What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the world’s largest non-surgical, non-drug prescribing, primary contact health care profession.
It is a natural approach to health, based on the relationship between your spine and your nervous system.
How does it work?
Your spine is designed, among other things, to protect your central nervous system and thus allowing it to function normally. It is very important that your central nervous system works properly, because it controls and co-ordinates the function of every single cell, tissue and organ in your body.
So it follows that a healthy spine, coupled with a healthy nervous system, is crucial in terms of maintaining optimal whole body health.
For example, if your spine is twisted or compressed in any way, the bones may choke, stretch or irritate the delicate nerves of the nervous system and will interfere with the correct functioning of the organs or muscles they control. Many common ailments, such as headaches and poor digestion, can stem from a vertebrae which is out of alignment in some way. Other whole body effects can include asthma, ulcers, migraines, vision and concentration problems, to mention just a few.
When the bones of your spine are locked in an abnormal postion, and are interfering with the correct functioning of your nervous system, the condition is known as a ‘vertebral subluxation’.
The cause of vertebral subluxations are varied. Usually, it is brought on by too much stress on the spine to which it cannot adapt. This can result from physical trauma (such as birth trauma, car accidents and falls), psychological stress or through poor general spinal care including inadequate nutrition and exercise.
The local effects of vertebral subluxation are many. They can include tight or weak muscle groups, overloading and subsequent degeneration of spinal discs and general aches and pains.
The primary focus of chiropractic care is therefore the location, analysis, and correction and prevention of vertebral subluxations.
Chiropractors correct subluxations with gentle spinal adjustments performed by hand or by specialised instruments. These specific corrective procedures help to realign the body, thus promoting proper nervous system function and contributing to optimal whole body health.