Your spine is a wonderous mechanism of flexibility and protection. It houses the nerves along the delicate spinal column, an intricate network of fibers that control every body function from respiration to movement and beyond. With over 50 million Americans suffering from chronic pain and limited mobility, it seems that we are crying out for solutions that help protect and preserve the health of the spine.
Functions of the spine
The three main functions of the spine are:
- To protect the spinal cord, nerves, and several internal organs near the structure
- To provide structural support for the body and maintain an erect posture
- To enable flexibility and movement
When the spine is out of alignment, it can significantly impact your health in a number of ways. The body may become rigid and inflexible. Nerves may become pinched, damaged, and your body’s systems may not be able to send and receive messages via the nerves along the spinal column. In cases of chronic spinal misalignment, the body may manifest disease in an attempt to compensate for systemic function that has been going on for some time.
Receiving chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is the practice of bringing the spinal vertebrae back into balance and alignment, thus correcting mobility and nervous system issues. Manual manipulation of vertebrae is performed with the intention to bring the body back into a state of balance and ease once more; in doing so, the nervous system can regain the important work of sending and receiving messages with the brain, the command center of all body functions and systems. What are some of the benefits of having regular spinal adjustments? Read on to see how visiting your chiropractor can promote long term health and wellness:
1. Spinal adjustments reduce and eliminate pain
Many people visit their chiropractor regularly for the reduction of chronic pain. As a joint is adjusted, endorphins flood the blood, providing relief and support for that area of the body. A proven benefit of endorphins is that they help to block pain receptors in the brain, which is why many report that adjustments provide relief from joint and muscle pain.
2. Spinal adjustments help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility
As the body is brought back into balance through adjustments, muscles that were previously contracted or elongated incorrectly have the opportunity to regain their original composition once more. Range of motion is increased, healing begins, one is less likely to experience muscle aches and pains associated with misalignment.
3. Spinal adjustments strengthen the immune system
Certain vertebrae along the spine are intimately connected to nervous system function that impacts the function of other systems in the body. Through spinal adjustments, functions of the immune system are strengthened and protected. The body is better able to fight bacteria and viruses that can contribute to illness.
4. Spinal adjustments improve sleep quality
Another welcome benefit of regular spinal adjustments is improved sleep quality. When you aren’t suffering from aching joints and muscle tension, you sleep longer and more soundly; this, in turn, benefits all other aspects of health and wellness.
5. Spinal adjustments promote better mental health
Nervous system function is a critical aspect of whole-body health. When the nerves along the spinal column are allowed to work unfettered, you experience more vibrant health. Feeling better contributes to thinking more clearly and feeling more positive about life; many report greater mental clarity and the ability to handle life’s stressors more efficiently with regular chiropractic adjustments.
What are you waiting for?
With all the benefits to be had from chiropractic care, you owe it to yourself to experience how spinal adjustments can improve mental, physical, and even emotional health. Talk to your chiropractor about what regular chiropractic care can do for you and total body health and wellness.
