Getting to the source
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to locate the physical source of your pain and then manually correct or “adjust” the joints in the body, setting it up to heal on its own. Interestingly, sometimes the problem can be far from the actual location where the symptom is occurring (leg pain from a low back condition – sciatica.)
While the type of treatment employed by the chiropractor will depend upon the condition being treated, the important thing to remember is that chiropractic results are achieved by addressing the source of the problem, not just alleviating the pain.
Today’s chiropractic institutions graduate the finest doctors, whose education is on par with their medical equivalent. Science has delineated the intricacies of the chiropractic method. Chiropractic is hands on healing. It is a scientific, non-invasive, and cost effective healing method!
Chiropractic Origins
The “Founding Father” of chiropractic, Dr. Daniel Palmer, developed a theory that spinal misalignment caused nerve pressure or irritation which in turn caused various ailments. He realized that the structure of the body influenced how the body functioned and its ability to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery. Recent advances in science and technology have granted us such a greater understanding of human anatomy and physiology and the chiropractic profession has evolved with the rest of modern medicine. But Palmer’s simple philosophy remains, and the same methods have continued to heal people and prevent unwanted injury and illness for over a century!
To fully understand the chiropractic works, one must learn a bit about the nervous system, or how our bodies are “wired.”
It’s Electric, Boogie Woogie Woogie
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Working together, this anatomy functions as the communication hub of your body, connecting everything electrically. Nerve signals, coming in through our five senses is processed in the brain and then used to coordinate the many processes of the body.
The brain is kind of like a computer processor. It is divided into sections, which store and receive an incredible amount of information. But this information needs a way to get in and out. Nerves provide a pathway for this information to travel, and the spinal cord is made up of bundles of these nerves. The spinal column (back bones) house and protect the spinal cord. Hence, it is crucial that we take care of our spines.
Nerve dysfunction can result from any number of factors, such as falls, accidents, stress, posture, a sedentary lifestyle, or over-use. These events can short-out our “wiring,” causing pain and reduced function (imagine a light bulb dimmer, turning down the lights). Chiropractic care can alleviate this pressure on the nervous system, turning the pain off and the power back on!
What is “Wellness”
Wellness means optimal function; a state of “all-systems-go, firing on all cylinders, right as rain!” Because an awful lot goes into helping the body heal itself, Doctors of Chiropractic routinely provide lifestyle recommendations to help prevent illness and injury. Diet & nutrition, physical fitness, posture, ergonomics and other areas in your life contribute to your overall health, or lack thereof. By learning to make the right choices, one can live a life full of wellness and vitality. Chiropractors are the resident experts of the wellness community.
