The role of the prefrontal cortex
Located directly behind the eyes and forehead, the prefrontal cortex is one of the last brain structures to finish maturing; often not mature until the age of 25. Known as the most evolved part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex plays a major role in personality development and contributes to a wide variety of executive functions like self-control, being able to create and execute plans, to switch attention between tasks, decision-making, processing of pain and emotional response to it. The prefrontal cortex is also responsible for making sure all of the parts of the brain cooperate together, a little bit like a conductor of an orchestra. It is well documented now that the role of the prefrontal cortex is vital for mental health, for the endocrine system, autonomic function, and inflammatory regulation.
The effects of stress on the prefrontal cortex function
Chronic stress exposure from either a physical, emotional or chemical source does impact negatively the brain function. During major stress, the prefrontal cortex gets disengaged and our limbic ‘emotional’ brain located takes over resulting in impaired regulation of our emotions from a rational thinking, calm state to a more irrational, angry and sad state.
Research shows that even mild uncontrollable stress impairs the prefrontal cortex regulation affecting our stress response system. This results in a reduction of the parasympathetic nerve system (‘rest/digest’ response) and an increase of the sympathetic nerve system (‘fight/flight’ response). Sympathetic dominance triggers neurological and physiological reactions, leading over time to an overwhelming feeling, lower heart rate variability and poor sleep or digestion.
Altered prefrontal cortex function has also been linked to poor regulation of the metabolism and immune functions leading to chronic inflammation which is a common underlying cause of cancer, heart disease and a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease.
Chiropractic care change processing in the Prefrontal Cortex
There is solid scientific evidence showing that adjusting dysfunctional vertebrae affects brain function. A recent study conducted in Denmark by an independent medical researcher looked at the brain waves measured by an EEG following a chiropractic adjustment and results showed a change in brain function of almost 20%. These scientists were able to affirm that those changes in brain function occurred in the prefrontal cortex. The improvement of the prefrontal activity following chiropractic care explains why patients who get regularly adjusted have a better brain/body communication, movement control, coordination or better pelvic floor control but also explains why they feel that they can focus and regulate their emotions better.