Chiropractic is the art of removing interference within the nervous system by working with the structure of the body. We know that structure affects function; with better structure comes better health. Many people seek chiropractic care for the relief of pain. As effective as chiropractic is with pain relief, there is an even more important reason to begin care: to allow the body to function at its highest potential by removing interference within the nervous system.

In order for you to understand this a little better, we need to explain some anatomy. The nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are covered by the skull and vertebra (the spine). It is so important that it is the only system that is covered with bone in order to protect it. The nerves that communicate with the body leave the central nervous system and flow between the vertebra to all the organs and muscles. When a vertebra misaligns it will cause inflammation in the surrounding area, which will impede the function of the nerves. Some people experience numbness or tingling in their hands or feet, sometimes referred to as a “pinched nerve”; others do not feel the symptoms of the impingement, but it still may be causing issues. The terminology used by chiropractors to descibe this process is called a subluxation.

A vertebra can subluxate from many different causes. Some experience a trauma, such as an auto accident, sport injury, or even a slower processed trauma such as poor posture. Other causes of subluxations can be chemically induced and stress related. Pain is typically the symptom of a subluxation and the body's red flag that it needs attending to.

Pregnancy and chiropractic

The uterus is anchored into the pelvic cavity with muscles and ligaments, creating a need for pelvic stability. If the structures of the pelvis, including the sacrum, become subluxated (misaligned), this can cause tension within the uterus. If there is tension within the uterus, it becomes more difficult for the baby to be in an optimal position for birth. This can also cause pain and stress on the mom during pregnancy and delivery.

Pelvic changes are occurring every day in the pregnant mom due to weight changes, hormones inducing ligament laxity and postural transformations.  These changes that occur over the term of pregnancy may cause pain or discomfort for the new mom.

Chiropractic adjustments are comfortable for the pregnant mom and also very effective. In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labor times than the group not receiving chiropractic care, and multiparous subjects reported 39% shorter labor times. In addition, 84% of women reported relief of back pain during pregnancy.

Chiropractic and children

Some people associate chiropractic only with pain, and since most children don’t  complain about their backs, they must not need care. The issue is that most subluxations go undetected for many years because pain is one of the last symptoms to appear. If we could screen for these issues before they become problems, we would be healthier as a result.

Many children’s parents seek our care after a referral from the doctor for ear infections, constipation or colicky behavior. There are structural issues that can lead to ear issues in children or adults, and again, the nervous system plays a role in the symptoms.

Adjustments for children and infants are very different than adult adjustments.   We use very gentle touch and instrument adjusting. Most children become very relaxed during and after their adjustment. They love it!