In this blog article, Dr Ash highlights three areas that have promising
research to support that Chiropractic care can help you function better! This article will look at:
In a broad sense, chiropractic care has a particular focus on optimising the function of our nervous system in order to enhance overall health and wellbeing. Since it is such a complex topic to delve into, it can often become overlooked or underestimated for how important it is in our everyday life.
We commonly hear of people paying a visit to their chiro when they experience pain (and rightfully so, because they do help in this regard). When you really think about it, ‘pain’ is such a tangible concept. This basically means that we have the ability to perceive, feel and even visualise pain when it arises- therefore we seek treatment to find relief.
However, this isn’t always necessarily the case.
If we don’t have any ‘pain’, should we even bother seeing a chiropractor?
Common thoughts may include:
“Nothing is hurting me so I don’t need treatment.”
“How can they treat me if I’m not in pain?”
“What is it that they’ll actually be treating?”
“I saw a chiropractor for months after my accident and I’m all fixed now.”
“I haven’t had any injuries, so I don’t think I need treatment.”
We’re about to explore THREE reasons as to why you should still consider chiropractic care even if you don’t have ‘pain’.
Stress- How can Chiropractic care help us manage this?
Chiropractic care is extremely effective in managing the symptoms of stress. When our bodies endure heightened levels of stress, they become hypersensitive to imbalances on a physical level, which can therefore manifest into the signs and symptoms of stress we all know too well. These include things such as headaches, muscular tension, lack of sleep, fatigue, irritability, anxiousness and more.
By treating the cause (stress) rather than the symptoms (pain), it becomes a more effective approach to management and increases the healing process. Studies have been conducted to explore the neurochemical benefits of spinal manipulation and have found that adjustments cause an increase in endorphins (your body’s natural positive/happy hormone).
In combination with this, adjustments have added benefits of enhancing neurovascular (nerve and blood) circulation and conduction from your brain to the body. This promotes the flow of nutrients to bodily tissues and therefore increases healing rates.
Posture- Chiropractors will get your moving better!
Many mothers have constantly reminded their child to “stand up straight”, but what’s the real reason for it? In a nutshell, an ideal posture is one that places the body in its most neutral state with respect to the force of gravity. Just as an architect has to take into consideration the law of gravity when building, we need to do the same with our posture. Similar to a building with a poor foundation, a body with inadequate posture is more susceptible to uneven wear on ligaments, joints and the discs of our spine- therefore leading to an array of biomechanical imbalances.
The most common example of poor posture is one that stems from being seated for an extended period of time. As we become sedentary, the weight of our head shifts forward and is no longer in alignment with our spine. This means that the head must be supported by increased muscular energy, which places our joints and ligaments under a state of stress.
There is more to this than meets the eye! There are some less visible health benefits of improving posture that you should all know about!
Benefits of improved posture include:
Decreases risk of injury e.g. back injury
Reduces joint wear and tear
Conservation of energy
Promotes organ function
Improves neurovascular circulation/conduction (oxygen and nutrients to bodily tissues)
Increases lung capacity
Optimal overall functioning with age
Sleep- Can Chiropractic care be the missing link?
I think we’ve all come to the realisation that not even coffee can cure a poor night's sleep. For the average adult, it is recommended that they receive at least seven hours of sleep per night to sustain adequate cognitive functions. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation leads to things such as irritability, lack of concentration, reduced cognition, decreased pain tolerance (muscle and joint pain) and headaches.
The benefits of consistent chiropractic care for patients with sleep issues include:
Reduction of muscular tension and feelings of restlessness
Reduction in the frequency and intensity of headaches
Promotion of the circulation of blood flow and nutrients
Overall improvement of nervous system function
General advice on pillows, mattresses and sleeping positions
Boosting the immune system
Some quick tips to secure a better sleep:
Revise your ergonomics! Our Chiropractors will be able to take into consideration your sleep preferences (back, side or tummy) and make appropriate recommendations. A pillow modification could already be a game changer for you! We have a variety within the clinic to suit everyone's preferences and needs.
Pay attention to what you eat and drink
Take note of triggers
Avoid heavy meals, nicotine and caffeine within a few hours of sleeping
Create the right environment
A cool, dark and quiet room is ideal
Exposure to light/noise before bed may delay the time taken to fall asleep
Screen time
Avoid screen time at least one hour before bed
This includes smartphones, laptops and TV
Try meditation/reading with a shade lamp before bed
Sleep schedule
Set aside at least seven hours of sleep for yourself
Try to go to bed at the same time (within reason- of course this ideally can’t be done daily)
Bottom line is… book yourself in with a Chiropractor! Even if it’s once every few weeks, maintenance care is extremely important to ensure that our bodies are functioning optimally. To make an appointment to see Dr Ash you can click here.
References:
The Importance of Good Posture. (2022). Retrieved 29 March 2022, from https://www.scoi.com/services/physical-therapy/importance-good-posture
Why Do We Need Sleep? | Sleep Foundation. (2022). Retrieved 29 March 2022, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep#:~:text=Sleep%20is%20an%20essential%20function,the%20brain%20cannot%20function%20properly.
10 Benefits of Good Posture, According to Experts. (2022). Retrieved 29 March 2022, from https://www.byrdie.com/benefits-of-good-posture-5188919
(2022). Retrieved 29 March 2022, from https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/osc-sleep-important-police-officers/why-sleep-is-important/