Why Spinal manipulation is good for you!
The following statements give you an idea as to why spinal manipulation by a Chiropractor can help you to get and stay well for the rest of your life. Each statement is supported by some great peer reviewed articles which backs up the benefits of regular chiropractic care.
It helps improve posture
The spine is quite flexible and structurally strong; it reflects the dynamic movement of the human body. The spine supports the body and all its organs. It also protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Every activity, even breathing, demands movement of the spine, ribs and attachments, giving your body strength and agility. The body must adapt to the continual stress of gravity to maintain balance.
Therefore, your posture is so important! A chiropractor aims to maintain sound structure by correcting spinal and postural distortions and therefore prevent functional and structural health problems.
The author of the supporting paper also suggests that you may need more than one or two adjustments if you want to train yourself out of poor postural habits.
Troyanovich et al. Structural rehabilitation of the spine and posture: rational for treatment beyond resolution of symptoms. JMPT 1998.
It is an effective treatment for back pain
Chiropractic came out on top in this article relative to hospital out patient physiotherapy treatment.
Meade et al. Low back pain of mechanical origin: randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment. British Medical J, 1991
It’s good for your brain function
There is evidence to suggest that getting adjusted may help improve vision, reading ability, memory, alertness, energy…
Terret, A.G. Cerebral dysfunction: a theory to explain some of the effects of Chiropractic manipulation. Chiropractic Technique 1993; 5
Manipulation and mobilisation techniques can help to keep your joints more flexible
An adjustment can help restore normal joint movement, improve the mechanics and help remove scar tissue.
Nugent-Derfus GE, et al. Continuous passive motion applied to whole joints stimulates chondrocyte biosynthesis of PRG4. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2007 May;15(5):566-74.
It’s good for your overall health
Measurement of ‘serum thiol levels’ reveal the higher the level the healthier you are or the less chance of disease. People without pain or symptoms and were getting adjusted had high serum thiol levels.
Surrogate Indication of DNA Repair in Serum After Long Term Chiropractic Intervention – A Retrospective Study Clayton J. Campbell Bio, Christopher Kent Bio, Arthur Banne Bio, Amir Amiri Bio, and Ronald W. Pero Bio. JVSR. February 18, 2005.
It’s good for your nervous system
This is the system that controls and regulates every single function in your body.
Haldeman, S. Neurological Effects of the Adjustment. JMPT 2000; 23
It can make you more flexible
This article uses hamstrings as an example of how being adjusted and stretching can help your muscles to relax.
Fox, M. Effect on hamstring flexibility of hamstring stretching compared to hamstring stretching and sacroiliac joint manipulation. Clinical Chiropractic – Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2006, Pages 21-32
It can make your muscles stronger and more flexible
Quite an in-depth explanation into why getting adjusted can improve neurological control and muscle strength.
Smith DL, Cox RH. Muscular strength and chiropractic: theoretical mechanisms and health implications. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1999-2000; 3(4):1-13.
It can improve your co-ordination
Significant improvement to hand-eye co-ordination are noted in this article following a series of adjustments.
Dean L. Smith, DC, PhD, Marvin J. Dainoff, PhD, and Jane P. Smith, DC. & The effect of a Chiropractic adjustment on movement time… Fitts law. JMPT May 2006