The Skinny on Cranial Nerves

Wait? We have nerves in our cranium that impact our pain and performance throughout our body.

This was a huge lightbulb for our new mentorship students when we introduced the cranial

Nestled at the base of your brain lies a powerhouse of pain relief and performance enhancement: the cranial nerves. These fascinating nerve pairs can create significant changes with minimal effort, making them an essential tool in training and therapy.

What Are Cranial Nerves?

Cranial nerves derive their name from their location around the cranium, bypassing the spinal cord to connect directly to the brainstem. There are 12 pairs of these nerves, each serving distinct functions that impact various aspects of bodily performance and well-being.

Why Are Cranial Nerves Important?

The brainstem, where cranial nerves originate, is crucial for several key functions:

- Global muscle tone

- Autonomic functions

- Posture

- Stability

- Pain inhibition

By testing and activating these nerves, we can influence these areas significantly. Given their position around the head and neck, cranial nerves offer accessible points for stimulating the brain and driving substantial improvements in pain and performance throughout the body.

How do we know if the cranial nerve applied neurology drill was the correct one?   —> We use our neural assessment and reassess process. To check that out click this FREE workshop here.

Practical Application: Cranial Nerve 11

In our latest video, Matt demonstrates a straightforward muscle test for cranial nerve 11, known as the accessory nerve. This nerve is vital for shoulder and neck movement.

During the test, it's clear that Jade has a deficit on her left side. With this information, we can devise strategies to enhance her performance by targeting specific cranial nerves.

Example: The Trigeminal Nerve (Cranial Nerve 5)

The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve 5) is responsible for sensory input to the face, jaw, mouth, and teeth. It also innervates the masseter muscle, which is essential for chewing.

If we detect a deficit on one side of the brainstem, we can have the individual, like Jade, bite down on that side. This action activates the trigeminal nerve, reducing pain, boosting strength, and improving stability and muscle tone.

The Secret Weapons of the Brainstem

The ease of accessing and activating cranial nerves makes them invaluable tools for a wide range of applications. Whether you're aiming to alleviate pain, enhance stability, or boost overall performance, cranial nerve activation can be a game-changer.

By understanding and utilizing cranial nerves, you can unlock a new level of performance and pain relief, tapping into the true potential of your brainstem's "secret weapons."