A fascinating study published in Brain Circulation has shed light on a previously underexplored relationship between spinal posture and cerebral blood flow. The researchers investigated whether improving the natural curve of the neck—known as cervical lordosis—could influence blood flow to the brain. Their findings have potential implications for neurological health, cognitive function, and even the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Jump to:
TLDR – Quick Guide
- What the Study Explores: A new MRA study found that restoring neck curvature (cervical lordosis) may significantly boost blood flow to the brain.
- Why It Matters: Poor posture in the neck can interfere with vertebral arteries, reducing cerebral perfusion—potentially influencing cognition and neurological health.
- The Big Numbers: Patients saw brain blood flow increase by 23% to 225.9% after spinal correction.
- ABC™ Relevance: While not used in this study, Advanced BioStructural Correction™ shares the same goal—correcting spinal misalignment to restore natural posture and function.
- What You Can Do: Consider an ABC™ assessment to evaluate and correct your spinal structure, especially if you experience brain fog, poor concentration, or tech neck symptoms.
The Study at a Glance
Conducted as a retrospective consecutive case series, this study involved seven adult patients (five women, two men) aged 28 to 58 who all exhibited abnormal cervical curvature. Ideal cervical lordosis is approximately -42°, but these patients ranged from +19° (a reversal of the curve) to -20.4°, with a mean of just -1.8°, indicating significant loss of the natural spinal curve.
To assess changes in brain blood flow, researchers used Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), a type of MRI that visualizes blood vessels. Patients underwent MRA scans before and immediately after a spinal postural correction using a cervical orthotic designed to restore lordosis.
Study Results: Cervical Correction & Blood Flow Boosts
The results were striking:
- Cerebral blood flow increased in all patients, with improvements in MRA pixel intensity ranging from 23.0% to 225.9% after spinal correction.
- These increases were statistically significant, with a P-value < 0.001.
- A regression analysis showed that greater initial deviation from ideal spinal curvature correlated with smaller improvements in blood flow, suggesting that long-term loss of curvature may reduce vascular responsiveness.
This suggests a biomechanical influence on cerebral circulation—an idea that has profound physiological and clinical implications.
Why Does This Matter?
Loss of cervical lordosis isn’t just a structural issue—it may interfere with the vertebral arteries that pass through the neck to supply blood to the brain. Prolonged poor posture, trauma, or degenerative changes can flatten or reverse the natural curve, potentially leading to chronic reductions in cerebral perfusion.
The study authors pointed to research linking chronic cerebral hypoperfusion with Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and post-concussion syndromes. By improving spinal posture, it may be possible to positively influence these outcomes, though more research is needed.
Relevance to Advanced BioStructural Correction™
While this study did not use Advanced BioStructural Correction specifically, its findings are highly relevant. ABC is a structural chiropractic approach that aims to restore optimal spinal alignment, including the cervical curve, by correcting underlying mechanical dysfunctions that the body cannot self-correct.
By improving structural integrity, ABC practitioners often report improvements not only in pain and posture but in neurological symptoms—potentially due to changes in spinal cord tension and vascular dynamics. This study supports the hypothesis that restoring cervical structure may improve brain perfusion, aligning with the outcomes seen in clinical ABC practice.
Key Takeaways: Why Cervical Posture Deserves More Attention
This study offers compelling evidence that spinal posture—specifically cervical lordosis—plays a measurable role in brain blood flow. While more research is needed, especially with larger sample sizes, the findings already point to a deeper connection between posture and neurological health.
Here’s what you should remember:
- Cervical curve matters: Loss of neck curvature may reduce blood flow to the brain.
- Posture isn’t just cosmetic: It’s a functional issue with physiological consequences, including cerebral perfusion.
- Small study, big results: All patients showed brain blood flow improvement, some up to 225.9%.
- ABC™ aligns with this science: Structural correction may offer cognitive and neurological benefits by restoring natural spinal curves.
- Whole-body health starts at the spine: Aligning the neck may influence everything from energy to focus and long-term brain health.
Although the sample size was small, the results were significant and open the door for further research into the neurological and cognitive implications of spinal alignment. For those practicing or seeking Advanced BioStructural Correction, these findings reinforce the importance of structural care in promoting whole-body health, including optimal brain function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Posture and Brain Health
Can poor neck posture really affect how well my brain gets blood?
Yes. The vertebral arteries that supply blood to your brain run through the cervical spine, so structural misalignment—like loss of the neck curve—can physically restrict that flow. This study showed blood flow can improve significantly when posture is corrected.
Is cervical lordosis the same as having good posture?
Cervical lordosis is one part of proper posture—specifically, the healthy curve in your neck when viewed from the side. Losing that curve is a sign of deeper structural issues, not just surface-level slouching.
Can Advanced BioStructural Correction™ improve brain function?
ABC™ aims to restore full-body alignment, including cervical lordosis, which can reduce tension on nerves and possibly improve circulation. Many patients report improved mental clarity, less fatigue, and better focus after ABC™ care. While more research is needed, the anecdotal evidence aligns with the findings in this study.
Do I need to feel neck pain to have a posture problem?
Not at all. Many structural misalignments are silent—especially in the neck—and can go unnoticed until more serious symptoms appear, like dizziness, brain fog, or recurring headaches. Regular structural evaluations can detect and correct these before symptoms start.
How do I know if I’ve lost my cervical curve?
If you’ve got forward head posture, a tech-neck slump, or notice your ears sitting in front of your shoulders, chances are your cervical curve is compromised. A qualified practitioner—like those at Upright Posture—can use imaging and biomechanical assessments to confirm.
