One of the most common questions we get whenever we are out in the field is “What is Chiropractic?” Some pronounce it as ˈkī-rə-ˌprak-tik’ while others pronounce it as CHī-rə-ˌprak-tik. However there have been other rib cracking pronunciations that are best left out.
While the profession is growing in the country, it is still remains a mystery. And also prone to all sorts of theories and myths.
Chiropractic (kī-rə-ˌprak-tik) is a discipline primarily concerned with the science, art and philosophy of life. Therefore its main premise is that our body possess’s the inborn ability to heal itself from disease and injuries. It is truly amazing how every nutrient ingested into our bodies is distributed to our organs and also body parts. This is to regenerate as it were in used up tissue or to provide needed vitamins, protein etc.( To form finger nails, replace dead tissue, replenish/invigorate basic but vital bodily functions) enabling us to experience richer and more fulfilling lives. For instance, one does not have to tell the mango he/she is eating where the juice should go or where the fibre should head. The inborn ability or intelligence direct all this, that is at the core of Chiropractic philosophy.
Importance Of Chiropractic
Chiropractic strives to work with this innate intelligence of our bodies. This is by ensuring that our nervous system is free from interference. Indeed, chiropractors are highly trained health professionals who do this by locating, analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations. Simply put, they manipulate various segments of the spinal column that are found to be misaligned and/or exerting pressure on the nervous roots.
The spinal column ‘backbone’ consists of twenty four vertebrae plus a sacrum and coccyx ‘tailbone’. Between each vertebrae is a disc whose primary function is flexibility and absorb shock. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves leaving the brain and transmitting signals to and from various parts of the body, in essence a communication conduit between body and brain. The nerve roots lead from the spinal cord in between the vertebrae to the rest of the body. The functions of the body are compromised when there is any pressure on the nerve roots . That misalignment of two bony surfaces is what is known as vertebral subluxation.
For instance, nerve root pressure on the neck may cause headaches, dizziness, arm pain or numbness. ‘slipped discs’ (herniated discs),sciatica, numbness and/or weakness of the legs causes vertebral subluxation in the lower back . Most people at some point in their lives experience back pain. This may be a warning sign that one may have a vertebral subluxation that requires correction. (This is where your chiropractor’s number comes in handy. )
Reasons to see your Doctor of Chiropractic
- Backaches
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Your shoes wear out unevenly; this could be a sign of a tilted pelvis
- Low resistance to diseases e.g Common cold
- Low energy or fatigue
- Engagement in high impact sports activities
- You have had a motor vehicle accident
- Have had a fall
- You have had surgery
- Have been diagnosed with arthritis
- YOU JUST NEED A SPINAL CHECKUP
This practice is very common in the United States of America where the most recent study demonstrated decreases of;
60.2% in hospital admissions,
59.0% less hospital days spent,
62.0% less in outpatient surgeries and procedures,
83% less pharmaceutical costs,
These were patients who were seen by chiropractors rather than conventional medical practitioners. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2007 (May); 30 (4): 263–269)
