Chiropractic Philosophy
Traditional chiropractic methods focus on optimizing the mobility, biomechanics, and function of every joint in the patient’s body. This applies to the spine as well as peripheral joints, such as ankles, shoulders, wrists, knees.
Over time, through continuous use, joints may become “fixated”, that is unable to move through the natural range of motion for that joint, or “subluxated”(misaligned). Chiropractic adjustments, either manual or those employing an instrument called an Activator, use a gentle specific force to free or re-align the joint to restore mobility and reduce pain.
When a joint is adjusted, certain messages (sensory inputs) are generated and sent to the brain. Specifically, these messages are generated by the joint’s mechanoreceptors and the muscle spindles, which are specialized nerve cells in muscle fibers. These messages can override the pain messages being sent by the joint’s pain receptors (nociceptors) effectively preventing the pain messages from reaching the brain. No pain message; no pain perceived.
The autonomic, or involuntary, nervous system can also be affected by chiropractic adjustments. This system controls breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and other physiological responses to stress. It is not uncommon for patients to report that digestion has improved, menstrual cramps have subsided, sleep is more restful, and breathing is easier with regular chiropractic care.
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