Whether you're visiting a chiropractic office for pain relief or to maintain your good health, you expect to walk out feeling the immediate results of the magic your chiropractor performed. Well, maybe not magic per say.
While chiropractic can aid in alleviating pain, promoting healing, and improving the efficiency of the body, it is a trained medical science that has been refined for hundreds of years too include a plethora of advantages. And while many of the benefits of chiropractic - such as pain relief or a better time sleeping - have come to be expected, there are side effects of chiropractic care that aren't as obvious.
Keep reading to discover five of the weird and wonderful side effects of chiropractic that not every doctor may be telling you.
1. Boost Your Libido
Most people don't go to the chiropractor for help in the bedroom, but an increase in libido is one of the many unexpected benefits offered by chiropractic. Think of it this way: Every function in your body is controlled by your central nervous system. When a vertebrae is out of position, known as a misalignment or subluxation, it can block the nerve signals traveling to your brain and the other areas of your body.
Libido requires a delicate balance of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones, which are released right below the brain stem around the C1 and C2 vertebrae in the cervical spine. Blockages in the spine impede these messages, making it more difficult for your brain to register that you're ready for action.
By removing these subluxations, a chiropractor opens the passageways between your brain and the rest of your body, allowing proper nerve and hormone flow to take place.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Trying to keep your blood pressure in check? Good news, chiropractic can help with that! A study performed by WebMD showed that chiropractic adjustments targeting the cervical spine are as effective as taking a double dose of blood pressure medication.
This stabilizing effect on blood pressure is caused by targeting the Atlas vertebra. Injury to the Atlas vertebra can affect blood flow in the arteries in the base of the skull, negatively impacting blood pressure. By diagnosing and realigning issues within the Atlas, chiropractic can aid in lowering high blood pressure.
3. Better Focus
This unexpected benefit is owed to the central nervous system. The spine houses the spinal cord, which is one half of the central nervous system. When the health of the spine suffers, it impacts communication to the brain. The brain, of course, is what enables you to focus and concentrate on the activity at hand.
Once your chiropractor aligns the spine, he also allows for better communication to the brain. This helps you regain focus and clarity that you might have been lacking.
4. Improve Digestion
The nerves that flow through the spine are responsible for controlling your stomach and its functions, known as the digestive system. When vertebrae in the thoracic spine are out of position, the nerves can actually signal for more acid production. This leads to acid reflux, heartburn, and gas. These nerves can also make it more difficult to control the muscles in the stomach, resulting in a more difficult time using the bathroom.
By freeing the nerves in the thoracic spine, digestion can be greatly improved. Thus, reducing your need for Tums or Pepto.
5. Toxic Relief
Ah, relief. Sounds great, doesn't it? Toxic relief sounds like a weight off your shoulders, and it certainly is. This unique detoxifying process occurs when a major subluxation has been cleared by your chiropractor. Only 20% of patients experience this condition after receiving a chiropractic adjustment, and it is actually a positive reaction to your treatment.
Essentially, when a subluxation is present in the body it is blocking the flow of energy, causing pressure to build up in that area. An alignment allows this energy to release. Your body then goes into detox mode - ridding itself of the toxins that built up over time and adjusting to a more optimal function. In some patients, this means symptoms like headache, fatigue, and tight muscles could appear.
But, fret not - the occurrence of these symptoms is evidence that your body is getting back in prime shape.
Did you know about these wacky and wonderful side effects of chiropractic? Beyond pain, if you're experiencing other issues that are affecting your lifestyle, chiropractic might be the answer for you. Contact ChiroCare of Florida today to schedule your appointment with one of our chiropractors.
