parker SL, Adogwa O, Bydon A, Cheng J, McGirt MJ. Cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis associated low-back and leg pain over two years. World Neurosurg. 2012 Jul;78(1-2):178-84. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2011.09.013.
(7) Parker SL, Mendenhall SK, Shau DN, Zuckerman SL, Godil SS, Cheng JS, et al. Minimally invasive versus open Transforaminal lumbar Interbody fusion for degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Comparative effectiveness and cost-utility analysis. World Neurosurg. 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23321379
(8) Herkowitz HN, Kurz LT. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. A prospective study comparing decompression with decompression and intertransverse process arthrodesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1991 Jul; 73(6):802-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2071615/
(9) Tsutsumimoto T, Shimogata M, Yoshimura Y, Misawa H. Union versus nonunion after posterolateral lumbar fusion: a comparison of long-term surgical outcomes in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Eur Spine J. 2008;17(8):1107–1112. doi: 10.1007/s00586-008-0695-9
(10) Joseph JR, Smith BW, La Marca F, Park P. Comparison of complication rates of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus. 2015 Oct;39(4):E4. doi: 10.3171/2015.7.FOCUS15278.
(11) Greiner-Perth R, Boehm H, Allam Y, Elsaghir H, Franke J. Reoperation rate after instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report on 1680 cases. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Nov 15;29(22):2516-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15543064
(12) Saavedra-Pozo FM, Deusdara RA, Benzel EC. Adjacent segment disease perspective and review of the literature. Ochsner J. 2014;14(1):78–83. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3963057/
(13) MacDowall A, Canto Moreira N, Marques C, Skeppholm M, Lindhagen L, Robinson Y, Löfgren H, Michaëlsson K, Olerud C. Artificial disc replacement versus fusion in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy: a randomized controlled trial with 5-year outcomes. J Neurosurg Spine. 2019 Jan 11;30(3):323-331. doi: 10.3171/2018.9.SPINE18659.
(14) Yang X, Janssen T, Arts MP, Peul WC, Vleggeert-Lankamp CLA. Radiological follow-up after implanting cervical disc prosthesis in anterior discectomy: a systematic review. Spine J. 2018 Sep;18(9):1678-1693. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.04.021.
(15) MacDowall A, Skeppholm M, Lindhagen L, Robinson Y, Löfgren H, Michaëlsson K, Olerud C. Artificial disc replacement versus fusion in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy: 5-year outcomes from the National Swedish Spine Register. J Neurosurg Spine. 2018 Nov 2;30(2):159-167. doi: 10.3171/2018.7.SPINE18657.
(16) Zhong ZM1 Deviren V, Tay B, Burch S, Berven SH. Adjacent segment disease after instrumented fusion for adult lumbar spondylolisthesis: Incidence and risk factors. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2017 May;156:29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2017.02.020.
(17) Tobert DG, Antoci V, Patel SP, Saadat E, Bono CM. Adjacent Segment Disease in the Cervical and Lumbar Spine. Clin Spine Surg. 2017 Apr;30(3):94-101. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000000442.
(18) Centeno C, Markle J, Dodson E, et al. The use of lumbar epidural injections for treatment of radicular pain. J Exp Orthop. 2017;4(1):38. Published 2017 Nov 25. doi: 10.1186/s40634-017-0113-5
(2) Wang X, Borgman B, Vertuani S, Nilsson J. A systematic literature review of time to return to work and narcotic use after lumbar spinal fusion using minimal invasive and open surgery techniques. BMC Health Serv Res. 2017;17(1):446. Published 2017 Jun 27. doi: 10.1186/s12913-017-2398-6
(3) Ratliff JK, Lebude B, Albert T, Anene-Maidoh T, Anderson G, Dagostino P, Maltenfort M, Hilibrand A, Sharan A, Vaccaro AR. Complications in spinal surgery: comparative survey of spine surgeons and patients who underwent spinal surgery. J Neurosurg Spine. 2009 Jun;10(6):578-84. doi: 10.3171/2009.2.SPINE0935.
(4) Zaina F, Tomkins-Lane C, Carragee E, Negrini S. Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(1):CD010264. Published 2016 Jan 29. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010264.pub2
(5) Adogwa O, Parker SL, Bydon A, Cheng J, McGirt MJ. Comparative effectiveness of minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: 2-year assessment of narcotic use, return to work, disability, and quality of life. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2011;24(8):479–484. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21336176
(6) Parker SL, Adogwa O, Bydon A, Cheng J, McGirt MJ. Cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis associated low-back and leg pain over two years. World Neurosurg. 2012 Jul;78(1-2):178-84. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2011.09.013.
(7) Parker SL, Mendenhall SK, Shau DN, Zuckerman SL, Godil SS, Cheng JS, et al. Minimally invasive versus open Transforaminal lumbar Interbody fusion for degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Comparative effectiveness and cost-utility analysis. World Neurosurg. 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23321379
(8) Herkowitz HN, Kurz LT. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. A prospective study comparing decompression with decompression and intertransverse process arthrodesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1991 Jul; 73(6):802-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2071615/
(9) Tsutsumimoto T, Shimogata M, Yoshimura Y, Misawa H. Union versus nonunion after posterolateral lumbar fusion: a comparison of long-term surgical outcomes in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Eur Spine J. 2008;17(8):1107–1112. doi: 10.1007/s00586-008-0695-9
(10) Joseph JR, Smith BW, La Marca F, Park P. Comparison of complication rates of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus. 2015 Oct;39(4):E4. doi: 10.3171/2015.7.FOCUS15278.
(11) Greiner-Perth R, Boehm H, Allam Y, Elsaghir H, Franke J. Reoperation rate after instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a report on 1680 cases. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Nov 15;29(22):2516-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15543064
(12) Saavedra-Pozo FM, Deusdara RA, Benzel EC. Adjacent segment disease perspective and review of the literature. Ochsner J. 2014;14(1):78–83. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3963057/
(13) MacDowall A, Canto Moreira N, Marques C, Skeppholm M, Lindhagen L, Robinson Y, Löfgren H, Michaëlsson K, Olerud C. Artificial disc replacement versus fusion in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy: a randomized controlled trial with 5-year outcomes. J Neurosurg Spine. 2019 Jan 11;30(3):323-331. doi: 10.3171/2018.9.SPINE18659.
(14) Yang X, Janssen T, Arts MP, Peul WC, Vleggeert-Lankamp CLA. Radiological follow-up after implanting cervical disc prosthesis in anterior discectomy: a systematic review. Spine J. 2018 Sep;18(9):1678-1693. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.04.021.
(15) MacDowall A, Skeppholm M, Lindhagen L, Robinson Y, Löfgren H, Michaëlsson K, Olerud C. Artificial disc replacement versus fusion in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy: 5-year outcomes from the National Swedish Spine Register. J Neurosurg Spine. 2018 Nov 2;30(2):159-167. doi: 10.3171/2018.7.SPINE18657.
(16) Zhong ZM1 Deviren V, Tay B, Burch S, Berven SH. Adjacent segment disease after instrumented fusion for adult lumbar spondylolisthesis: Incidence and risk factors. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2017 May;156:29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2017.02.020.
(17) Tobert DG, Antoci V, Patel SP, Saadat E, Bono CM. Adjacent Segment Disease in the Cervical and Lumbar Spine. Clin Spine Surg. 2017 Apr;30(3):94-101. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000000442.
(18) Centeno C, Markle J, Dodson E, et al. The use of lumbar epidural injections for treatment of radicular pain. J Exp Orthop. 2017;4(1):38. Published 2017 Nov 25. doi: 10.1186/s40634-017-0113-5