I always find it interesting that, for the most part, people really don't understand what chiropractic is and how it can benefit them. Most understand the relationship that it may have with a persons back and neck, but quite often that's the extent of their impression. So let's look at this subject a little closer so that we can shed a little more light on it.

Most of us realize that our brains run the show. Not only does this magnificent computer in side our skulls give us conscious thought, it also runs and regulates all of our body's functions. And I mean everything! This includes digestion, temperature control, movement, balance, heart rate, sexual function and reproduction, and so on. Everything that makes our body function comes back and is tied to our nervous system, which for the most part is then controlled by the brain. Every moment there are thousands of messages traveling to and from the body and brain, allowing for all this regulation to occur, almost all without our conscious awareness.

This marvelous system is then protected by our skull and our spine. There are 24 bones (vertebra) throughout our spine that give us physical structure and support but also house the delicate spinal cord. It these bones shift out of place or don't move properly, it can have a negative influence on the overall function of this system. An individual might not even be experiencing any pain to have this interference occurring. Chiropractors identify this interference as a SUBLUXATION. These subluxations can occur due to various causation, Auto accidents and sports injuries would be two of the more obvious causes. But what is becoming so prominent is the influence that our technical world is having on our bodies. Sitting at a computer all day or staring at our phone for hours shifts the normal human posture out of it's normal alignment. This alteration then will have a negative influence (mechanical stress) which then alters the multitude of messages traveling along this system. This would explain why a victim of an auto accident not only suffers from neck and back pain but may also experience dizziness, numbness or weakness in arms or legs, and alteration of their digestive system. It also sheds light on why an individual sitting at a computer all day start to develop headaches, fatigue or soreness in the shoulders, or alteration of sensation in their hands or arms after working for hours.

Doctors of chiropractic are educated and skilled in identifying and locating these subluxations. This is typically done through taking a thorough history and performing an examination which often will include X-ray analysis. The conclusion of this information is then addressed and a plan of action is established. It's not uncommon that my patients, surprised upon seeing what their X-rays revealed, will ask "how come nobody has ever shown me this before!".

The care plan will typically involve ADJUSTMENTS to the spine to restore the normal positioning and movement of the vertebrae. This can be performed with many different types of techniques, some which include just a very light tapping on the spine. Exercises, stretches, and ergonomic strategies should also be addressed.

Holistic care is basically keeping the body aligned and functioning at it's highest level. Remember, it's not just about neck and back pain!