Things to know about Chiropractic and chiropractic care.

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?

It is a scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism, controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the body. The vertebra, which protect the brain and nervous system, when misaligned or subluxated, can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Chiropractic is the art and science of aligning the body’s spine based on both philosophy and science since its discovery over 105 years ago by Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer.

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC WORK?

Chiropractic works by restoring a person’s ability to heal them from the inside-out. Millions of neurological instructions flow from your brain, down to the spinal cord and out to every tissue and organ. Signals sent back to the brain confirm whether the body is working correctly. Improper motion or position of the spine, called subluxations, can irritate nerves and interfere with the vital exchange of information between the brain and the body. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve brain/body communications and strengthen the body’s immune system. Health may now return with improved nervous system control of the body.

WHO NEEDS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Everyone should have a neurological, orthopedic and physical examination of their body to determine if their spine is out of alignment. This is analogous to rule that people with teeth should see a dentist for regular checkups.

WHAT CAUSES SUBLUXATIONS TO OCCUR?

From birth every human being is subjected to a wide variety of physical, chemical and emotional stressors. The first subluxation can occur as early as the birth process when the fetus is pulled from the birth canal. This may produce tremendous strain, twisting, traction and stretching on the delicate structures of the spine in the neck. Other physical causes include slips, falls, car accidents, improper lifting, poor posture, sleeping habits, sports injuries and repetitive tasks. Chemical causes include smoking, drugs, pollution, alcohol and poor diet. Emotional reactions such as stress, anger, fear and grief can also cause subluxations.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A SUBLUXATION?

You can have several subluxations but never know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay, heart disease, or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. A thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations. Also, if you are the resident of Bellevue, you can visit bellevue wa chiropractic for check-up and other instructions from experts.

CAN SUBLUXATIONS CLEAR UP ON THEIR OWN?

The body is always healing itself, however in today’s hectic lifestyles there is a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self correct many of the problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t resolve themselves a chiropractor is needed to correct them.

WHAT IS AN ADJUSTMENT? Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a gentle but quick thrust that helps to add motion to the spinal joints that aren’t moving properly. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine and your chiropractor is specifically trained in many techniques. Adults, seniors, and children are all treated differently as their spines are all in different sizes and conditions.

WHAT IS THE SOUND I HEAR DURNING THE ADJUSTMENT?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint within the joint capsule. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas (mostly nitrogen) and fluids in the joint shift. It is much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment. Range of motion can be increased without hearing any sound.

CAN I ADJUST MYSELF?

NO, some people can make their joints “pop”, but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific skills that take years to master and only a licensed chiropractor can perform a specific chiropractic adjustment. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

ARE DRUGS OR MEDICATIONS INVOLVED?

No, with chiropractic treatment no drugs or surgery is involved. Chiropractic care employs a holistic, natural approach to health. Chiropractic works by identifying the underlining cause of the problem and correcting it, rather than just masking it with painkillers. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the joints of your body. Instead of putting something in or taking something out of the body, the inborn power of the body to heal itself is restored. Painkillers may make you feel less pain, but they do not address the cause of the problem, and can have serious side effects. One of the first aims of chiropractic pain management is for the patient to be able to function normally without pain and without painkillers