Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts, and as a science is based on the premise that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system. Body structures such as cells and organs function by the impulses carried through nerves. When these nerve impulses travel uninterrupted, the organs and cells of the body are able to function normally. When there is an interference (too much or not enough nerve supply), the tissues or organs cannot function properly and a state of malfunction may begin, predisposing the body to a disease state. The spinal cord has 31 pairs of spinal nerves which exit from the spinal column (backbone). The most delicate and important organs of the nervous system 9brain and spinal cord) are encased in a hard bony covering composed of the skull and spinal vertebrae. Although the spine offers support and protection for these vital nerves, it can also cause interference with the flow of nerve impulses.
Chiropractic teaches that within the body there is an "inborn tendency" to try to maintain a state of good health. This innate intelligence is working in your body all the time, even when you are not aware of it. Think about what you had for supper. Did you have to tell your body to digest it? Did you tell your heart how many times to beat? Did you tell your lungs when to breathe? You see, the body has the ability to function and keep you well, provided there is no interference. The doctor of chiropractic does not elect to utilize drugs or surgery in his practice. However, there are times when he will recommend that you consult another practitioner if these methods of treatment are needed.
TOPWhen chiropractic was first introduced to the world in 1895, it involved a new and different approach to the problems of health. Up o that time, the approach was concerned with specific diseases, such as gastritis, headaches, ulcers, colitis and other disorders. People tended to think of a specific treatment for each known disease.
The standard treatment of disease in 1895 consisted primarily of putting chemicals into the body or using drugs in an attempt to bring the body back to health. On the other hand, the chiropractic profession and its natural drugless approach to health, maintained that the body received all the chemicals it needed to achieve good health through food, oxygen and water consumed by eating, drinking and breathing. This new science emphasized that when disease occurred, it was because the body is failing to digest, absorb, circulate, or metabolize food chemicals properly or to properly eliminate wastes from the body.
Chiropractic has given the world a different and drugless concept of health, stressing the fact that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body. The chiropractic approach to treating man's ills was not to look for the cure in drugs or chemicals, but to locate an area (tissue or organ) of the body which was receiving an improper nerve supply and, therefore, was not able to function properly. If chiropractic had not been different in its approach to health care, the profession would not have continued to expand and flourish into the largest drugless health care profession in the world. The difference in chiropractic's scientific approach has restored good health to millions of people, many times after other methods have failed. There may be times, however, when your body is not able to overcome a condition that has overwhelmed its defense mechanisms. Then the efforts of drugs or surgery are warranted. When this occurs, your doctor of chiropractic will refer you to the appropriate type of health practitioner for your particular problem. Your doctor's training enables him to advise you in these matters, so feel free to discuss your health problems at any time.
Many people think that chiropractors treat mainly orthopedic type cases, such as backaches, disc pains, sciatic problems and whiplash. It is true that for these conditions one should try chiropractic first. The art of manipulation of the spine has been proven beneficial to these problems since the time of Hippocrates. Other functional disorders such as those that involve organs and internal glands of the body may also respond to chiropractic adjustments. Every gland, organ and body tissue needs a nerve supply or some form of stimulation from the nervous system. The conditions which doctors of chiropractic treat can be as varied and as vast as the nervous system itself.
TOPOftentimes when a new patient comes into a chiropractor's office and sees an infant or young child, the initial comment is: "I didn't know you treated children!" Upon closer analysis, however, we realize that the spine is subject to stress and strain from the very moment of birth. Childbirth itself is probably the first shock to the spine and nervous system that the infant receives. Think about the pressure on the infant at the time of delivery and the potential pull on the infant's head and neck even during a normal, uncomplicated delivery.
We have always been told to use caution when holding a baby. That's because the child's neck is very weak. The muscles have not developed sufficiently to hold the head erect. The very weight of the child's head is more than the neck muscles can carry.
As the child develops, there is the usual progress of crawling, walking, running and other activities. During childhood activities, how often have we witnessed a child fall? In fact, there are many falls which occur while simply learning to walk. Because of the elasticity of youth, a child is able to bounce back again. But there is always the question, "Was there any harm done?"
The chiropractic profession places considerable emphasis on structural balance and has attributed considerable importance to the potential problems which can result from these seemingly harmless childhood incidents. The profession has maintained that these minor accidents are an element to consider in the health of our youngsters.
Some conditions, easily corrected with chiropractic care, are too often neglected and carried as a burden by the child throughout his lifetime. Many of your neighbours and friends have their children's spines checked by a doctor of chiropractic because it gives them confidence and assurance. The consideration of chiropractic care for your child is reasonable and logical. If parents were as concerned about having their children's spines checked for nerve interference as they are about having their children's teeth checked for cavities, they would be helping their youngster to attain a healthier state of well being. Proper spinal care is essential to your child's health. Don't neglect a spinal examination in his or her next health check-up.
TOPThe basic theory and prime objective of chiropractic is to keep the nervous system free from interference, thus allowing the body to function at its maximum capacity. The advisability of chiropractic care for many conditions has been demonstrated. It has been pointed out that while some may seem to be unrelated to the spine, they respond very well to chiropractic adjustments.
Why the need for chiropractic care for our senior citizens? Aging is a natural normal process which each person must undergo. (Typical problems of the senior citizen are not the same as those of a child.) The older patient is subjected to structural problems such as degenerative joint disease (arthritis) and, therefore, many of the ailments are related to the spine and extremities. Pain and stiffness are two of the most frequent complaints of the senior citizen.
Why this happens is easily understood when we realize that the elastic discs have lost much of their ability to stretch and move, due to aging.
As a person ages, the muscles which help to maintain the spine in its normal alignment begin to lose the muscle tone needed to maintain balance. When this occurs, the spinal vertebrae have a greater tendency to slip or move erratically and affect the spinal nerves which lead to vital parts of the body.
Chronic conditions, (such as arthritis, circulatory disorders, constipation, stiffness of various joints) which are associated with the process of aging can many times be greatly alleviated with regular spinal adjustments.
The process of aging is one which needs to be re-evaluated in our society. Too often, valuable contributions of our senior citizens are overlooked and neglected.
A constructive attitude of society toward the senior citizen is not only healthy, but necessary. The wisdom gained by years of experience cannot be overlooked simply because of minor health problems.
The chiropractic profession has always focused a high degree of attention on the senior citizen. This has been done mainly because the senior citizen's happiness largely depends on physical health and mental attitude. The chiropractic profession has directed much of its attention towards making the older person better able to function as a vital member of society.
Consult with your doctor of chiropractic for an evaluation. Perhaps you will gain many more years of productive living through chiropractic health care. Remember, "youth is a feeling and an attitude... not an age."
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