Beginners Guide to Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specialises in the health and function of the spine and nervous system through chiropractic care.

Because of this focus on the spine, many people think chiropractic care only helps with problems such as back pain, neck pain and headaches.

It is true that chiropractors can often help with these things but there is so much more to chiropractic than just pain. Chiropractic care is really about total health and wellbeing. It’s about helping people to feel great and get the most out of life by functioning at their optimal potential.

The spine is there to protect the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system.

The spine is like a set of armour made up of segments, so that it can bend and move naturally with the body. A spinal segment consists of two vertebrae and the joints that connect them. There is a disc in between each vertebra that acts as a cushion.

Underneath that armour, a whole lot is happening.

Messages travel from around the body, up the spinal cord and into the brain. The brain processes those messages and sends replies back down the spinal cord to tell the body how to respond. The central nervous system is one big information highway, and it carries vital messages to every part of your body.

 Sometimes, the wear and tear of everyday life can impact the spine.

This can cause spinal segments to move in a way that is different to normal, in a dysfunctional way. That wear and tear can happen gradually, such as from bad posture, or it can happen suddenly, which is common with sports injuries.

chiropractic care

Because of the close relationship between the spine and the nervous system, everyday strains can actually impact the flow of information and communication between the brain and the body.

Messages may not be delivered to the brain, or they may be inaccurate. When that miscommunication occurs due to abnormal movements of the spine, chiropractors call this a “vertebral subluxation,” or a “chiropractic subluxation.” You might hear it again from your chiropractor, so now you know what it means.

Chiropractors make fast, gentle adjustments to the spine, restoring it’s natural movement.

If the central nervous system is like the “engine” of your body, a chiropractor acts like a mechanic, tuning the spine and central nervous system so that your body can run like a race car. Just keep in mind that as you are adjusted, you may hear a popping sound that can seem a bit strange. In fact, it’s completely harmless. It’s just the release of gas from between spinal segments and it’s no more significant than any other release of gas from the body.

So, are you ready to supercharge your engine? Book an appointment with one of our Chiropractors today!

Written By Wendy Watkins

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