20 Oct Why Chiropractic?

Written by Lifebook Member Nicole Moore

Most people think that all Chiropractors do is help with neck pain, back pain and headaches.  So why would someone without symptoms see a Chiropractor?  Why would you take your children to a Chiropractor?  Why would you want to make it part of your family’s wellness plan?

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is an approach to health and wellbeing that centers around the body’s own natural ability to function and heal itself.  Chiropractors believe that the body is self-healing and self-regulating.

Our bodies are extremely complex and intricate.  Scientists estimate we have as many 100 trillion cells that make up our bodies.  Each cell has a specialized function that adapts our body to its changing requirements.  Every day without having to think about it, we digest food, alter heart rate and blood pressure, heal wounds and carry out thousands of other essential body functions.

The nervous system is central to everything your body does.  Consisting of your brain, spinal cord and the nerves that branch out to every part of your body, your nervous system is the most complex organ of your body.  It’s through your nervous system that your body controls the function of all of your cells and organs, coordinating everything from your digestion and breathing, to the thoughts you have and the way you sense the world.

Chiropractic is based on the knowledge that tension, misalignment or altered function of your spine (subluxations) can interfere with the flow of information along your nerves, and may dramatically affect the function of your body in many different ways.  Most subluxations exist without obvious spinal pain or discomfort.

The focus of a chiropractor is to improve the function of your spine which helps free the flow of information throughout your nervous system.  This helps your body better heal itself, adapt to stress and coordinate its functions.

How do you get subluxations?

All subluxations occur due to a combination of three types of stresses on the body.

1.  Physical

Physical stresses can be things such as injuries, accidents, slips, falls, the birth process, prolonged ‘abnormal’ postures or even subtle repetitive movements.

2.  Chemical

Toxins from tobacco, alcohol, drugs, food preservatives, chemical pesticides and additives place considerable stress on the delicate chemical balance within the body.  This contributes to the subluxation complex through a mechanism called the viscero-somatic reflex.

3.  Emotional

Thoughts have the potential to be the most significant and detrimental stress with regard to contributing to the subluxation complex.  Emotional stress leads to neurological and physiological changes in the body (eg. increased heart rate, increased muscle tone, nervousness, decreased gastro-intestinal functions, breathing changes and so on.)  All of these responses change nervous system function and will affect the body.

Possible effects of subluxation may include:

Changes in muscular tension.
Reduced flexibility, balance, muscle strength and coordination.
Reduced function of the different organs or systems of your body.
Reduced ability to cope with and adapt to stress.
Reduced vitality and energy levels.
Poor posture
Low back pain, neck pain, headaches ,pain in other parts of the body (depending on which nerves are affected)

What does a Chiropractor do?

Doctors of Chiropractic use specific adjustments which are precise methods to correct subluxations and improve the function of your spine and nervous system.

Over the years a great number of different styles and approaches have been developed.  Most Chiropractors use a wide range of different methods adapted to suit people of all ages and body types, from newborns to the elderly.

How may you benefit from Chiropractic care?

Most people know that Chiropractic is very effective for relieving symptoms such as back pain, neck pain and headaches, and in fact that’s what brings most people to our offices.  Chiropractic’s real focus though is to help you be as healthy and vibrant as you can be, performing at your best and living life to the fullest.

Other benefits may include:

• Greater flexibility, strength and muscle coordination (why so many top sportspeople use chiropractic care)
• Improved function of your body’s organs and systems
• Greater energy and vitality
• Greater ability to relax and cope with stress
• Improved ability to concentrate and stay ‘on task’
• Improved posture
• Higher productivity and performance
• Reduced incidence of colds and flu, colic, earaches and other common childhood conditions.

Why not see how much better you can be under Chiropractic care?