ChiroCare of FloridaOur bodies work like well-oiled machines, with all systems and structures working together to help us reach total wellness. When something is damaged or out of place within the body, the effect is much like when something is out of alignment in a car. From performance to our ability to get up and go, all aspects of our health can be negatively impacted.
Much like how a car has a structural frame to support it, the body has a spine. The spine has an immediate connection to the nervous system, meaning that when the spine is healthy, so is the rest of the body. However, when misalignments (or subluxations) are present within the spine, the rest of the body can experience crippling side effects.
Chiropractors perform spinal manipulation, also known as a chiropractic adjustment, to correct these issues and help the body function properly. Manipulation is commonly performed in the mid- to lower-back. To better understand why a person would require a back adjustment, continue reading.
What is a Back Adjustment?
An adjustment is performed manually, either with the hands or with the assistance of an instrument. A back adjustment is when a chiropractor applies targeted pressure to one of the small bones which make up the spine, known as vertebrae.
During a chiropractic adjustment, a chiropractor performs a short, swift thrust directly to the vertebra. Back adjustments are effective in realigning the spine so that it can heal itself and improve its strength, aiding in posture and range of mobility, as well as assisting in the decompression of the spine.
In addition, adjustments of the back help to improve overall function, reduce nerve irritability, and alleviate pain. But the benefits don't stop there. Check out these five reasons why you should get a back adjustment.
1. A Noninvasive, Natural Approach
As we've mentioned, a chiropractic adjustment is performed with either a chiropractic instrument or the hands of a chiropractor. Receiving a back adjustment is an effective method of reducing pain, inflammation, and healing damaged tissue without needing to go under the knife.
Often people assume that in matters of back pain or injury, the only option is to receive injections or surgery to correct the damage that lies beneath the skin. With back adjustments, a chiropractor's targeted approach to each individual vertebrae allows for a noninvasive, natural method of healing that is just as, if not more, effective.
2. Improve Organ Function
From the neck down to the hips, the bones of the spine not only provide structure and support, but they also protect our internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. The nerves which flow through the spine are responsible for sending signals to these organs, therefore, when there is a misalignment or blockage in the spine, organs and related tissue will feel the effects.
For instance, the eighth vertebrae of the thoracic spine, known as the T8 vertebrae, connects to the spleen. The T10 and T11 relate to the kidneys. The first vertebrae of the lumbar spine connects to the intestines. From cramping to stabbing pain, issues with spinal vertebrae can drastically affect organs and their function. Back adjustments target the vertebrae which directly connect to each organ, freeing any blockages and allowing organs to function properly.
3. Reduce Bowel Irregularity and Acid Reflux
The central nervous system (CNS) controls most functions of the body and mind. One half of the CNS is the brain, and the other half is the spinal cord, which is housed within the spine. The spinal cord is responsible for controlling communication between the brain and the rest of the body, as well as simple musculoskeletal reflexes.
This nerve communication is responsible for controlling your stomach and its functions, known as the digestive system. When vertebrae of the middle back are out of alignment, nerve flow can be interrupted. This can make it more difficult to control the muscles in the stomach, resulting in a more difficult time using the bathroom. These nerves can also actually signal the body to produce more acid. This leads to acid reflux, heartburn, and gas.
By receiving a back adjustment and freeing nerve flow in the spinal cord, issues of the digestive system can be greatly improved. This can result in improved bowel regularity as well as a reduction in acid reflux.
4. Slow the Progression of Scoliosis
Roughly 3 million new cases of scoliosis are diagnosed in the United States each year. In patients with scoliosis, the spine suffers an abnormal curvature. This can cause abnormal posture, restricted range of motion, pain, and even difficulty breathing. Luckily, back adjustments have been shown to help treat scoliosis patients.
Chiropractic adjustments help to improve form, function, and mobility in the joints. Over time, back adjustments can help to decrease pain, improve posture and alleviate troublesome side effects, such as trouble breathing. While chiropractic cannot correct, cure or reverse scoliosis, it can help slow its progression and provide relief for the side effects which accompany it.
5. Alleviate Sciatic Pain
Sciatica is a collection of pain symptoms which result from the compression or damage of the sciatic nerve. When this nerve experiences pressure, it causes pain to radiate from the lower back down the back of the legs. Back adjustments work to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve, healing the source of pain and alleviating discomfort.
In fact, according to a recent study completed by The European Spine Journal, chiropractic adjustments resulted in a 72 percent success rate in treating sciatica-related symptoms as opposed to a mere 20 percent success rate from physical therapy treatment.
When your body isn't operating at its full potential, step away from the over-the-counter medicines or harmful treatments. Instead, opt for the all-natural, effective, and trusted method of chiropractic back adjustments. At ChiroCare of Florida, our experienced chiropractors are here to walk you through each step and help provide you with the relief and performance you deserve.
Contact us today to make your appointment.
