Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center

Brain Based Treatment for the 21st Century!

Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP

Proprioception: The “Sixth Sense” That Guides Our World

Imagine closing your eyes and still knowing exactly where your hand is without needing to look at it. This remarkable sense of self-awareness is called proprioception, and it plays a vital role in helping us navigate the world. Often referred to as the “sixth sense,” proprioception works alongside our five primary senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—to create a complete understanding of our surroundings and our place within them. From a chiropractic neurology perspective, understanding proprioception can reveal how our bodies and brains communicate to keep us balanced, coordinated, and functional.

But what happens when proprioception is disrupted? How does this invisible sense integrate with the brain’s somatotopic maps? And most importantly, how can abnormal proprioception be addressed? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of proprioception and uncover its importance to our health and well-being.

Proprioception: A Sixth Sense in Action

At its core, proprioception is the body’s ability to perceive its position, movement, and orientation in space. While touch tells us about external stimuli, proprioception tells us about ourselves. It is what allows you to touch your nose with your finger even if your eyes are closed, walk up stairs without looking at your feet, or adjust your posture when you are leaning too far to one side.

Proprioception relies on a network of specialized sensory receptors called proprioceptors. These receptors are located in muscles, tendons, joints, and the inner ear. They constantly send information to the brain about the position and movement of different parts of the body. This information is processed by the central nervous system (CNS), primarily the cerebellum and sensory cortex, to maintain balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Proprioception and the Other Five Senses

While proprioception operates somewhat independently, it is deeply interconnected with the five traditional senses:

  1. Sight: Vision provides external cues that complement proprioceptive feedback, such as identifying obstacles or maintaining balance while walking.
  2. Hearing: The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is closely tied to auditory structures and plays a critical role in maintaining equilibrium and spatial orientation.
  3. Touch: Tactile feedback from the skin enhances proprioceptive awareness by providing additional input about pressure and contact.
  4. Smell and Taste: Although less directly linked, smell and taste contribute to overall spatial memory and navigation, often helping us orient ourselves in familiar environments.

When all these senses work in harmony, they create a multisensory experience that allows us to move effortlessly through the world. But when proprioception becomes abnormal, the body’s ability to integrate this information can be severely impaired.

When Proprioception Goes Awry

Abnormal proprioception can arise from a variety of causes, including injury, neurological conditions, and aging. Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty with balance and coordination
  • Clumsiness or frequent falls
  • Inaccurate movements (e.g., missing when reaching for an object)
  • Poor posture
  • A sensation of disconnection from one’s body

Disruptions to proprioception can often be traced back to dysfunction in the somatotopic maps of the brain. These maps, located in the primary somatosensory cortex, represent a detailed layout of the body. Each part of the body corresponds to a specific region on these maps, allowing the brain to accurately process sensory information. When the proprioceptive input becomes faulty, these maps can become disorganized, leading to distorted perceptions of the body and impaired motor control.

The Discovery of Somatotopic Maps

The concept of somatotopic maps emerged through groundbreaking research in the early 20th century. Neuroscientists Wilder Penfield and Edwin Boldrey made significant contributions to this field while working with epilepsy patients. Using electrical stimulation during brain surgery, Penfield mapped regions of the primary somatosensory cortex, identifying specific areas that corresponded to sensations in different parts of the body.

This research led to the creation of the “sensory homunculus,” a visual representation of the body as it is mapped in the brain. The homunculus revealed that some body parts, such as the hands and lips, occupy disproportionately large areas on the map due to their high density of sensory receptors. These findings revolutionized our understanding of how the brain processes sensory information and highlighted the importance of precise neural organization in bodily awareness.

Further studies have expanded upon Penfield’s work, using advanced imaging techniques to explore the dynamic nature of somatotopic maps. Researchers now understand that these maps are not fixed but can be reshaped through neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt to changes in sensory input or injury

Proprioception and the Brain’s Somatotopic Maps

The somatotopic maps in the brain are essential for integrating proprioceptive input. Imagine these maps as a GPS system for your body, constantly updating your position and movements in real-time. For example, when you lift your arm, the proprioceptors in your muscles and joints send signals to the brain, which then updates the corresponding region on the somatotopic map.

When these maps are disrupted—due to injury, chronic pain, or neurological disorders such as stroke—the brain may lose its ability to accurately interpret proprioceptive signals. This can lead to compensatory patterns of movement, increased risk of injury, and diminished quality of life. Fortunately, the brain is highly adaptable, and with the right interventions, it’s possible to retrain these maps and restore normal function.

Restoring Proprioception Through Targeted Interventions

Treatment for abnormal proprioception focuses on retraining the brain and body to work together more effectively. From a chiropractic neurology standpoint, this involves exercises and therapies designed to enhance proprioceptive input and reorganize the brain’s somatotopic maps. Here are some evidence-based approaches:

  1. Balance and Coordination Exercises: Activities like standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or using a wobble board challenge the proprioceptive system and improve balance.
  2. Joint Position Training: Repetitive exercises that involve precise joint movements can help recalibrate proprioceptors and improve accuracy. For example, using resistance bands or weights to guide specific movements can enhance joint awareness.
  3. Sensory Reeducation: Techniques such as tactile stimulation, vibration therapy, or light touch on specific areas of the body can help refine the brain’s sensory processing.
  4. Neuromuscular Reeducation: Exercises that emphasize slow, controlled movements—such as Tai Chi or yoga—help develop body awareness and improve proprioceptive feedback.
  5. Vestibular Rehabilitation: For individuals with vestibular dysfunction, targeted exercises that stimulate the inner ear can improve spatial orientation and balance.

The Promise of Neuroplasticity

One of the most exciting aspects of proprioception is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize through neuroplasticity. By engaging in repetitive, purposeful exercises, the brain can form new neural connections and strengthen existing ones. This process not only improves proprioception but also enhances overall motor function and coordination.

For example, a study published in Frontiers in Neurology demonstrated that targeted proprioceptive training significantly improved balance and motor control in individuals with chronic ankle instability (McKeon et al., 2018). Another study in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair found that proprioceptive exercises enhanced recovery in stroke patients by promoting reorganization of the brain’s motor cortex (Taub et al., 2019).

Proprioception as the Key to Movement and Awareness

Proprioception may operate in the background, but its importance cannot be overstated. It’s the silent guide that helps us move through the world with confidence and ease. When this system is disrupted, it can have profound effects on balance, coordination, and overall quality of life.

By understanding proprioception through the lens of chiropractic neurology, we can appreciate its intricate relationship with the brain’s somatotopic maps and the potential for targeted interventions to restore function. With the right therapies, we can harness the power of neuroplasticity to rebuild this essential sense, ensuring that our bodies and brains remain in harmony.

If you or someone you love could benefit from proprioceptive retraining and you would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

References:

  1. McKeon, P. O., Hertel, J., & Bramble, D. (2018). Proprioceptive training and its role in reducing injury risk. Frontiers in Neurology, 9, 1125. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.01125
  2. Taub, E., Uswatte, G., & Pidikiti, R. (2019). Proprioceptive training for motor recovery in stroke rehabilitation: A review of the evidence. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 33(6), 457-465. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968319847804
  3. Proske, U., & Gandevia, S. C. (2012). The proprioceptive senses: Their roles in signaling body shape, body position, and movement, and their sensory origins. Physiological Reviews, 92(4), 1651-1697. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00048.2011
  4. Han, J., Waddington, G., Adams, R., Anson, J., & Liu, Y. (2015). Enhancing proprioception improves motor functions in chronic stroke survivors. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 24(5), 1100-1106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.12.018