To Your Health
March, 2011 (Vol. 05, Issue 03) |
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Maximizing Spinal Health
Once we understand the role vertebrae play in allowing good communication with our spinal cord, our nerves and the rest of the body, spinal health is the logical next step.
If our vertebrae are in good, proper alignment over time, then the spinal cord and nerves function without any interference. The simple idea of keeping the spine lined up as much as possible will keep our body healthy.
Regular chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, exercise and a nutritious diet are all important facets of good spinal health. The key here is to realize that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Regular practices of spinal health will not only keep you feeling great, but also will help protect you in the future from many problems that could arise.
When Your Body Breaks Down
Most health conditions that people have today have a spinal column or vertebral relationship. That's right! If you are reading this right now, the pain you are having (and that has brought you to a chiropractor's office) likely has a spinal relationship.
You know that chiropractic can help treat low back pain. In fact, in findings from another study published in JMPT showed that patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians. A higher proportion of chiropractic patients reported that their low back pain was better or much better, whereas nearly one-third of medical patients reported their low back pain was worse or much worse. But it's not just back pain that's being treated; take a look at some of the other common ailments chiropractors treat in their offices:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis / golfer's elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hip pain
- Sciatica
- Knee pain
- Ankle and foot pain
The Chiropractic Connection
Spinal alignment issues are present in almost every musculoskeletal condition. Obviously there are a few exceptions, such as cancer, broken bones, etc., but it is the case for most conditions. For many of the common ailments listed above and a multitude of others, the treatment ideas are very similar. Chiropractors analyze the bones, joints, muscles and nerve function of specific regions of the body. We decide how to best restore or realign those bones by performing adjustments using our hands.
Since much of the pain you feel is due to muscle tightness or spasms that were created by the misaligned bones, adjustments really help you. Once the bone moves back into better alignment with the bones around it, the nerves have better supply to the different parts of the body, your muscles can stop being so tight and your pain level can decrease. It works so well and feels great!
Your treatment usually includes home care instructions. These at-home recommendations can range from exercises to strengthen or rehab your muscles, custom-made orthotics to support your body's foundation or supplements to help you get the nutrients you need most. We also ask a lot of questions about your daily and work activities to make sure you are not aggravating your body in your daily life.
It is very apparent how the human body is interconnected. The spine and the spinal cord are important in regulating how the body functions. The spinal alignment truly affects the rest of your body, so it is important to get in a regular habit of taking care of yourself and maintaining your spinal health.
Kevin M. Wong, DC, a 1996 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, Calif., practices full-time in Orinda, Calif. He is also an instructor for Foot Levelers, Inc.
