6 Benefits of Chiropractic
Jesper Aggergaard
“Look well to the spine for the cause of disease.
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Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, addressing the body as a whole, interconnected system, not just the spine. It focuses on supporting and enabling the body’s natural, innate healing mechanisms. Therefore, chiropractic itself does not heal you, it allows your body to heal itself. Here are some of the benefits you may experience through regular adjustments.
Decreased Pain
Pain is a common reason one might seek out chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to help with sciatica, back and neck pain, headaches and many other aches and pains due to accidents, injury, poor posture or daily overuse. When the spine is out of alignment, this can cause mild to severe nerve pain due to nerve compression. Additionally, both chronic and acute misalignment affects the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, creating musculoskeletal imbalances that can cause long-term structural issues and pain. Other forms of pain that have shown evidence of improvement include shoulder pain and frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee and tennis elbow.
Increased Mobility
Along with decreased pain, one might also experience increased joint mobility. Adjustments can help bring balance and ease to soft tissues, allowing for more freedom of movement. Studies have concluded that chiropractic treatments increased nerve function, wrist mobility and strength for those with carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as increased hip mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. It has also proven beneficial for dizziness due to problems with the cervical vertebrae in the neck.
Improved Digestion
Proper nerve communication is essential for overall health. The nerves running from the spine to digestive organs, such as the stomach, small and large intestines and pancreas, are very important when it comes to digestive health. But, in addition to this, the vagus nerve, which runs from the base of the skull down throughout the abdominal cavity, affects every organ and system in the body, including the digestive and elimination systems.
Decreased Stress
Your nervous system is the main player when it comes to stress. When the nervous system is not functioning optimally, your body will not be able to respond to stressors properly. Stress in the spine can lead to stress in the rest of the body, significantly affecting our mental health as well. Adjustments can help support a healthy stress response by switching on the “rest-and-digest” (parasympathetic) nervous system via the vagus nerve. Naturally, when spending more time in this relaxed state, we’re able to heal, repair and recover.
Strengthened Immunity
When your spine is healthy, the nerves connecting to your immune organs, such as the thymus and spleen will naturally function better allowing for a greater ability to fight off infections. Additionally, a healthy nervous system also contributes to a thriving digestive system, which, lined with nerves, comprises 70% of our immune system. Did you also know that your nervous system and stress response have a significant impact on your immune function? This is due to the immune-suppressing affects of chronically elevated stress hormones, cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Improved Mental Clarity
Subluxations of the spine can limit blood flow to the brain, decreasing oxygen and nutrient levels in this vital organ. This can impair brain function, and lead to problems such as brain fog, mental fatigue, poor memory and concentration issues. Chiropractic helps create alignment in the spine, taking pressure off of compressed nerves, supporting optimal flow of blood to the brain.
Are you experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care in your life? Leave a comment below!
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist™