Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist
Every day in clinic I meet neighbors who wish they had started caring for their nervous system “ten years sooner.” The truth is, most neuro‑musculoskeletal problems don’t erupt overnight they whisper. Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist turns those whispers into clear, doable steps. When practiced consistently, this checklist helps you safeguard memory, protect posture, and preserve the agile spark that lets you chase grandkids around Gates Canyon Park long after retirement.
A checklist keeps you honest, but understanding why each box matters keeps you motivated. “Preventing Neurodegeneration” breaks down the mechanisms synaptic pruning, mitochondrial decline, inflammatory cascades behind every line item you’re tracking. Point readers there so this sheet becomes a living plan powered by science, not just a to-do list that gathers dust.
Morning Mobility: Wake Up Your Cerebellum
Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist begins the moment your alarm buzzes. Before scrolling headlines, sit at the edge of the bed and perform:
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Ankle circles – 10 each direction
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Cat‑camel spine waves – 5 slow reps
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Neck figure‑eights – 30 seconds
These gentle moves prime proprioceptors, improve blood flow to the cerebellum, and reduce the chance of a “tweak” when you grab that first cup of coffee.
Posture Power Hour: Align to Protect Discs

We live in laptop land. By noon, shoulders slump, and cervical discs compress. Block a daily “posture power hour” to reset:
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Set a timer for each hour; stand, roll shoulders back, draw chin in.
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Desk detox: raise your screen so the top sits at eye level.
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Thoracic opens: clasp hands behind you, lift sternum, breathe into ribs.
Consistent alignment quells micro‑traumas that could otherwise progress into nerve root irritation precisely the kind of silent damage Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist is designed to prevent.
Calabasas Plate Method: Feed Your Neurons
Nutrition is neuron maintenance. Build every meal with:
| Plate Section | Foods | Brain Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| ½ Color Grid | Spinach, arugula, berries | Antioxidants calm micro‑glia |
| ¼ Lean Protein | Wild sardines, pasture eggs | Provides DHA & choline |
| ¼ Smart Carbs | Quinoa, sweet potato | Steady glucose for focus |
| Flavor Boost | Turmeric, EVOO, rosemary | Anti‑inflammatory polyphenols |
Repeat this framework three times a day and your diet becomes an automatic component of Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist.
Cardio + Strength: Dual Fuel for Synapses
A 2025 meta‑analysis confirmed that combining aerobic and resistance training increases hippocampal volume more than either alone. Aim for:
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150 minutes brisk walking, cycling, or swimming weekly
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2×30 minutes strength circuits (bands or dumbbells)
Movement amplifies brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the miracle‑gro of learning. It also stabilizes lumbar segments integral to the spine half of Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist.
Sleep Hygiene: Night Shift Neuro‑Repair

No amount of kale or Pilates can out‑work bad sleep. Guard 7–9 hours by:
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Keeping bedrooms cool (65 °F / 18 °C) and dark
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Silencing notifications one hour before bed
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Using white‑noise or ocean‑wave tracks to mask freeway hum
Slow‑wave cycles flush metabolic debris from the brain’s glymphatic system an under‑publicized pillar of Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist.
Stress Alchemy: Turning Cortisol into Calm
Chronic stress shrinks the prefrontal cortex. Flip the script:
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Box breathing: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 repeat 5 cycles.
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Nature therapy: a 20‑minute walk through Juan Bautista de Anza Park lowers salivary cortisol by up to 18 %.
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Gratitude journaling: three bullet‑points nightly trains the brain to scan for safety rather than threat.
Stress mastery is not fluff; it is a backbone of Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist.
Screen‑Time Strategy: Blue Light, Gray Matter

Extended device use stifles melatonin and locks joints. Upgrade your digital habits:
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20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
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Night‑shift mode: enable warm tones after sundown.
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Physical cues: keep a resistance band on your desk ten pulls per email batch.
Tech is here to stay; wise interface with it belongs on Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist.
Smart Supplement Stack: Targeted Micro‑Support
Whole food first, supplements second. Consider:
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Omega‑3 (DHA/EPA) – 1 g daily for membrane fluidity
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Magnesium L‑threonate – penetrates the BBB, enhances memory
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Lion’s Mane mushroom – encourages nerve growth factor
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Vitamin D3 – modulates inflammation, especially important if you WFH and miss midday sun
Always add one product at a time so you can feel the difference true to the practicality of Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist.
Annual Baseline Testing: Data‑Driven Peace of Mind
Numbers motivate. Each year around your birthday, schedule:
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Neuro‑cognitive baseline (reaction time, working memory)
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Balance & gait analysis (predicts fall risk)
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Posture imaging (digital PAL view detects hidden spinal drift)
Data let us catch trends before they become troubles, fulfilling the preventive promise of Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist.
Community Connection: The Social Synapse

Loneliness inflames the same pathways as physical pain. Combat isolation by:
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Joining the Calabasas Book Trail reading club
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Volunteering at local wildlife centers
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Hosting neighbor potlucks phones in a basket, conversation on the table
Meaningful relationships complete Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist by buffering stress and stimulating cognitive circuits.
Partner With Us for Personalization
Every brain is unique, every spine has its story. If you’re ready to translate Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist into a tailored, trackable plan, schedule your Brain & Body Optimization Consultation at California Brain & Spine Center. Our integrative team can measure your baselines, fine‑tune your supplement stack, and if you wish layer gentle, non‑invasive therapies such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) or Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) sessions. Let’s future‑proof your neurons together.
Quick Summary
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Brain & Spines Preventive Care Checklist merges ten evidence‑backed habits: morning mobility, posture resets, Calabasas Plate nutrition, hybrid workouts, restorative sleep, stress alchemy, screen‑time strategy, smart supplementation, annual baseline testing, and social connection.
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Practiced daily, these steps reduce injury risk, sharpen cognition, and energize mood without surgery entanglements.
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A customized approach amplifies results; our clinic stands ready to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long before I notice changes?
Mobility gains show up in a week; cognitive clarity often blooms after 4–6 weeks of regular exercise, sleep, and nutrition upgrades. - I sit all day can micro‑breaks really help?
Yes. Even 90 seconds of standing and stretching every hour restores spinal disc hydration and boosts cerebral blood flow. - Do I need every supplement listed?
No. Start with omega‑3s if you rarely eat fish, then consult us to fill specific nutrient gaps. - What if I miss a day on the checklist?
Remove guilt. Resume the next day. Consistency over months, not perfection every hour, drives neuro‑protective gains. - Is the checklist suitable for teens or seniors?
Absolutely. We tailor intensity and dosages by age, but the pillars stay the same motion, nutrition, rest, and connection.
👨⚕️ Alireza Chizari, MSc, DC, DACNB
🧠 Clinical Focus
🔬 Assessment & Treatment Approach
Objective testing may include:
Treatment programs may involve:
📍 Clinic Information
✅ Medical Review
⚠️ Disclaimer
Comments
FAQ
What is Functional Neurology?
Functional Neurology is a healthcare specialty that focuses on assessing and rehabilitating the nervous system’s function. It emphasizes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize—using non-invasive, evidence-based interventions to improve neurological performance.
How does Functional Neurology differ from traditional neurology?
Traditional neurology often concentrates on diagnosing and treating neurological diseases through medications or surgery. In contrast, Functional Neurology aims to optimize the nervous system’s function by identifying and addressing dysfunctions through personalized, non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Is Functional Neurology a replacement for traditional medical care?
No. Functional Neurology is intended to complement, not replace, traditional medical care. Practitioners often collaborate with medical professionals to provide comprehensive care.
What conditions can Functional Neurology help manage?
Functional Neurology has been applied to various conditions, including:
• Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Vestibular Disorders
• Migraines and Headaches
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., ADHD, Autism)
• Movement Disorders
• Dysautonomia
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Can Functional Neurology assist with neurodegenerative diseases?
While Functional Neurology does not cure neurodegenerative diseases, it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life by optimizing the function of existing neural pathways.
What diagnostic methods are used in Functional Neurology?
Functional Neurologists employ various assessments, including:
• Videonystagmography (VNG)
• Computerized Posturography
• Oculomotor Testing
• Vestibular Function Tests
• Neurocognitive Evaluations
How is a patient’s progress monitored?
Progress is tracked through repeated assessments, patient-reported outcomes, and objective measures such as balance tests, eye movement tracking, and cognitive performance evaluations.
What therapies are commonly used in Functional Neurology?
Interventions may include:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Oculomotor Exercises
- Sensorimotor Integration
- Cognitive Training
- Balance and Coordination Exercises
- Nutritional Counseling
- Lifestyle Modifications
Are these therapies personalized?
Absolutely. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s specific neurological findings, symptoms, and functional goals.
Who can benefit from Functional Neurology?
Individuals with unresolved neurological symptoms, those seeking non-pharmaceutical interventions, or patients aiming to optimize brain function can benefit from Functional Neurology.
Is Functional Neurology suitable for children?
Yes. Children with developmental delays, learning difficulties, or neurodevelopmental disorders may benefit from Functional Neurology approaches.
How does Functional Neurology complement other medical treatments?
It can serve as an adjunct to traditional medical care, enhancing outcomes by addressing functional aspects of the nervous system that may not be targeted by conventional treatments.
How is technology integrated into Functional Neurology?
Technological tools such as virtual reality, neurofeedback, and advanced diagnostic equipment are increasingly used to assess and enhance neurological function.
What is the role of research in Functional Neurology?
Ongoing research continues to refine assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and our understanding of neuroplasticity, contributing to the evolution of Functional Neurology practices.
Dr. Alireza Chizari
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