Gorsuch Chiropractic

06/27/2025

JUMPING JACKRABBITS!!!
We are jumping into summer; with Papa by our side, no spine left unturned.

05/23/2025

The soldier above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.
-General Douglas MacArthur

05/19/2025

03/05/2025

Wellness Wednesday!!!

How the Nervous System Regulates Digestion

The nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, plays a critical role in the digestive process. The brain communicates with the digestive organs through a network of nerves, including the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem through the neck and down into the abdomen. This nerve controls the essential digestive functions, such as stomach contractions, bowel movements, and nutrient absorption.

03/03/2025

Principles of Neuroplasticity: Use it or Lose it

The principle use it or lose it explains how neural circuits that are not actively engaged in performing tasks for an extended period of time begin to degrade. Quite literally, this means if we do not use an area of our brain for a prolonged time, we will lose the function that was previously stored there. For example, if an individual were to have a stroke on the right side of their brain, they may lose some function in their left arm. If because it is more difficult to complete tasks with their left arm, they simply use their right arm for all tasks to compensate, their brain will reorganize so that less space is dedicated to the function of the left arm thus limiting potential for recovery.

This principle was first demonstrated in animal studies by Hubel and Wiesel in the 1960s. They performed experiments where they deprived a kitten’s eye of light and found that this resulted in a reduced number of neurons in the visual cortex of the brain that responded to light. Similar results were found in another study involving owl monkeys. Researchers removed a single digit (poor monkeys!) and they found that after 2-9 months, the neurons in the brain that were previously responsive to this removed digit has reorganized and become responsive to the adjacent digits and skin surfaces of the palm instead.

Another interesting finding is that deprivation of one sensory modality (for example vision in someone that is blind) may cause the corresponding area of the brain to be taken over by another sensory modality (such as tactile sensation to read braille). It has also been demonstrated that in individuals who are deaf, the area of the brain that should control hearing actually lights up in response to visual stimuli.

This use it or lose it principle is very important for rehabilitation. We know that failing to engage an area of the brain due to lack of use may lead to further decline in function. A good example of this was proposed by Robbins et al, 2007 who reported that tube feeding may lead to disuse of the brain circuitry involved in swallowing, which may then lead to a further loss of swallowing function making recovery more challenging.

Kleim, JA &Jones TA, 2008. Principles of exercise-dependent neural plasticity: Implications for rehabilitation after brain damage. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research (51): 225-239.

03/03/2025

Due to family fun! Doctor Gorsuch will be out of town.

02/09/2025

Life is better when you are ALIGNED.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Doctor Dave:)

08/14/2024

Join the cause to a healthier you! Happy to have you on board. Want to gather any concerns or questions you may have. Doctor and staff will be available to answer:) Wednesday August 21st @ 6:30pm