Chiropractic is a health care discipline which restores and emphasizes the
inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs
or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between
structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system)
and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.
In 1895 the "founding father" of chiropractic, Dr. D.D. Palmer, developed
a theory that spinal misalignment (subluxation) caused nerve pressure or irritation
which in turn caused various ailments. He realized that the structure and condition
of the spine influenced how the body functioned and its ability to heal
itself.
To fully understand the chiropractic perspective,
one must learn a bit about the nervous system.
The Nervous System
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The brain
is divided into sections and stores and receives an incredible amount of information.
But this information needs a way to get in and out. Nerves provide a pathway
for this information to travel, and the spinal cord is made up of bundles of
these nerves. The spine both houses and protects the spinal cord.
Nerve dysfunction can result from any number of
factors, such as falls, accidents, stress, tension, or over-use. These events
can alter our "wiring" and create
pain or discomfort in our bodies.
Chiropractic
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to locate the
source of the pain or discomfort at the interface between the skeleton and the
nervous system. This may
actually be far from the actual location where the symptom is occurring. We
then correct or adjust the joints to relieve irritation from the nervous
system and restore the ability of the body to heal itself.
Of course, the type of correction or adjustment employed by the chiropractor
depends on the condition being treated. The important thing to remember is that
chiropractic success occurs by addressing the source of the problem, not just
masking the symptoms.
Wellness
Because helping the body heal itself involves many
facets, chiropractors also provide lifestyle advice to help prevent illness and
injury. Diet & nutrition,
fitness, ergonomics, and other areas in your life contribute, or diminish, your
overall health. By making the right choices, one can live a life full of wellness
and vitality.
