Ever since the chiropractic profession emerged in the United States in the late 19^th century, there has been a perception that chiropractic care is required only in the case of back or neck pain. This isn’t the case though. There is a reason that one million chiropractic adjustments are performed on Americans every day.

What are Chiropractic Adjustments?

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the main structures of the body (skeletons, muscles, and nerves) and the health of the patient. Chiropractors help patients maintain optimal health by avoiding unnecessary medication and surgery. 

The primary goal of chiropractic adjustments is to bring the spine into an optimal position, to reduce subluxations, and to bring bones and joints into a natural state. Proper alignment of the spine relieves the neck and the rest of the body of strain and is known to reduce pain and many other symptoms. 

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor uses his or her hand to exert a sudden controlled force on the affected joint to push it out of the usual range of motion resulting in pop or cracks. The movement is then realigned or adjusted so that the joint returns to its natural position and joint pain is relieved. 

While the mainstay of the discipline is spinal manipulation, chiropractic also includes other treatments, including manual manipulation therapy, postural exercises, education, and ergonomic training (walking, sitting, and standing to limit strain). 

What are Some of the Unexpected Benefits of Chiropractic Care?

There are several advantages to chiropractic care that extend beyond the treatment of neck and back pain.

Headache relief

Chiropractic care is a holistic form of care that aims to treat the body as a whole and not as separate systems. Chiropractic clinics treat many diseases that affect the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. In addition to back, neck, and muscle pain, chiropractic adjustments can be incredibly successful in treating chronic headache pain.

Improved immunity

A strong immune system is the single best tool that one has in their health toolkit. A study released by New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute showed a 200% greater immune competence for individuals who had received chiropractic treatments.

Better posture

Aside from looking unsightly, bad posture has a host of health complications associated with it, including joint degeneration, poor circulation, spinal dysfunction, and impaired lung function. Poor posture is also a leading cause for slipped or herniated discs. Chiropractic treatment can help correct bad posture, a problem chiropractors see often resulting from jobs that require sitting for long periods of time working at a keyboard.

Decreased blood pressure

Patients suffering from elevated blood pressure can seek chiropractic care in order to lower their blood pressure. The procedure for treatment includes an adjustment of the C-1 vertebra (also referred to as the Atlas vertebra). There have been documented instances of patients no longer requiring blood pressure medication, post-treatment.

Increased flexibility

Another widely documented benefit of regular chiropractic care is the impact it has on one’s range of motion, a big win for anyone who has an active lifestyle.

Enhanced sleep

Regular adjustments of the spine realign the back, neck, and hips to ensure the best possible sleep. After a chiropractic adjustment that restores movement, the brain remembers the new movement and provides a functional refresher, leading to sweet, sweet dreams.

Pregnancy care

Women’s bodies go through such drastic and immense changes during pregnancy, changes that often lead to pain and discomfort. Not only can chiropractic care assist with this discomfort, but it can also assist with reducing morning sickness and the back pain that go hand in hand with pregnancy. Furthermore, having regular adjustments throughout the course of the pregnancy and ensuring that the mom-to-be’s hips, spine, and pelvis are in proper alignment can lead to an easier labor and delivery.

The Chiropractic Care Advantage

In addition to the host of reasons above to consider regular chiropractic care, chiropractic treatment is a fantastic option for anyone who is simply looking to live a more health-conscious life and take greater control of their physical and emotional wellbeing. Chiropractic care truly does go beyond aches and pains and sets the stage for enhanced overall wellness. Schedule an appointment online or call 256-721-9696.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.