The Chiropractic Question?

Chiropractic is an often misunderstood profession.

There are so many public misconceptions, that they are just accepted versus explored.

At a seminar the other day the instructor asked all the chiropractor’s if they would get an adjustment EVEN if they were pain free, and 100% said yes!

The instructor also said,

“if the public knew and understood what all the chiropractors in the room knew and understood that they could not handle the crowds in their offices”!

So the question is what do chiropractors know that most of the public does not.

Let’s explore!

In its’ simplest, purest form a chiropractic adjustment puts the joints of the body in motion a nd increase activity in the frontal cortex.

A 2016 study by the Spinal Research Foundation found that chiropractic spinal adjustments can increase activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex by almost 20%. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher learning, cognition, and executive functions like planning, attention, and memory. 

The study recorded brain waves in 64 people who received either real or sham chiropractic care. It found that the changes in function were most likely happening in the prefrontal cortex. 

Some say that chiropractic care can improve central nervous system function in many ways, including:

• Joint position sense

• Reaction time

• Cortical processing

• Cortical sensorimotor integration

• Reflex excitability

• Motor control

• Lower limb muscle strength

So what is all the fuss about motion.

Well remember the last time you stopped working out and how fast you lost your strength or

your cardiovascular endurance or your flexibility?

Yes, motion is what keeps your body running.

But don’t believe me, check it out the next time you get adjusted.

Try a before and after motion test.

The Neck Test:

Move your head and neck through yes/no motions: rotate to the left and right, and tip your head forward and back.

Then after you get adjusted try them all again, you will notice a remarkable change.

It is Way easier and an increase in motion.

The Low Back Test:

Same thing, lean forward and back, twist left and right, and lean left and right.

Now get your adjustment and try again.

Hmmm interesting, the same thing more motion.

The Rib Cage Test:

This time just a simple breathing test.

Take a big breath before and after an adjustment.

You will notice a huge difference.

Bring your phone with you and we can video you before and after, and then you can show your family and friends.

So, now we know and have experienced the increased motion and breathing.

Now that we have established the

fact that chiropractic adjustments increase joint motion, let’s explore the benefits.

I feel like a simple test is in

order.

A chiropractic exam if you will.

I ask the questions and you respond with what makes sense to you.

The official, yet unofficial chiropractic exam!

Part I (yes the teaser portion):

Q1: With increased motion are muscles around the joint ________ and ________.

A) Longer and more flexible.

B) Shorter and tighter.

(A: longer and more flexible)

Q2: Muscles that are longer contract more effectively and efficiently and thus are stronger?

A) True

B) False

(A: True)

Q3: With more motion soft tissue adhesions that restrict joint motion tend to form ______

A) more

B) less

(A: Less)

Q4: Inflammatory chemicals trapped in muscles and joints pumps out _________ with increased motion? A) faster

B) slower

(A: Faster)

Q5: When you get adjusted you can breathe better, thus taking in more oxygen.

A) True

B) False

(A: True)

Q6: Can you breathe easier with good posture or bad posture?

A) Good posture

B) Bad posture

(A: Good posture)

Q7: Can chiropractic care help with your posture?

A) Yes

B) No

(A: Yes)

Q8: What is the essential element for all cellular function, including the brain?

A) Oxygen

B) water

(A: Oxygen)

You might be thinking, Ok, I get it chiropractic can affect every cell in my body. But how can I actually tell?

Fair enough, so let’s take a look at what kind of changes most patients experience or can expect with CONSISTENT & REGULAR chiropractic care.

Results may vary based on the starting point of an individual’s health, but with that said here

are some things we CAN measure.

You can check these things after each adjustment, weekly or monthly:

 Range of motion of your neck, rib cage and low back. (you should notice better, pain free motion)

 Posture (use your own camera/phone to take a pre & post picture)

 Ability to breathe (use your own camera/phone to take a pre & post video)

 Blood pressure (measure after each adjustment, long term as well)

 Energy level

 Getting a good night’s sleep (length of time you sleep & more restful)

 Pain level (this includes reoccurrence of pain)

 Diet changes (changing your awareness of health often motivates patients to make healthier choices)

 Weight changes (changing your awareness of health often motivates patients to make healthier choices)

 Exercise habits (changing your awareness of health often motivates patients to make healthier choices)

 Fewer colds (as the immune system functions at a higher level, you should get sick less often)

 Fewer headaches

 Decrease need for pharmaceutical drug

 Overall just feel better!

And this is why chiropractor’s want to get adjusted, even when they do not have pain!