Resources

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure—mainly the spine—and its functioning. Although practitioners may use a variety of treatment approaches, they primarily perform adjustments (manipulations) to the spine or other parts of the body with the goal of correcting alignment problems, alleviating pain, improving function, and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

(Definition from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Why chiropractic?

Chiropractic is unique in the fact that it focuses on treating the cause of the problem rather than focusing on treating the effect. By focusing on the cause of the problem, individuals can greatly reduce and/or eliminate the effect of the problem. This is where chiropractic often differs from conventional medicine. Rather than focusing on attempting to treat disease once it occurs, chiropractic attempts to improve the health of the individual in an effort to avoid illness in the first place.

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Chiropractic is one of the most effective treatments for back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries and many other types of musculoskeletal problems.

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We experience life through our nervous system. Our five senses, voluntary and involuntary functions of the human body (such as balance and blood pressure), and the ability to think and reason are all controlled by the nervous system. Chiropractors focus on the nervous system for this reason. If you protect and maintain the structure and function of the spinal column, you will have optimal function of the nervous system and, therefore, can experience life at the highest level attainable.

Many things can impair your nervous system and interfere with its function.

Physical Trauma: The birth process, learning to walk or ride a bike, or playing sports can have an effect on the spine at an early age. As adults, the function of our spines can be diminished by car accidents, repetitive motions, long periods of sitting, improper lifting, and many other everyday activities.
Emotional Stress: Researchers studying the "mind-body" connection are finding that many types of physical complaints are related to poor emotional health. Muscles and soft tissues of the spine are commonly involved. Daily anxiety and stress can cause spinal problems.
Chemical Imbalances: Hormonal changes, muscle tone, and nervous system function can be affected by many types of drugs, alcohol, and medications. Plus, there is growing evidence that pollution, acid rain, and environmental toxins can affect nervous system function, too.

When there is no interference, your nervous system controls the healthy function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body.

What are the health benefits of chiropractic care?

- Prevents spinal degeneration

- Improves nerve and organ function

- Relieves joint pain

- Enhances proper growth and development

- Reduces arthritic pain,

and much more...

Visit the following websites to learn more about chiropractic and how it can benefit you and your family:

http://www.yes2chiropractic.com/

http://www.yourspine.com/

http://www.chiropractic.org/

Please, feel free to select one of the documents below to view or print for your own use. These handouts are also available in the St. Ansgar Chiropractic office.