What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a holistic approach to health that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, as well as the facilitation of proper nervous system communication. Here are some of the holistic benefits of chiropractic care:

1. Pain relief: Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions, such as neck pain, back pain, and headaches.
2. Improved mobility: Regular chiropractic treatments can help improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall mobility.
3. Reduced stress: Chiropractic care can help reduce stress levels, as spinal adjustments can improve the functioning of the nervous system and reduce tension in the muscles.
4. Better posture: Regular chiropractic treatments can help improve posture, which can reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal conditions and improve overall physical function.
5. Improved sleep: Chiropractic care can help improve sleep quality, as it can relieve pain and reduce stress levels, allowing you to sleep more comfortably.
6. Boosted immune system: Chiropractic care can improve the functioning of the immune system by reducing stress and promoting overall health.
7. Enhanced athletic performance: Athletes can benefit from chiropractic care, as it can help improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall physical performance.

The goal of structural corrective chiropractic care is to realign the spine and restore its normal structure and function. This type of chiropractic care is based on the understanding that the spine's proper alignment is essential for overall health and well-being.

At Align Chiropractic, we use a variety of techniques, including manual adjustments, to correct misalignments, or subluxations, in the spine. These misalignments can occur as a result of injury, poor posture, or other factors and can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms.

The goal of structural corrective chiropractic care is to remove this pressure, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve the functioning of the nervous system. By restoring proper alignment to the spine, we aim to improve overall health and well-being for our patients, reduce the risk of injury, and prevent future misalignments.

The normal structure of the spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, which are bones that are stacked one on top of the other to form a column. The vertebrae are divided into different regions: the cervical spine (neck), the thoracic spine (upper and mid-back), the lumbar spine (lower back), and the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone).

The normal structure of the spine is important because it plays a crucial role in supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord. The vertebral column provides a sturdy, flexible framework for the body, allowing it to bend, twist, and move in a wide range of motions. The spinal cord, which runs through the center of the vertebral column, is protected by the vertebral bodies and discs, which absorb shock and help to protect the cord from injury.

In addition to providing support and protection, the normal structure of the spine is also important for the functioning of the nervous system. The spinal cord runs through the center of the vertebral column and is the main pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The intervertebral foramina, which are the openings between the vertebrae, allow nerves to branch off from the spinal cord and reach the rest of the body.

It's important to maintain the normal structure of the spine to ensure its proper functioning. Poor posture, injury, or certain medical conditions can cause the spine to become misaligned, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms. 

What is the function of the nervous system?

The nervous system is the body's electrical wiring system that coordinates and regulates all of its functions. The main function of the nervous system is to transmit signals, or nerve impulses, between the brain and the rest of the body via the spinal cord and nerves. This allows the brain to receive information about what is happening in the body and to control the body's responses to that information. Chiropractic care can help restore and maintain proper communication of the nervous system by ensuring that the spinal column, which is where the spinal cord and nerve roots exist, is healthy and properly aligned. When there is a mis-alignment of the spinal column, called a subluxation, there will exist abnormal neurological function, which can have many different consequences to proper health and body function. 

The nervous system can be divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord, while the PNS consists of all the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.

The nervous system is responsible for regulating a wide range of functions, including:

1. Sensory input: The nervous system receives information about the environment and the body's internal state through the senses, such as touch, sight, hearing, taste, and smell.
2. Movement control: The nervous system controls and coordinates voluntary movements, such as walking, writing, and speaking, as well as involuntary movements, such as heartbeats and digestion.
3. Autonomic functions: The nervous system regulates the body's automatic functions, such as breathing, blood pressure, and digestion, through the autonomic nervous system.
4. Thinking and feeling: The nervous system is also responsible for processes such as thinking, learning, memory, and emotions.

Overall, the nervous system is an incredibly complex and sophisticated system that plays a critical role in maintaining health and well-being by coordinating and regulating the body's functions.