Chiropractors and chiropractic care is understandably associated with the spine or back. People routinely experience relief of chronic neck pain, headaches, low back pain and sciatica with chiropractic care.
But, many don’t stop to think about why chiropractic is so effective with these conditions. It really has little to do with the spine and everything to do with the nervous system. Without pressure and irritation of the nervous system there would be no neck pain, back pain, or headaches.
THE MASTER CONTROL SYSTEM
The nervous system controls and coordinates all body functions. And, I mean ALL body functions. Your digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, immune system, and more are all under the control of your nervous system.
Pain is experienced when the sensory portion of the nervous system is irritated. If there is no interference to the sensory system you will not experience pain or numbness or tingling or burning.
But, you might experience a wide range of other challenges.
THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
The part of the nervous system that controls and coordinates all those body functions outside of your conscious awareness is the autonomic nervous system. I like to think of it as automatic. All the body functions that happen without you having to think about them are influenced by the autonomic nervous system.
The numerous stresses of daily life cause a suppression of the Parasympathetic division of the autonomic system. This is the Vagus Nerve and it is involved in every aspect of health and well-being. When its activity is lowered it results in health challenges.
Lowered Vagus Nerve function is associated with:
- Increase muscle tension and pain
- Reduced digestion
- Lowered immune function
- Poor sleep
- Increased inflammation
5 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC
The purpose of chiropractic care is to remove tension and interference from the nervous system so that it can do its job and keep the body in balance and healthy. When chiropractic reduces interference to the autonomic nervous system there are a number of common benefits.
#1 Better Breathing and Improved Asthma
One of the more common experiences of people under chiropractic care is they will often remark how much easier, fuller, and relaxed their breathing is. This is due to a couple of reasons. First, adjustments release restrictions in the rib cage that allows better rib movement with breathing. And, better balance of the autonomic nervous system also supports better breathing.
Patients with longstanding asthma are often amazed at how much better their asthma is with chiropractic care. This is also due to better balance of the autonomic nervous system.
#2 Better Sleep
Sleep is one of the biggest victims of long term stress that over activates the Sympathetic “fight or flight” System division of the autonomic nervous system. By calming down the sympathetic system and increasing activity of the Vagus Nerve the nervous system is better able to down regulate in preparation for sleep.
#3 Better Immune Response
With the Autonomic System intimately related to immune response and stress a known factor in a suppressed immune system, it is no surprise that one of the more common experiences of people under chiropractic wellness care is that they simply “don’t get sick”.
#4 Less Stress
Stress of all kinds – physical stress, emotional stress, chemical and dietary stress, all impact the nervous system by causing an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. This overactivity of the sympathetic system causes increased muscle tension and pain, especially in the neck and shoulders. When the nerve irritation is removed there is a significant experience of tension leaving the body. Muscles experience significant relaxation when the nerve irritation causing the tension is removed.
#5 Lowered Blood Pressure
Blood pressure has long been associated with stress. Unfortunately, the medical system would rather prescribe a series of medications to manage blood pressure than address the underlying cause. Here again, an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is a prime cause for higher blood pressure. When the autonomic nervous system is balanced there is often a significant reduction in blood pressure.
Chiropractic helps remove interference from the nervous system so that the body can do what it does naturally, maintain balance, heal, and maintain health. If you are interested in supporting your body’s ability to maintain health, consider chiropractic care.
Life Chiropractic in Grass Valley specializes in corrective chiropractic care with a focus on restoring proper spinal function and alignment and removing nerve irritation.
About Dr. Berkowitz
Bringing more than 3 decades of practice experience, Dr. Bill Berkowitz focuses on balancing and corrective care, applying his expertise to provide patients with predictable, repeatable and measurable results.
Dr. Bill consistently strives to enhance the well-being of his patients by addressing the root imbalances of their problems and promoting optimal balance, alignment, and function of the spine and nervous system.
Bill’s wealth of knowledge and experience has allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of the human body and its intricate connections. With each adjustment, he supports the body in returning to a state of balance that goes beyond mere symptom relief, focusing instead on long-term correction for his patients’ well-being.
Schedule your first visit here: Schedule Here