ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Guest Episode: Dr. Paul Dickerson
Topic: Chiropractic Neurology, Headaches, Pain, Posture, and Neuroplasticity
What if your headache, neck pain, dizziness, jaw tension, posture issues, or low back pain are all connected through the nervous system?
In this episode of The Functional Code, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy sit down with Dr. Paul Dickerson, a chiropractic neurologist with more than 40 years of clinical experience and a fifth-generation chiropractic family legacy.
This conversation explores chiropractic neurology, functional neurology, headaches, migraines, cervicogenic headaches, eye tracking, posture, proprioception, jaw function, neck pain, pain pathways, balance, neuroplasticity, and how the brain controls movement, pain, and recovery.
Dr. Paul explains why pain is not always where the problem starts, why the cervical spine can influence headaches, why eye movements and balance matter, and why the chiropractic adjustment may create powerful changes through the nervous system.
This episode also challenges common ideas like “muscle memory” and “pinched nerves,” while explaining how the brain, spinal cord, posture muscles, glutes, shoulder blades, jaw, eyes, and vestibular system all communicate to shape how we move and feel.
In this episode, we cover:
Chiropractic neurology and functional neurology
Headaches, migraines, and cervicogenic pain
The cervical spine and head pain connection
Eye tracking, posture, and balance
The trigeminal nerve and pain pathways
Jaw tension, masseter function, and eye muscles
Pain as a brain-body communication process
Why emotion and stress influence pain
Upper cervical adjusting and neurological input
Motor pool inhibition and the chiropractic adjustment
Proprioception and movement control
Glute medius activation and low back pain
Multifidi, spinal stability, and deconditioning
Shoulder blade mechanics and posture
Breath, vagal tone, and stress regulation
Sound, smell, memory, and brain activation
Why “muscle memory” is a myth
Pinched nerves vs. nerve irritation
Neuroplasticity and lifelong change
Building better athletes through chiropractic care
Key takeaway:
Pain is not just a tissue problem. It is a brain-body communication problem.
Your eyes, jaw, neck, spine, vestibular system, posture muscles, glutes, and core are constantly sending information to the brain. When those signals become altered or poorly coordinated, symptoms can show up as headaches, dizziness, neck pain, back pain, poor posture, or recurring injuries.
The goal is not just to chase pain.
The goal is to understand the neurological patterns behind it.
The brain is always listening.
The body is always signaling.
And better input can create better output.
Resources:
International Academy of Chiropractic Neurology Post Graduate: https://www.iacn.org/
International Board of Chiropractic Neurology: https://www.dibcn.org/
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
