Chiropractic is an approach to health and wellness that centres on assisting the musculoskeletal system move and heal naturally. Your body is made up of bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissue and we rely on our body’s own natural ability to function and heal itself.
Studies show that muscle tension, misalignment and imbalance or altered movement of your spine can interfere with how the body and nerves function.
Causes
There are three main causes of misalignment and altered spinal motion.
Physical stress
Injuries, falls, accidents, pregnancy and birth process, chronic abnormal posture, work related stress and repetitive movements
Mental and Emotional Stress
Emotional reactions, personal traumas, family stress, relationships stress, changes in life or career paths
Chemical Stress
Alcohol, cigarettes, poor diets, preservatives, additives toxins in food production, pollutants in our homes and social environments
Benefits
Chiropractors work to improve the alignment and function of your spine and nervous system. This allows your body to
- Better coordinate movements
- Improve muscle tension and muscle spasm
- Improve flexibility, strength and stability
- Adapt to life stresses and heal itself
- Improve patient’s energy and vitality
Children and Family Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors use a wide range of different methods adapted to suit patients of all ages and body types, from newborns to the elderly. Your chiropractor will create a care plan specific to your needs. Through adjustments, soft tissue therapy, postural advice and exercise and rehabilitation programs, they will work to improve the alignment and function of your spine.
People of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care. Many spinal problems seen in adults may of developed in childhood. It is therefore vital to ensure good spinal alignment from a young age. The birth process is one of the most traumatic stresses in our lives. A well balanced and functioning spine and nervous system are crucial in early development. This allows for primitive ‘survival’ reflexes to integrate and more postural reflexes to develop. Reaching milestones is important and things such as delayed crawling and steps may indicate imbalance or irritation to the nervous system. As children grow they are more prone to falls and slips at school and sports practice and if neglected can develop in future to more serious spinal dysfunction. Scoliosis (Curvature of the spine) is especially important to pick up in adolescents especially during growth periods. During this rapid period of growth there is an increase likelihood of spinal issues developing.
Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care
Optimal spinal function and health can begin even before birth. Prenatal chiropractic care can help expectant mothers with their developing and changing bodies. During pregnancy there is rapid development, hormonal changes and laxity in the connective tissues. This causes a shift in the women’s centre of gravity and their weight bearing structures. Chiropractic care can assist in improving movement and flexibility, low back pain, postural stress and muscle tension and in some cases improve labour and delivery time.
Everyone in the family can benefit from regular chiropractic care. Chiropractors work to improve the function of your spine and nervous system and to help enhance your sense of health and wellbeing naturally.
References:
Diakoe, P.R., Gadsby, T.A., et al Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 14(2): 116-118, February, 1991
Ostood, M.D., Anderson, M.D., Schultz, PhD., Miller, PhD., Influence of Some Biomechanical Factors on Low Back Pain in Pregnancy, Spine Magazine, Vol 18, 1993
Peet, J., D.C., Chiropractic Pedeatric and Prenatal reference Manual, 2nd edition Baby Adjsters, Inc Publications, 1992
Plauher, G., D.C., Anrig Howe, C., D.C., Textbook of Clinical Chiropractic, Williams and Wilkins, 1993