Chiropractic
What is it?
Chiropractic is a drugless, natural healing approach to help the body achieve a healthier state of well-being. It is based on the premise that good health depends upon a normally functioning system. All body structures such as cells and organs, function by nerve impulses. When the impulses are uninterrupted, the body can function normally. When there is an Interference in the nerve supply malfunction begins. This means the body is being set up for disease.
Chiropractic focuses on the function of the person as a whole and not just the symptoms the body is presenting. It is very easy to mask the symptoms you are having and that is what many medications do. Your body’s functioning at 100% is your chiropractor’s goal and should be yours as well.
The philosophy of chiropractic is that ‘the power that made the body, can heal the body’. This life giving power flows through our body via the nervous system and heals it. We were meant to function normally. Think about it – the wisdom that creates a perfect human being in 9 months from 2 cells is capable of running it in a state of health throughout its life.
Do chiropractors crack your back?
Chiropractors do not “Crack Your Back”. To crack something is to break it, right? Chiropractors give you adjustments by hand. They apply pressure to those areas of the spine out of proper alignment, or those areas that are not moving within their normal range.
Why is the spine so important?
The spine is important and spinal problems may cause great disability. We often persist in misusing the important structure. Proper rest, exercise, nutrition, etc., are all important to the proper function of the spine. Using good posture during daily activities will go a long way towards maintaining the health of your spine.
The spinal cord has 62 nerves. The spinal cord and the brain are enclosed in a hard, bony structure. Chiropractors recognize that the body contains an innate intelligence that maintains good health. It is this intelligence that gives you the ability to adapt to your environment. The chiropractor does not use drugs or surgery. The chiropractor will give you an adjustment.
Your spine is the main supporting member for your skeleton. It provides flexibility, allows motion and gives protection to the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Since your spince is so important, it makes good sense to learn a few basic facts about it. If you take good care of your spine, it will take good care of you.
The spine is made up of 24 moveable bones called vertebrae which are stacked upon each other separated by soft cushions called discs. The discs, along with ligaments and muscles help to hold the vertebrae together. The spinal cord runs through your psine in a central canal. The spinal nerves leave the cord and exit the spine through a small opening between each pair of vertebrae.
Under certain conditions these vertebrae may show abnormal motion. This is referred to as a subluxation and may be the result of an injury or simply the accumulation of bad postural habits. When a subluxation occurs, the spinal nerves and the joints between the vertebrae may be adversely affected.
The joints
The small joints between the vertebrae, called facets, may become inflamed or swollen as a result of irritation. This can produce pain locally or may cause referred pain into an area remote from the subluxation. Eventually this joint may show premature wear and tear. This is called osteoarthritis.
The nerves
When a subluxation occurs, the spinal nerve which exits from between vertebrae may be affected. This may reulst in pain and/or numbness in the area supplied by the nerve, or muscle weakness. If the affected nerve supplies one of the internal organs the function of that organ may also be affected.
What is the history of chiropractic?
The chiropractic profession was established in 1895 and derived its name from Greek word ‘cheir’ and ‘praktikis’ meaning “done by hand”. While chiropractic is considered a relatively young health science, its historical roots can be traced back to early civilizations. Ancient Greeks knew chiropractic principles. Hippocrates, often called the father of medicine, said “ At the sign of disease, look to the spine”. That was in 470 B.C. In fact, ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians and the Aztecs, all have records of treating by hand.
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