Got Brain Fog?

It’s Good Health Sense®

As published in the April, 2008 issue ofThe Scottsdale Downtowner

Got Brain Fog?

Check the Butterfly in your Head

By Dr. Daniel P. Secrest, DC Chiropractic Physician

According to the Wikipedia Dictionary, ‘Brain Fog’ is defined as, “That ‘woolly’ sensation of a physical obstruction to clear thinking in the brain.” It is thought to represent a psychological response to stress and often occurs in individuals suffering with fibromyalgia or Candida infections.  

It can also be caused by a traumatized butterfly shaped bone in your head called the sphenoid. This is considered to be the most important cranial bone because it touches every other bone in your skull directly or indirectly. Located with the wings of the bone behind the eyes (temple region), it also forms a special joint at the bottom of the head with the occipital bone called the sphenobasilar (SB) junction, which acts like a pump to move cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout your nervous system. 

This special CSF delivers nutrients to your brain, spinal cord and nerves and removes wastes. Its chemistry also affects the proper functioning of the immune system as well as your nervous system.

A leading researcher, Dr. M.B DeJarnette, writes: “The list of symptoms involved in this subluxation (misalignment) is practically endless……Nothing can disturb as many cranial nerves as can the sphenobasilar subluxation.” 

If you have ever experienced joint pain anywhere in your body, you can just imagine the problems and headaches a misaligned SB joint can cause in your skull, where 80% of your nervous system is located. Ailments can include depression, impairment of taste, smell, hearing and speech. Misalignment can also cause insomnia, migraines, TMJ, double vision, tinnitus, sinusitis, erratic movements and trembling, disturbances of temperature regulation, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting.

The 22 bones of the skull fit together like a three dimensional jig saw puzzle, each having minute movement every time we breathe. The spaces between the bones are called sutures and are filled with connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Proper movement is essential for proper health. Should they become misaligned or ‘jammed,’ due to a physical trauma as early as birth, during childhood development or as an adult, your physical and mental health can suffer.

Manual adjustment of the cranial bones has been done for decades by skilled healthcare providers through the application of a non-invasive methodology called applied kinesiology. More recently, highly trained doctors are employing the use of gentle low-force instrumentation to more accurately align the bones with specificity, add speed to the process of correction and help patients to “hold” the adjustments for longer periods of time.

During a therapeutic session, the patient will feel a gentle tapping sensation, as the doctor addresses the misaligned skull plates. However, the reaction to the treatment can be (and usually is) quite powerful.

For further information and research on cranial bones, how they interact, their function and corrective treatment, consult the KST Tab on the Home Page. Clear out the fog and bring greater balance into your life. It’s good health sense.

Dr. Dan Secrest is a practicing physician at Secrest Family Chiropractic on Hayden & Osborn Roads in Scottsdale and mentors doctors around the globe. He is the former radio host of his own talk show in Phoenix and has appeared on radio, TV and in the local press. The advice given in this column is for informational/entertainment purposes only and you should consult your physician before proceeding. Should you have a health question or other inquiry, you may contact Dr. Dan through this web site at “Contact Us” or through his office at 480-994-4411.