What is craniopathy? How does it compare to chiropractic and how is it different? If you’ve heard about this technique but don’t know much about it, or are confused about its connection with chiropractic, you’re in the right place!
Today we are discussing craniopathy vs chiropractic and how the 2 techniques differ but complement each other.
Craniopathic care centres on the dural-meningeal system and cerebrospinal fluid flow, a network of membranes and structures that support and protect your brain and spinal cord, and its impact on your nervous system.
Chiropractic care concentrates on the spine and its mechanical impact on your nervous system. In particular, it considers how misalignments in this structure may affect nervous system function by irritating or pressing on nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord
Both aim to restore and assist correct nervous system function to help reduce pain, and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
The dural-meningeal system consists of 3 protective supportive membrane layers that line your skull and spinal cavity from top to bottom. A blanket of cerebrospinal fluid flows between the middle and inner membranes (the subarachnoid space) further protecting your brain and spinal cord.
This fluid is vitally important as it acts as a shock absorber; buoyancy aid (for your brain); and delivery system for nutrients, waste removal, and immune cells and antibodies.
It also helps regulate the brain’s chemical environment and carries signalling molecules for communication between the various sections of the brain.
Interesting sidenote – You might have heard of Meningitis. Meningococcal disease is the result of Meningococcal Bacteria invading the bloodstream and getting into these membranes around the brain, causing them to swell and become inflamed.
This puts pressure on the brain, can damage brain tissue, and may disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around it.
Craniopathy works in harmony with the natural rhythms that influence cerebrospinal fluid flow. By aiming to help positively influence this flow, craniopaths can contribute to a holistic approach to brain and spinal health.
Because – when your brain and spinal cord are healthy, the rest of you is more likely to enjoy better health as well!
The spine houses your spinal cord, the major neural pathway connecting your brain to your peripheral nervous system (the part of your nervous system that sits outside the central nervous system).
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) in turn relays information to and from the spinal cord (and thus your brain) about all your various systems and organs.
In fact, not much happens around your body without your brain knowing about it! If it does, it means there is a breakdown in the line of communication somewhere between your brain and that part of your body. This is where chiropractic comes in.
Misaligned vertebrae in your spine may contribute to communication breakdowns by affecting nerve function. When this happens, it can create a cascade of problems in seemingly unrelated parts of your body.
For example, if the nerves that control the function of the Eustachian tubes in your middle ears are not working properly (perhaps because crooked vertebrae in your neck are pinching them), it can interfere with ear drainage.
Irritated nerves can also cause a lot of pain – sciatica is a good example of this. Similarly, misaligned vertebrae and tension in your neck can bring on cervicogenic headaches, and make other types of headaches and migraines worse.
Chiropractors use techniques called adjustments to help correct spinal misalignments that may be causing problems with your nervous system.
The adjustments apply direct pressure to individual vertebrae to help gently put them back into the correct alignment. If they have been pressing on nerves, the realignment aims to relieve this pressure by giving your nerves back their space.
Both craniopathy and chiropractic aim to support your overall health by making sure your nervous system is healthy and functional. Craniopathy does this by focusing on the dural-meningeal system and cerebrospinal fluid flow to help balance your central nervous system.
Chiropractic, with its focus on the spine and nerve function, and the use of supportive therapies such as lifestyle, diet, and ergonomic advice, encourages optimal communication within your body.
Ewell Chiropractic
9A Cheam Road, Ewell, Epsom KT17 1SP
Our practice is next to the central car park in the Ewell village if you travel by car. And just a 10-minute wander from both train stations in Ewell.
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