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Chiropractic is based on a vitalistic philosophy, which recognizes simply, that life, and therefore health, is an expression of an inner wisdom -- an innate intelligence animating every cell within our genetic design. Chiropractors work with the spine, not necessarily because it's the source of neck and back pain, but because it houses and protects the central nervous system -- that system which monitors, controls and regulates all body function, allowing the body to adapt to it's environment, both internal and external. Biologists call this dynamic process homeostasis. This ability to adapt remains central to the body's ability to maintain its health and sustain life. Every vital life sustaining process, whether it's digesting our dinner or responding to potential infection, depends on the integrity of this communication network between the brain and the body. |
Since the majority of visits to a chiropractor are for the care of back and neck pain, most people think of chiropractors as back doctors. And since most back and neck pain is caused by the presence of acute or chronic vertebral subluxations, chiropractic care has developed an enviable track record in the care of these patients. The scientific literature is replete with references to chiropractic's superiority in treating patients with back pain - and with unequaled patient satisfaction. This public perception of chiropractors as primarily back doctors, continues to dictate utilization trends (by health care consumers), and even insurance coverage for chiropractic care.
Unfortunately, the results of pigeonholing chiropractic, and subsequent under utilization of care, is tragic The majority of spinal subluxations are painless and can persist for many years without symptoms, while silently undermining the body's function and health in significant ways.
Since the central nervous system is so vital, the body has wisely built in a system of protection. Around the brain we have the skull, or cranial vault, and around the spinal cord is a system of protection for the spine - 24 moveable segments which have the dual role of protecting the central nervous system and providing the axis for the entire musculo-skeletal system. The very thing that is designed to protect the spinal cord can actually interfere with it, due to misalignment of the spine, or vertebral subluxation.
All subluxations are caused by stress that overwhelms the body's resilience and coping ability. Physical stress can occur as the result of a car accident or slipping on an icy sidewalk, improper posture, occupational trauma, or birth trauma. Emotional stress can be the result of significant emotional trauma or the inability to adapt to a stressful situation. Chemical trauma can result from the use of prescription or illicit drugs, inadequate nutrition, or environmental toxins. By interfering with the central nervous system, vertebral subluxations interfere with normal function, reducing your body's ability to self-regulate, adapt, and heal.
Health, then, is truly an inside-out phenomenon. Most therapeutic interventions are designed to speed up or slow down function. The chiropractic goal is to normalize function. By correcting vertebral subluxations, the chiropractor removes a significant impediment to nature's inborn ability to heal.
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