In order to understand the principles of chiropractic, it is important to understand the principles of health. Health is defined a state of optimal physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absense of symptoms and diseases. Health can also be defined as a state of wholeness in which all of the organs, tissues and cells of the body are functioning at 100%. The key word is function.
The primary system of the body responsible for the control and coordination of function is the nervous system. This system consists of the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and peripheral nerves. The structure of the nerve system is similar to the tree pictured above. The trunk represents the spinal cord, the branches represent the nerves and the leaves represent the parts of the body connected to the nerves. The mechanism for the control of body function starts with the brain, the "computer" of the body. It sends messages to all parts of the body in an effort to regulate the body's activities. The messages are sent along a vast network of nerves to virtually every part of the body. Given the importance of the brain and spinal cord, the body is designed with protection for them. The skull protects the brain and the spine protects the spinal cord. To allow for flexibility, the spine is divided into 24 movable segments called vertebrae. For the joints of the spine to function correctly, they need to move with no restrictions thoughout their normal ranges of motion.
Chiropractic techniques are specifically designed to detect and correct abnormal joint function, particularly of the spine. Spinal vertebrae that are not moving normally can potentially cause irritation and inflammation to soft tissue structures in close proximity to the injured joints, including muscles, discs and nerves. In addition to the obvious symptoms that can result, the potential exists for normal nerve function to be negatively affected. Therefore, the objective of chiropractic care is to improve the structural health of the spine in an effort to improve the functional health of the body.
To better understand what chiropractic care is, it is important to understand what it is not. Chiropractic is not a panacea for all illnesses and ailments. The application of chiropractic techniques will not always be successful. For a majority of patients, however, chiropractic care can result in the restoration of proper spinal biomechanics. The spine will be healthier as the result of its ability to move more effectively through the normal ranges of motion. The increased structural stability, in addition to improved posture, will allow the body to better compensate to the negative physical stress of gravity.
The seminars on this website are specifically designed to incorporate basic chiropractic principles with common sense recommendations. The key to the successful application of the principles discussed is consistency. Compliance combined with patience will result in success. It is well worth the time and the effort!
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