How Brainstem Care Works
Caring for your health and your family’s health is one of the most important responsibilities there is. At Marshall Spinal Care, care is centered on how the brainstem and nervous system influence the entire body.
Dr. Mary has spent decades caring for individuals and families of all ages. That long view of health has shaped a practice focused on gentle, precise care designed to support the body over a lifetime.
What Is Brainstem Care?
Brainstem Care is a gentle, highly specific approach to spinal care. It does not involve surgery, twisting, popping, or forceful manipulation.
The focus is on correcting misalignments in the upper spine that interfere with the brainstem, the part of the nervous system that connects the brain to the spinal cord and helps regulate vital functions throughout the body. When this area is under stress or compression, communication within the nervous system can be affected from the head down through the spine and into the rest of the body.
By carefully addressing these misalignments, Brainstem Care helps reduce interference to the nervous system so the body can restore balance and function more effectively.
How Care Is Evaluated and Applied
Rather than relying on symptoms alone, Brainstem Care follows a precise, measured process. Each step builds on the next to ensure care remains gentle, accurate, and appropriate over time.
The primary areas of focus in Brainstem Care include:
1. Identifying misalignment
Brainstem alignment is evaluated using specific three dimensional X rays of the skull and spine, along with a detailed posture analysis. This allows Dr. Mary to assess how alignment may be affecting the brainstem. Additional details are available on the “Your First Visit” page.
2. Understanding the impact
These X rays help determine the extent to which misalignment is placing stress on the brainstem and surrounding nervous system.
3. Providing precise care
Care is directed only where skeletal structures interfere with brainstem function. The goal is to reduce compression and tension on the delicate nerves within the brainstem, supporting balance throughout the entire skeletal structure, including the neck, spine, pelvis, and extremities.
4. Gentle positioning during care
During care, patients sit or lie comfortably on a fully supported treatment table, allowing the body to remain relaxed and supported.
5. Light, specific contact
Brainstem Care involves a very light, precise contact rather than forceful adjustments. Many patients describe the sensation as subtle and gentle.
6. Allowing the body to stabilize
Following care, a short rest period allows the body to adapt and stabilize in its new alignment.
7. Ongoing evaluation
X ray studies are typically updated at least once a year and are recommended following injuries that may affect alignment. This helps ensure care remains accurate and responsive over time.
The Foundation of Brainstem Care
Brainstem Care builds on early chiropractic research conducted at Palmer College of Chiropractic beginning in the 1920s and expanded through decades of clinical study. Over time, these concepts have been refined through continued research and extensive clinical experience.
Dr. Mary’s approach has evolved through years of caring for adults, children, infants, and older adults. This ongoing process of study and application allows Brainstem Care to remain both gentle and effective throughout every stage of life.
A Relationship Built for the Long Term
From your first visit forward, Dr. Mary’s goal is to build a lasting doctor patient relationship based on genuine concern for your long term well being. Care is not driven by insurance contracts or federal programs, but by a commitment to thoughtful, individualized care.
Some people describe Brainstem Care as different. At Marshall Spinal Care, it’s simply focused, intentional doctoring centered on helping the body function as it was designed to.
If you or someone you love is looking for gentle, whole body care for the entire family, text us at
918 272 1888