One of the biggest differences between chiropractic care and western medicine is that we tend to see out patients more frequently even when they are feeling well. In this blog, I will try to explain why that is and how you can benefit from occasional wellness/maintenance adjustments.
Spinal stiffness can manifest as result of the many physical, chemical and emotional stressors that we place on our bodies from day to day. This stiffness can cause anything from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Chiropractic adjustments, which are often referred to as spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in scientific literature, have been shown to be quite effective at reducing pain and improving function for a variety of complaints. Recent studies have even shown SMT to be an effective drug-free option for managing pain and disability in patients who suffer from chronic recurring low back pain.
The benefits of this treatment go well beyond easing pain for people with easily identifiable conditions though. Nearly anyone can receive positive effects from adjustments, and here’s why:
I want you to picture a door in your house, now think about the carpet under that door. If the door is hung correctly, when you open and close it your carpet should be just fine. On the other hand, if the door is hung incorrectly, being slightly off center or too low then it will drag on the carpet, requiring more force to open and close and over time causing wear and tear on the carpet and the jamb.
Your spine and other joints have a similar relationship to this. If there are restrictions in movement in the joint, a biomechanical imbalance is created which reduces the joint’s mobility and overall function which can lead to decreased performance and increased wear and tear on the joint. Over time, or even in short term depending on the case, these restrictions in movement can cause a reduced ability to perform anything from a golf swing, running, riding a bike or even something as simple as playing with your kids. Improper spinal function can also cause discomfort that reduces your sleep quality which in itself has been shown to have a negative impact on our ability to function as well as on our overall health.
Regular chiropractic care should be considered as a component of any well-rounded wellness plan. Your chiropractor is specially trained to identify areas of dysfunction that lead to decreased performance and discomfort not only in the spine, but in your arms, hands, legs and feet as well. Adjustments correct any of the dysfunctional areas, allowing you to move freer and in more balanced way. Allowing you to do all the things that you love to do at the best of your ability.
Getting started is as simple as making an appointment with me if you live in Denver or a chiropractor near you for an evaluation and education on the many ways in which adjustments can increase your health and overall quality of life.
Remember — first move well, then move often.