Back to the Basics:
What is Chiropractic and How Does it Help?
Do the changes you see in your body as you get older worry you? Do you feel like you need a way to upkeep your body? Something to bring into your routine that goes beyond diet and exercise and helps get ahead of some of the aches and pains, the wear and tear, and the effects of stress on your nervous system? Something that is actually enjoyable to do, and leaves you feeling refreshed? This is chiropractic!
Whether you’re a newcomer or a regular patient, understanding the basics of chiropractic can enhance your overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore what chiropractic is (as I personally see it – chiropractic comes in many flavors), what happens to the body during an adjustment, and how these adjustments contribute to your health.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on the spine, where the nervous system meets the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors believe in the body’s ability to heal itself when given the right conditions, and aim to facilitate this natural healing process without the use of drugs or surgery. We do this by addressing subluxations, or misalignments in the spine with the chiropractic adjustment. We are not “fixing you”, but rather facilitating your healing by providing a guided opportunity to release something that no longer serves you!
The Spine’s Role:
At the core of chiropractic care is the understanding that the spine plays a crucial role in the body’s functioning. The spine protects the spinal cord, which serves as the communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body. Any misalignments or restrictions in the spine can disrupt this communication, leading to a disconnect between the brain and body, and over time, various health issues.
What Happens During an Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, involve gentle and controlled movements applied to the spine or other joints. The goal is to correct misalignments, or subluxations, and restore proper function to the affected area. It is often relaxing, sometimes intense, but rarely painful. Most people really enjoy how it feels.
During an adjustment, you may hear a popping sound, which is simply the release of gas bubbles in the joints. This sound, known as cavitation, is a normal and harmless phenomenon, and is not necessary for the adjustment to be successful. The adjustment aims to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function in your body by maximizing nervous system expression. You will often feel the difference right away, as your nervous system finds balance.
How Adjustments Help:
- Enhanced Nervous System Function: The spine’s alignment directly influences the nervous system. Even the vagus nerve is impacted by a neck adjustment. By addressing subluxations, chiropractic care promotes optimal nerve function, positively impacting various bodily functions.
- Preventive Care: Regular chiropractic adjustments contribute to overall wellness by addressing minor issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach can prevent future injuries and promote long-term health. Regular chiropractic care is such a game-changer over a lifetime.
- Pain Relief: This is the most obvious one. Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain by reducing the pressure on nerves and promoting better communication between the brain and the body.
- Improved Mobility: Fixations in the spine can restrict overall movement, or contribute to dysfunctional movement patterns. Adjustments help restore proper joint function, enhancing flexibility and range of motion.
How to Know if You Need Chiropractic Care:
- Persistent Pain: If an individual experiences persistent or recurring pain in their back, neck, joints, or muscles, chiropractic care may provide relief. This includes conditions such as chronic back pain, neck stiffness, tension headaches, or sciatica.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving a joint through its full range of motion can be a sign of underlying musculoskeletal issues. Chiropractic adjustments and other manual therapies can help improve joint mobility and flexibility.
- Posture Problems: Poor posture, whether due to prolonged sitting, standing, or improper ergonomics, can contribute to spinal misalignment and musculoskeletal discomfort. Chiropractors can assess posture issues and provide corrective exercises and adjustments to improve alignment.
- Recent Injury or Trauma: Individuals who have recently experienced an injury, such as a sports injury, automobile accident, or slip and fall, may benefit from chiropractic care to address soft tissue damage, reduce inflammation, and restore proper alignment.
- Repetitive Strain: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive movements or prolonged periods of sitting or standing can lead to muscle tension, joint stiffness, and spinal misalignment. Chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms associated with repetitive strain injuries and improve overall musculoskeletal health.
- Being Human: You don’t need to be in pain to benefit from chiropractic care! In fact, the proactive approach is the best approach. Even in the absence of symptoms, everyone can benefit from chiropractic care as part of their preventive healthcare routine. Regular chiropractic adjustments can keep you moving well and feeling well for a lifetime.
Chiropractic care offers a natural and holistic solution to many common health concerns by focusing on the body’s innate ability to heal itself. If you have any questions about chiropractic care or are interested in learning more, feel free to reach out – we’re here to support your journey to optimal health.