Chiropractic (jr)

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.1

(definition per U.S. Dept. of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

The Association of Chiropractic Colleges states that Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

The Goal of Chiropractic?

The Association of Chiropractic Colleges notes that the purpose of chiropractic is to optimize health. This may be confusing to some, as chiropractic adjustments are regularly performed on the spine, thus propagating the thought process that chiropractors treat back and neck conditions. While it is widely recognized that back and neck pain is effectively treated through chiropractic care, it should be also recognized that the ultimate goal of the chiropractic adjustment is to restore and optimize health and wellness.

Some patients question how their overall health may improve while they are receiving chiropractic adjustments for back or neck pain. Neurological research reveals the nervous system is an integral part of overall health. Scientists know the nervous system is the very first organ system to develop in a fetus. All bodily functions are controlled by this organ system. It consists of the brain, spinal cord and billions of other nerves which serve every cell, tissue and organ.

Many fields of science have findings which support chiropractic as a wellness and preventative intervention. Such specialities as neuroscience, endocrinology, psychoneuroimmunology and neuropsychology have identified the links between proprioceptive input into the cerebellum portion of the brain and healthy brain body development and function. This vital input has been identified as an essential nutrient for nervous system function. Since the nervous system is held within the skull and 24 moveable bones of the spine, it is critical these bones are properly aligned to retain movement integrity. Any spinal misalignments create physical irritation, inflammation and biomechanical alteration, all while sending stress signals to the brain. These processes may result in production of chronic stress hormones, pain, numbness, weakness and improper functioning of cells, tissues and organs.

Chiropractic health care focuses on spinal alignment, proper posture and spinal curves to ensure proper nerve function and reduced stress signals to the central nervous system. Chiropractic emphasizes the recuperative power of the body to heal itself without drugs or surgery. This philosophy addresses what science now recognizes; the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated through the nervous system). It is that relationship which affects the restoration and preservation of health. Remember, your spinal cord is the only connection between your brain and the rest of your body. It literally is the information highway that allows messages to travel in your body. As the provider of information to and from the brain it is the, “master control system.” All these nerves functioning within your body tell you, what to do, how to do it, and when. Your stomach is digesting food, kidneys filtering, heart pumping, etc. - the right amount at the right time based on feedback through nerves to and from your brain. Your nervous system is allowing all this to happen. And, to be at your best, your nervous system needs to be free from interference and chronic stress signals. Proper chiropractic care can address both these areas.

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Body Responses to Stress

The very first thing that must occur for our bodies to react, is we must detect the stress stimulus in our environment. Then - Information is sent to our sympathetic nervous system.

-Heart rate and blood pressure increase
-Cellular immunity decreases
-Digestion slows
-Sex drive decreases
-Emotional and anxiety memories increase
-Factual learning and short term learning is inhibited - STRESS SHARPENS AWARENESS at the EXPENSE OF CONCENTRATION.
-Sleep is compromised
-Growth hormones are diminished
-Blood glucose increases
-Cortisol leaves more LDL in bloodstream and decreases production of HDL
-Blood clotting factors increase
-Increased blood lipids
-increase fear/anxiety/depression
-Insulin resistance increases

These natural body changes are only designed to occur in short term situations. Our bodies are not well equipped to maintain these changes for an extended period of time. When we experience these changes over time we cause our bodies to adapt and this opens the opportunity for chronic illnesses to be expressed.

Take a good look at this list of items and consider the potential for heart disease, obesity, type II diabetes, stroke etc.

The most important take home message is this: We need to start living congruently with how we were designed to live, because if we don’t, we will most certainly develop the chronic illness listed above.

These are lifestyle diseases and stress plays a huge part in their development.

Chiropractic Benefits...

Reduction of Nervous System Irritation

Migraine, Tension, Cluster & Cervicogenic Headache Relief

Increased Range of Motion & Improved Flexibility

Reduced Muscle Stiffness & Soreness

Arthritis Joint Pain Relief

Enhanced Energy & Performance Levels

Increased Sense of Well Being & Relaxation

Increased Balance & Coordination

Reduced Spinal Degeneration

Spine and Extremity Pain Relief

Enhanced Tissue Healing & Reduced Injury

Reduction of Tissue Inflammation

“I would estimate that in excess of 90% of all world class athletes use chiropractic care to prevent injuries and to increase their performance potential.”

Sean Atkins, PhD Exercise Physiologist

World’s Top Athletes Comments

“I definitely try to get on a basis where I use Chiropractic at least twice a week. I would definitely say that is helps me to perform at a higher lever.” - Emmit Smith, Dallas Cowboys

“My shooting has improved because of Chiropractic. I feel more balanced and have more coordination and control. Since I have been under Chiropractic care, I have improved by leaps and bounds.” - Gerald Wilkins, New York Knicks

“Chiropractic is essential for running. If I could put a percentage value on it, I would say that I compete 8-10% better from regular Chiropractic care.” - Dan O’Brien, Olympic Decathalete

“Chiropractic helps athletes win without pain and aids in enhancing performance naturally.”- Tonya Knight ProBodybuilder

“Chiropractic has really helped me to keep my body in line to help my body recover.” - Chris Carter, Minnesota Vikings

“The best way to use Chiropractic is not only after injuries, but before they occur.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

“I have an adjustment before I go into the ring. I found that going to the Chiropractor helps my performance. In fact, a majority of boxers go to Chiropractors to get the extra edge.”

- Evander Holyfield, Heavyweight Boxing Champ

WELLNESS

Therapeutic Lifestyle Choices

for Optimal Health