Chiropractors are Like Dentists

What do you think of when you hear the word Dentist? Most people think of cavities, gingivitis (gum disease), braces (even though that's more an orthodontist), brushing and flossing. How about an Optometrist? You probably think of things like glasses, eye charts, contact lenses and cataracts (although this may even make you think of an ophthalmologist). Finally, what do you think of when you think of a surgeon? You undoubtedly think of things like scalpels (knives), intestines, heart attacks, brain tumors, etc.

Regardless of the health profession, just mentioning the name evokes a vivid idea in your mind as to what goes on when someone visits that particular person.

Well, how about chiropractors?

Naturally we think of back pain, neck pain and headaches. Some people may even think of carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains, asthma, earaches and athletic improvement. Still others think of wellness, staying healthy, eating right and being motivated or active in their health lifestyles.

I'm sure that everyone knows what a dentist does…cleans, fixes, and removes teeth if necessary. One of the biggest things the dental profession promotes is prevention of tooth and gum problems in the first place by brushing and flossing. And an optometrist prescribes corrective vision solutions when our eyesight changes, that's how they treat people. Preventatively they tell you to come in for eye exams and to wear sunglasses, etc. Surgeons treat people by surgical means, removing things from inside the body, repairing internal parts or replacing them with new ones. Most doctors, regardless of their specialty, prescribe some sort of medication to try and deal with health symptoms as well.

Although most people can associate back pain with chiropractic, it is only a small percentage of experienced people who actually know what a doctor of chiropractic does. Here are some examples to familiarize you with their skills:

• Consult with and examine people for many health conditions from the spine and the muscles to the skin and the food you eat.
• Treat people by recognizing areas of the body that are not working as they should and restoring proper function to those parts so that the body can continue to be healthy on its own.
• Maintaining the normal function of the body so that it can continue doing what it needs to do day in and day out without being injured or slowed down.
  

The specific thing that chiropractors investigate or look for is called a subluxation (sounds like "subway station"). A subluxation is a problem found in and around a joint that prevents the joint, the muscles, the nerves and the nearby body parts from working the way they should. If a chiropractor finds any of these subluxations in your body, he can then describe how he might treat them. If there are no subluxations, the chiropractor will refer you to a medical doctor, massage therapist, dentist or whatever the case may be to ensure you receive the correct solution to your problem.

If there does exist subluxations, a chiropractor will treat you with a procedure called an adjustment. An adjustment is a specific maneuver designed to restore the normal position or function of the improper working part in your body so that it can begin to work the way it should. When the body is returned to the way it was built and the way it should work, as it was when it was healthy, it can heal itself from many different conditions. As simple as that may sound, the process includes complicated nervous system and other body system reactions to help correct for any imbalance and improper function.

We can often avoid going certain places and doing certain activities if we are not aware of what those places are like or what those activities involve. If we didn't know that a dentist could help keep us chewing and smiling our best, we probably wouldn't go there. A little information can go a long way. And just like we all have teeth, we also all have spines and nervous systems that are used everyday to keep us moving and to control our health. Learning more about chiropractic, subluxations and adjustments may mean a healthier life, a better feeling day, and the answer to many of your problems. Find out more today about these "subway stations", it may change your life for the better.