Why You Need Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic sees the human body as a whole, self-healing, and self-regulating system.
Chiropractic is a way of looking at the human body as a whole. It's based on the idea that our body is self-healing and self-regulating system. Think of it this way, when you cut your finger you don't have to do a thing for it to heal. The body does it all by itself! The same holds true for most conditions - and sometimes, it needs a chiropractic hand!
Your body is controlled by your brain, and the spinal cord and vast network of nerves that carry its messages are just as important. When the nerves can’t relay the information back and forth this system is not functioning properly and your body’s overall performance suffers.
In the chiropractic world, we don’t use drugs to treat our patients.
We treat the root of the problem naturally while prompting the body to heal itself.
While supplementation and nutrition are often a part of the bigger picture, drugs and prescriptions can be viewed as bandaids to treat symptoms rather than treating the source of the problem.
While it's often perceived that the chiropractor solely treats back and neck pain, this is a small piece of what the profession is capable of handling. Chiropractors not only treat soft and hard tissue problems such as sciatica and joint pain, but are largely called on to deal with many different health issues. Some of these issues include fibromyalgia, allergies, insomnia, and headaches among many more.
What is spinal degeneration?
It can happen to anyone. Here’s what you can do about it.
Degenerative spine conditions involve the gradual loss of normal structure and function of the spine over time. They are usually caused by aging, but may also be the result of tumors, infections or arthritis.
However, it appears that this progressively worsening, degenerative condition is the result of uncorrected spinal misalignments or subluxations. It’s one of the ways your body deals with the physical stress.
Degeneration Phase 1
The first stage of spinal degeneration is when there is a minor loss of normal spinal alignment and spinal curvature. The surrounding features of the spine such as nerves, discs and joints begin to age quicker and are continually more stressed. This stage of the degeneration process rarely is accompanied with any major pain or symptoms. At this point, there is a good chance that with the proper care, you can return to normal.
Degeneration Phase 2
In the second stage of spinal degeneration, there is often a narrowing of the discs and potentially deformation in the bones. Your posture is often beginning to degenerate as well at this point. As the spinal canal, or opening for the nerves begins to narrow, there are often significant symptoms, aches and pains associated. Fatigue and stress are more common at this stage. There is still a chance of improvement at this stage with the proper care.
Degeneration Phase 3
In the fourth stage of spinal degeneration, most damage is permanent including scar tissue, nerve damage and deformation. At this point, the condition is irreversible. Management of pain and discomfort is the best option here.
Degeneration Phase 4
In the fourth stage of spinal degeneration, most damage is permanent including scar tissue, nerve damage and deformation. At this point, the condition is irreversible. Management of pain and discomfort is the best option here.
How to Improve Your Spinal Wellness Now
You can protect your spine simply by adjusting your daily activities.
Standing
If you know you will be standing for an extended period, make sure that you wear supportive shoes and keep good posture. Correct posture is the key to a healthy spine. Keep your chin up and your shoulders back. Keep both feet about shoulder-width apart.
Working at a Desk
Make sure that you are getting up every 30-60 minutes to stretch. You can easily add reminders to your phone or calendar (there are many health related apps available now to give you healthy reminders. Stand, stretch, take some deep breaths, and give your eyes a rest. Next, be sure you are seated correctly. Make sure you have a chair that offers good lower back support. You also want your feet flat on the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle. If you need a stool under your feet to do this, bring one to work. Your computer screen should be at eye-level so you are not looking down or up at it. When a standing desk it ever an option, take it.
Heavy Lifting
Lifting objects is one of the most common ways to injure yourself. Start by squatting down to the object with one foot slightly in front of the other. Keep your back straight, only bending at the knees and hips. Keep your head looking forward and lift the object by straightening your legs, still keeping your back straight. Hold the object close to your body. Never twist while picking something up and only turn once you are fully upright. Keep the same idea in mind when you are putting the object back down.
Warming Up for Physical Activity
Before any type of workout, make sure that you are adequately warmed up. Even when only performing light activities, like gardening or pushing your child on a bike, it's easy to pull something if you don’t prepare your body, so be sure to stretch.
Talking On The Phone
If you're forced to be on the for a long period of time, use headphones or earpods whenever possible. Be sure not to cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder as this could cause obvious damage and strain to the muscles or vertebrae in that area.
Lounging and Sleeping
Straining your neck or back while you're sleeping is more common than we realize. It’s so easy to fall asleep in positions where we are not supported well, or we fall asleep with our necks at odd angles. Make sure your pillow supports your neck and head so that it lays neutral with the rest of your spine. Sleeping on your stomach is not a good idea either - it puts tons of stress on your neck and back.