A Beginner's Guide to Chiropractic Benefits

I am writing this blog after reading two articles that in no uncertain terms, bashed the profession. As a practicing chiropractor, it did not anger me or create a panic of writing this blog to defuse the situation. However, it did create a freezing sensation in my chest - one that encourages me to promote chiropractic education and awareness.

For many, chiropractic doesn’t make much sense. It resembles physical therapy or massage to them, and their thoughts are valid. It is hands on, and many chiropractors like to mix their expertise with those of other professions. However, it offers such a distinct advantage to true wellness that other professions do not, and that is what this post will illustrate.

Regardless of symptomatology, our bodies go through stresses on a daily basis. In our sleep we may resemble a pretzel, and at the computer our bodies arch forward as if we were not naturally made to stand vertical. Quick meals place toxins in our bodies, that then create systemic inflammation. Exercise can be a relief for some, and for others can lead to bodily compensations worsening.

What happens in this picture?

1. Muscles go into a contractile state with acute or chronic overuse, pain or not.

2. Acute and/or chronic inflammatory chemicals flow and get trapped into your muscles and other soft tissues

3. Soft tissue adhesions begin to form (starting in 4 days of lack of proper motion) and tighten the tissues.

4. All of these led to a decrease in proper joint motion, whether it is you low back, neck, shoulder, ankle etc.

Chiropractic infuses this picture in so many ways. It balances the stress your body goes through on a daily basis, as brushing your teeth balances the health of your gums after eating. A chiropractic adjustment restores proper motion of the spine, promoting correct posture, whole body health, and proper function of the nerves that are housed in the spine.

The benefits, then, of the adjustment:

1. Takes pressure and irritation off the nerves and nervous system

2. Restores motion - both symmetry and range of motion

3. Normalize biomechanics and load distribution of the joints

4. Pumps out waste products that had been trapped

5. Improves blood flow and nutrition to the discs and articular cartilage

6. Relaxes tight muscles

7. Normalizes proprioception – position sense and kinesthesia

8. Stimulates sensory-motor reflexes which improve dynamic muscular stabilization of joints

9. Fosters our natural ability to heal by promoting metabolic rate of injured tissues and collagen and protein production

10.  Improves the alignment of new connective tissue to strengthen the soft tissue.

11. Thoracic spine adjustments aid in improving your ability to breath.

And in so many words, releases your potential to heal!

Most people, even those that criticize chiropractic, feel a positive difference after being adjusted. Pain relief happens for some, and for others there is an undeniable improvement in sleep, energy, organ function, immune response, and lifestyle goals.

The only way to truly understand chiropractic, and what chiropractic can do for you, is to seek a chiropractor that you trust. See for yourself, as that is usually proof enough of the chiropractic benefits for wellness and preventative health.

You may be surprised how you too, can heighten your potential in health through chiropractic care. 

- Dr. Katherine McCarty, D.C.