Visiting a chiropractor can be intimidating for some, especially when you do not know what to expect. Understanding what chiropractors do and the tools us as chiropractors use can also can be quite confusing. Let me help simplify things.
Chiropractors are practitioners that specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of any conditions relating to the neurological muscular and/or skeletal system of a person and the effects that these conditions have on the overall health, function and wellbeing of a person.
Now that we understand what chiropractors do, how do we achieve such results?
The answer is simple. Our main approach is through spinal adjustment or manipulation. Let me explain further.
Spinal adjustment/manipulation is a low amplitude and controlled thrust that is delivered through a restricted joint in order to restore normal range of motion/movement of that specific joint.
That is correct, our joints can get “stuck” without us even knowing, which causes loss of movement in a specific area. Why does it get “stuck”? Well, we use our bodies on a daily basis and tension get placed on our bodies just by us using them. Now, if we add incorrect forces that are placed on our body like sitting, sleeping and lifting incorrectly, using our body in a certain position over a sustained period of time as well as lack of exercise, what do we get? A very unhappy spine.
So, restricted joints also affect the nerve signaling that exits through that specific joint; meaning the area in which that nerve supplies can be affected and lead to symptoms such as: muscle pain, loss of sensation, tingling, decrease muscle strength and decrease in proprioception. Sometimes these symptoms may not be as prominent as others and may not show immediately, but it can develop over a period of time. Depending on the area, these “stuck” joints can lead to conditions such as headaches, impingement syndromes and local inflammation etc. Furthermore, restricted joints can lead to surrounding muscle spasm, which on its own leads to discomfort and pain.
If you had to think about it; why when one only focuses on releasing the muscular component, such as through massages, it helps subside the pain definitely, but the problem may come back in a few days or weeks’ time? Yes, releasing the muscles are just as important, but, more often than not, the problem and solution lay within the joint. Focus on the joint; and the surrounding soft tissue structures will correct itself.
It is about retraining and reeducating the joints of our spine to not get “stuck” in a specific way.
Spinal adjustments that are delivered in a controlled manner by a professional, are safe and have extreme benefits in restoring normal movement of a joint, normal nerve signaling, decreases muscular spasms, increases blood flow and helps with the overall functioning and restoration of a human being.
Getting adjusted is the software update or reset that your body needs from time to time. It will prevent injury from occurring, enhance your performance and it will make you feel that you can carry out your daily tasks in a much better manner.
