Emerging research shows that spinal health may influence these processes. The nervous system passes through the spine, connecting the brain to the body. When spinal alignment or motion is altered, communication between the nervous system and body can be affected, which may influence inflammatory regulation and stress responses. Studies examining objective physiological markers provide insight into this interaction:

• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Supports neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise. Higher levels are associated with improved coordination, emotional regulation, and resilience (Huang et al., 2014).
• Cortisol: Chronic elevation of this stress hormone can affect immune function and recovery (McEwen, 2007). The nervous system, through spinal pathways, helps regulate cortisol levels via the HPA axis.
• Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ): These molecules coordinate immune responses and tissue repair. While normal inflammation is necessary for adaptation, prolonged elevation is linked to chronic stress and slower recovery (Dantzer et al., 2008; Pedersen & Febbraio, 2008).
• Immune cell activity: T-cells and B-cells provide insight into how the body responds to stressors (Dantzer et al., 2008).

A recent controlled trial explored how spinal adjustments may influence these markers over a 12-week period. Participants showed:

• Increased BDNF, suggesting improved nervous system adaptability and neuroplasticity
• Enhanced immune cell activity, reflecting better physiological responsiveness
• IL-6 patterns consistent with normal tissue repair and adaptive responses
• Decreased long-term cortisol, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, indicating reduced systemic stress and inflammation (Zhang et al., 2023)

These findings highlight the close link between the spine, nervous system, and inflammation. Supporting spinal health may help the nervous system regulate stress responses and inflammatory processes more efficiently, which is particularly relevant for women, whose physiology is influenced by cyclical hormones, higher stress sensitivity, and complex interactions between neurological, endocrine, and immune systems (Bangasser & Valentino, 2014).

Adaptability isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about how efficiently your body can regulate, recover, and respond to challenges. Supporting nervous system and spinal health is a key component of overall recovery, resilience, and performance.

Key Takeaways for Women’s Health and Spinal Wellness

• Spinal health influences nervous system communication and regulation
• Nervous system efficiency supports recovery, stress regulation, and immune function
• Spinal adjustments may positively influence inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ) and stress hormones (cortisol)
• Supporting spinal and nervous system health can help your body adapt more efficiently to physical and emotional stress

Women’s health is never controlled by a single system. The nervous system, hormones, immune system, and spinal function all communicate continuously to maintain balance, adaptability, and resilience in the face of life’s demands.

References

Bangasser, D. A., & Valentino, R. J. (2014). Sex differences in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 35(3), 303–319.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.008

Dantzer, R., O’Connor, J. C., Freund, G. G., Johnson, R. W., & Kelley, K. W. (2008). From inflammation to sickness and depression. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(1), 46–56.
https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2297

Huang, T., Larsen, K. T., Ried-Larsen, M., Møller, N. C., & Andersen, L. B. (2014). The effects of physical activity and exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy humans. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 76, 10–23.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.01.006

McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873–904.
https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00041.2006

McEwen, B. S. (2017). Neurobiological and systemic effects of chronic stress. Chronic Stress, 1, 1–11.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2470547017692328