Human anatomy is a complex system of intertwined muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons, and it all relies on a stable, strong, and heavy framework we know as the skeleton. Our body’s whole structure is dependent on the bones that hold it together, it’s the foundation and therefore irreplaceable and unique. The spine, in particular, has a place and function immeasurable and often overlooked. The term “backbone” used in colloquial language tells you a lot about the spine’s role and overall function.
Yet, interestingly enough, more than half of the adult population experiences some sort of backbone issue at least once in their lifetime. Some might say it’s because of the way we live now, as opposed to earlier. Sitting, driving, and a lack of proper posture take a toll on the spine after a few decades. Others might argue it’s because modern medicine and pharmacology are not curing the cause but rather the symptoms. We can safely assume the truth is somewhere in between these two ends of the same spectrum. Yes, regular physical activity, stretching, and proper posture play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the spine, but traditional approaches to curing certain issues might need some updating.
Chiropractic medicine has a long and steady tradition; it directly addresses the many causes of the issue, and the knowledgeable hands of the doctor usually result in instant relief of pain. Though some might still be skeptical, in the essay below, we’ll discuss how to unlock the full potential of this branch of medicine and live a long and painless life.
Founded by Daniel David Palmer in the late 19th century, chiropractic medicine posits that spinal misalignments, or subluxations, can disrupt nervous system function, leading to various health issues. Chiropractic comes from the notion that the body is a complex system connected by nerves, which are intertwined around the spine, connecting the brain with the rest of the body. These nerve endings and their inseparable connection with the spine play a huge role when it comes to our overall mental and physical health.
One common example of a clogged nervous system is fatigue, headaches, aches, sudden sharp pain in the neck and shoulder area, and more. We might argue the various causes and most of them are linked to the uneven distribution of pressure to certain parts of the body because of the bad posture we have several hours per day sitting behind a desk. A lack of activity and sometimes even the diet. The essence of chiropractic is to manually adjust and correct these misalignments, aiming to restore proper function and promote the body’s self-healing abilities. Of course, as you can imagine, this delicate system of nerves and skeletal parts can only be handled by somebody with the proper knowledge and understanding of the human body and skeleton anatomy. Sometimes it takes years to get the needed experience and make the right “adjustments’ without harming the patient.
Now, as you can imagine, chiropractic is about elevating the patient’s health. Every chiropractor has one goal in the end: to make sure you’ll never feel pain again while doing everyday activities. Of course, you’ll have to embrace some new and daring lifestyle changes but it’s all about pain relief and improving your mental and physical health. Your musculoskeletal system can be linked to several conditions, including fatigue, brain fog, headaches, joint problems, back pain, and more. A few neck adjustments might cure your headaches for good. This is especially common in whiplash accidents after a car crash, as people often go about their day without knowing what might be causing the pain they feel. A few adjustments to the joints in your legs and arms might make it possible for you to lift, run, and enjoy a hike again. Numerous studies have shown that these adjustments can elevate pain and make life-changing differences.
The connection between the spine and the nervous system means there is a direct link between the mind and the body and they are intertwined in a close relationship that goes up and down the spine. So, many injuries that have to do with the nerves being squeezed or pushed because of some spine conditions, such as a herniated disk, can affect your mood and overall mental health. That’s why it’s always better to look for the help of professionals. As the folks at Injury2Wellness Chiropractic explain, auto-injury Chiropractic care offers you personalized treatments depending on the kind of diagnosis you have. Some professionals also offer you help implementing these new lifestyle choices, like a diet and exercise more effectively. How many times do you wake up with a headache, you didn’t do anything wrong the previous night, you can get 8 hours of sleep and you still feel like a train ran you over? Probably because your neck was more level than it was supposed to be, creating unnecessary pressure and causing the headache.
Chiropractic medicine is sometimes all about preventive measures and helping the body heal and adjust properly. Some of the adjustments can prevent future injuries and pain that might occur. How, you might ask? Regular adjustments can help with spinal alignment, can help prevent pain, and if the nervous system is functioning optimally, you’ll be more productive, more engaged, and in a better mood overall.
We said, in the beginning, that some people might be skeptical of the whole practice. Yet, what most don’t understand is that chiropractic medicine has scientific validation and foundation and is far from the “voodoo medicine” some might relate to. It relies on knowledge of the human body, a deeper understanding of the nervous system and how it’s connected to everything else, and the physiology of the body. Doctors are recommending more and more chiropractic care when regular medication does not work and it has been proven to be a great way to treat migraines and back pain.
Chiropractic is part of a set of new lifestyle choices you can make and implement. If you opt for a more holistic approach to your health, you’ll see and understand that all the parts of the body must be taken care of properly for optimal mental and physical performance. So, in light of this, chiropractic has its place and purpose.
As we learn more and more about the workings of the body and how everything is connected in a deeper and more meaningful way, it’s time to embrace certain proven and validated approaches to life to create a more healthy lifestyle. It’s not even about how long we’re going to live, it’s about the quality of life and the time we should be able to spend without being in pain.