Chiropractic is a manual therapy
that
appears to concentrate on
spinal joint function. However,
our apparent
fascination with the
spine is because there are 31 pairs
of nerves that exit
each side
of the spine, which innervate muscles
ligaments and skin. These
same nerve roots also innervate organs and glands. When the spine or any
joint in the body is not functioning correctly it can cause inflammation and pain
due to
disturbed nerve function.
We apply gentle pressure to a specific
joint of the spine or limb that is
dysfunctional. This results in reduced pain and inflammation and restored
function to the
affected
area. However, something to keep in mind, only
10% of
each nerve root that exits the spine stimulates pain. The other
90% regulates other bodily functions
which
when disturbed are not so
easily detected. Therefore
don’t think you have to be in pain to
benefit from Chiropractic care. Chiropractic is not just for
pain relief;
it’s for health.
What is a Subluxation?
Subluxation:
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The word subluxation comes from the
Latin words meaning to
dislocate (luxare) and somewhat or slightly (sub). A
subluxation means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or
biomechanical
malfunctioning of the vertebrae (the bones of the spine).
These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and the
blood vessels
which branch off from the spinal cord between each of
the vertebrae.
This irritation may cause pain and dysfunction in muscle, lymphatic
and organ tissue, as well as neurologic imbalance in the
normal body
processes.
What causes a subluxation?
A fall, injury, sudden jar, trauma,
or sometimes an inherited spinal
weakness can displace a vertebra. Other causes include
improper
sleeping conditions or habits, poor posture,
occupational hazards,
incorrect lifting practices, obesity, lack of rest and exercise, and
stress.
How is a subluxation corrected?
Doctors of Chiropractic are
specialists in neuromusculoskeletal
conditions. They are trained to restore the misaligned
vertebrae to
their proper position in the spinal column. They do
this manually,
utilizing the chiropractic procedure known as spinal adjustment.
Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her
hands in
applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and
location. The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment
and mobility of the vertebrae. In some cases, the chiropractor may
use instrumentation to detect subluxations and adjust the spine.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Under normal circumstances,
chiropractic adjustments are painless.
In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash, mild discomfort may be
experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to
feel a brief
sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment
due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve
root.
Is regular chiropractic care necessary?
Regular chiropractic care may be
necessary to correct spinal
subluxations to help maintain sound health and fitness.
Your spine
is under constant strain during waking hours. Improper lifting
techniques, poor posture, accidents, falls and bumps, and other
causes can contribute to spinal strain. Timely
adjustments
can help restore the neuromusculoskeletal integrity of the spine
to normalize the bodily equilibrium and increase resistance.
How old should a person be before he or she begins
chiropractic care?
Chiropractic patients range in years
from birth to old age.
Regardless of age, the vertebrae can become misaligned.
For example, the birth process may cause trauma
to the neck and spine. Left uncorrected, the vertebral
subluxation may disturb the delicate spinal cord and
nerves
which control the youngster's muscles and organs. In
some cases, an uncorrected subluxation may lead to a
deformity
of the spinal column. An early chiropractic checkup
may detect
many spinal problems while they are still easily
correctable.
How will the adjustment help me?
Chiropractic adjustments by
themselves do not actually heal the body.
When any of the 24 moveable spinal vertebrae become misaligned,
a basic imbalance or disruption can occur in the nervous
and blood
vascular systems, which may contribute to stress in the body.
Chiropractic adjustments help eliminate that imbalance or disruption
so that the body can function at its true potential.
Does an adjustment have to make a noise to be
effective?
No, it is a common misconception that
your joints must make a
noise to be properly adjusted. However, more often than not when
your vertebrae are adjusted, the smooth articular (joint) surfaces
become separated, creating and then releasing a small vacuum,
making a noise. This is the sound made when you crack
your knuckles. Your chiropractor is concerned with the position
of your vertebrae, not with the noise that may occur.
Should I go to a Chiropractor if I feel fine?
Even if you feel fine, chiropractic
care can help your body maintain
its required level of health and fitness. Your chiropractor can
recommend a preventive spinal-care program and advise you on
correct posture, dietary information and back exercises.
Regular spinal checkups can help detect and prevent spinal stress
due to subluxations.
Is it true that Chiropractors do not prescribe
medication or perform surgery?
Yes. Chiropractors do not include
medication or surgery in
their treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the
body has a built-in capacity to restore health within certain
limits, and base their care on this principle. Occasionally,
the use of medication can interfere with the body's healing
mechanisms, produce side effects, create a dependence and
lead to drug-caused disease or complications. The first
response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative
care. Chiropractic's principles make it possibly the safest
and most appealing of the healing arts.
How does chiropractic care help the pregnant
woman?
Because of the additional weight and
stress on the framework
of the body in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can
help lower the incidence of pain in the low back and legs,
and between the shoulder blades. In some cases, fewer
headaches and problems with nausea and elimination
may also result. Many chiropractors care for expectant
mothers in the regular course of their daily practices.
It is wise, however, to first inquire about the experience of
your chiropractor in caring for pregnant women and
what he or she recommends for you.
Thanks to the ICA for the use of this information!
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