What is chiropractic?
The most important part of your body is your central nervous system. It is made up of your brain and your spinal cord, and they control every single function in your entire body. It is so important that it’s the only body part totally encased in bone for protection.
Starting at the top is your brain. It coordinates and computes all the electrical signals that are sent throughout your nervous system., which are sent down your spinal cord and travel all the way to the base of your spine.
Branching off of your spinal cord are spinal nerves. They exit between the vertebrae of the spinal column and supply all your muscles, cells, and organs.
For example, your lower back spinal nerves supply such structures as your legs, reproductive organs, bladder, kidneys, and colon. The spinal nerves in the upper back- or thoracic spine- supply such organs as your liver, stomach, heart, and lungs. The nerves in your neck supply such structures such as your eyes, ears, throat, and arms.
In a healthy spine, your spinal bones- or vertebrae- are in proper alignment, and the cushioning between the vertebrae called inter-vertebral discs are thick and healthy. As such, correct spinal movement is possible and the spinal nerves are able to freely exit the spine- sending nerve impulses from the brain to the target muscles and organs without any interference.
However, from poor posture, falls, car accidents, or other injuries, your vertebrae can become misaligned. This misalignment is what chiropractors call a subluxation. When a subluxation occurs, your vertebrae can press on exiting spinal nerves and interfere/block these nerve impulses. When this happens, nerve damage begins, and your body starts to dysfunction.
Although potentially painless at first, symptoms can develop rapidly, and when a subluxation is left untreated, your spine begins to decay; Your discs begin to thin and wear down, and your vertebrae starts to deform and degenerate- leading to the development of osteophites, which then further compress and damage your nerves.
So, when a subluxation occurs in your lower back, it can cause back pain, sciatica, bladder weakness, irritable bowel syndrome, or erectile dysfunction.
A subluxation in your thoracic spine can cause respiratory problems, digestive problems, and decreased energy. A subluxation in your neck can cause headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, numbness, tingling, and weakness to one or both of your arms.
Fortunately, chiropractic can help. In fact, chiropractors are the only healthcare professionals that are specifically and adequately trained to detect and correct vertebral subluxations.
Through a series of precise chiropractic adjustments, your chiropractor will restore your spine’s proper alignment, remove nerve interference, and return your body to its optimal health.
It is important to know that your body has the ability to heal itself so long as there’s no interference. Having a healthy spine is not just about removing pain and symptoms but achieving your body’s maximum health potential.