If you were to take an informal survey of the top reasons patients seek chiropractic care, you’re likely to hear answers such as neck pain, back pain, headaches and sciatica. While these issues are all commonly resolved with chiropractic care, it’s important to point out that a true Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) does not ‘treat’ these conditions in the traditional sense. D.C.s  view these outward symptoms as a sign of dis-ease within your body.  Much like a floating iceberg, these painful physical symptoms are merely the tip of the issue, with the bigger problem often lying deeper beneath the surface. 

The ultimate goal of a chiropractic physician is to restore balance and vitality to the body by means of the nervous system. The human spine is made of a series of moving parts (i.e. vertebrae) that house the brain and spinal cord, while also supplying a small passage for nerves that then stretch out to every part of the body. Similar to an injured ankle that becomes inflamed and restricted, the joints between these vertebrae can also become injured, inflamed, and restricted. Your body adapts fairly well to this inflammation in the short term, in much the same way it would adapt to the hurt ankle; but if left unaddressed or repetitively re-injured, the original injury will begin causing chronic inflammation and swelling. These chronically inflamed joints are a leading cause of neck and back pain. 

Additionally, however, this chronic inflammation and swelling interferes with neighboring nerve fibers, affecting their overall sensitivity and transmissions. The human body is a symphony of its parts, with the brain acting as conductor. When the conductor is able to easily communicate with his musicians, the intricate dynamics and details of the music remain intact. In contrast, a poorly conducted rendition of Beethoven’s 5^th is easily recognized, yet hardly enjoyed. By focusing on spinal function, doctors of chiropractic encourage effective communication between your brain and nervous system, which ensures the body is working optimally.  

The benefits of relieving inflammation and restoring communication can lead to dramatic results! Here are just five of the many conditions that research has shown can be effectively treated through chiropractic care:

Colic. The birthing process can be rough on little ones! While most bones are still spongy cartilage, the top bone in your neck, which surrounds the brainstem, begins hardening within the womb.  This area can become injured and lead to fussy feeding habits.

Ear Infections. Because the inner ear canals of children are more horizontal than adults, inflammation in this area will also lead to decreased drainage of the inner ear. You might be thinking, “How do you adjust a baby?” It’s delicate process, similar to checking the ripeness of a tomato.

Shoulder/Elbow/Hand/Knee/Leg/Foot Pain. Nerves control split-second transmissions necessary to control muscles responsible for every movement in your body, disruption of these signals leads to inconsistent timing of muscle movements and inhibited biomechanics within its resulting joint.  Chronic inflammation of these nerves can lead to sensations of numbness, tingling or chronic aching of the affected joint.

High Blood Pressure. The heart is the most important muscle in the body, so it’s important to keep it firing properly! Studies show that individuals with high blood pressure who underwent chiropractic care reduced regular blood pressure readings by an average of 15-20 points.

Diarrhea/Constipation. The nerves for the colon and reproductive organs are sourced from the tailbone and lower back. Children and toddlers often struggle with diarrhea/constipation because they are learning to walk and these bones have yet to completely harden. Adults that earn a living while seated also are at risk for inflaming these nerves.

Chiropractic research continues to expand and more benefits are being recognized every day. No matter your age or condition, you deserve a beautiful symphony from beginning to end.