Chiropractic health care recognizes the inherent recuperative power of the body. Because is it widely recognized that our bodies ARE self-healing, self-regulating organisms—whose functions are controlled by the brain, the spinal column, and our nervous system—chiropractic science focuses on providing good health through a normally functional nervous system.

To state it simply, the chiropractic approach is to locate and remove spinal dysfunction and nerve interference and return the body to its natural state of health and wellness.

The 24 movable bones of our spines protect our vulnerable communication nervous system pathways. A healthy nervous system is the key to a healthy body. All of our bodily functions, including voluntary movements (walking) as well as our involuntary functions (breathing), are carried through the spinal cord to the rest of the body. When our systems are in balance, all is well. We call this state homeostasis.



As mentioned above, our nervous system is the master controller for our tissues and organs, orchestrating all our cellular functions. The spinal column encases the nervous system (spinal cord and nerve roots) and is responsible for its protection. Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between spinal structure and its functions (all coordinated by our nervous systems) to assure that this critical relationship is able to preserve and restore our health.

By locating and removing any interference to our nervous systems, we can restore our inborn ability to be healthy. Biomechanical and structural problems in our spinal columns will irritate parts of our nervous systems. By correcting spinal abnormalities that irritate our nervous system, patients suffering from even non-spinal health conditions will often experience positive results. So, although your chiropractic treatments are primarily applied to your spinal region, and quite effectively eliminating back and neck pain, its primary objective is to restore and optimize your overall health.



Short-term and regular chiropractic care will often provide a wide array of health benefits, like:

  • Headache relief
  • Recovery from trauma
  • Pain relief
  • Greater flexibility and range of motion
  • Arthritic joint pain relief
  • Enhanced athletic performance
  • Postural correction
  • Decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
  • Enhanced athletic performance
  • Improved joint health
  • Increased balance and coordination
  • Enhanced immune system
  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved mental clarity
  • Increased emotional calm
  • Decreased tissue inflammation
  • Reduction of risk of injury




The American Chiropractic Association has published some interesting statistics on back pain experienced by Americans, for example:

  • Thirty-one million Americans have low back pain at any given time (1).
  • One-half of all working Americans admit to having back symptoms each year (2).
  • One-third of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help (3).
  • The cost of this care is estimated to be a staggering $50 Billion yearly--and that's just for the more easily identified costs! (4).
  • Some experts estimate that as many as 80% of all of us will experience a back problem at some time in our lives? (5).


References:

  1. Jensen M, Brant-Zawadzki M, Obuchowski N, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 69-116.
  2. Vallfors B. Acute, Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Clinical Symptoms, Absenteeism and Working Environment. Scan J Rehab Med Suppl 1985; 11: 1-98.
  3. Finding from a national study conducted for the American Chiropractic Association. Risher P. Americans' Perception of Practitioners and Treatments for Back Problems. Louis Harris and Associates, Inc. : August, 1994.
  4. This total represents only the more readily identifiable costs for medical care, workers compensation payments, and time lost from work. In Project Briefs: Back Pain Patient Outcomes Assessment Team (BOAT). In MEDTEP Update, Vol. 1 Issue 1, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, , Summer 1994.
  5. Vallfors B, previously cited.