This type of care is based on the understanding that the nervous system affects all parts of the body. Most notably, the spine houses the spinal cord, which is connected from your feet to your head. The root word “chiropractic” (or Chiropraktikos) means “effective treatment by hand“. Chiropractors find and make adjustments to problems related to the body’s musculoskeletal system (also called subluxations in the spine). Instead of using drugs or other chemicals, chiropractors seek to treat the body by making minor adjustments to the spine to improve health and overall well being.
Chiropractors generally use a standard method for diagnosing issues related to the musculoskeletal system, but there may be differences in how they treat the patient. Some may do more than an adjustment. Spinal stretching, heat, cold, and other treatments can be used effectively in addition to spinal manipulation to speed the healing process.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
The spine is a strong set of bones in the body, but due to falls, stress, tension, overexertion, and other injuries, the alignment of the spine can slightly get out of place. Chiropractic care is beneficial in that it can help speed the body’s natural healing process and correct these issues with little discomfort from the patient.
Some of the main benefits are:
- Increased Circulation – your body requires proper circulation of blood in order to heal cuts, bruises, and other ailments. Chiropractic care can help blood to circulate within the body.
- Increases delivery of oxygen and other nutrients – Much like blood, certain areas of the body require vitamins and other necessary nutrients to heal or operate normally.
- Reduce soreness and pain – Chiropractors can help narrow down where the pain is coming from and treat specific areas of the spine to reduce soreness and speed healing
- Helps the body to relax – The human body is an amazing organism. With time nearly all ailments can heal. Chiropractic care can act as a catalyst and speed the healing process by helping the organs and muscles to relax so that healing can take place.
There are many more benefits to chiropractic care including easier breathing, better athletic performance, increased nervous system performance, and overall a healthier you. If you have not talked with a chiropractor before and you are experiencing any type of pain, soreness, or other health related issue, it may be time to look up a local chiropractor in your area and talk to him or her about your health-related goals.