What is the purpose of a Chiropractic adjustment?

Throughout my chiropractic education I was taught that chiropractic is a healing process that removes nerve interference.  Also, that parts of the spine, known as vertebrae, put pressure on spinal nerves blocking nerve flow to various parts of the body when they are misaligned.  This is what is called “a pinched nerve.”

But are the nerves actually being pinched?  Or, is there something else going on that causes pain and dysfunction in the body?   It may not be all that simple.

What are nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, photoreceptors and chemoreceptors? These are types of nerves in the body that communicate to the brain.  You see, your brain controls and coordinates all functions in your body; even at the cellular level.  Consequently, the brain needs continuous information from all parts of the body.  Otherwise, the brain wouldn’t know where and how to do its job.  So, all those nerve receptors mentioned above send information to the brain and the brain uses that information to do its job. 

There is evidence that because of physical, chemical or emotional stress or trauma the function of these receptors is impeded.  In essence, the brain is not getting all the information.  So, as a mechanism of survival, the body responds systematically.  Muscle tightness is used to stabilize a weakened area and pain and other sensory symptoms are manifested to serve as an alarm system.  It’s a way of telling you something is wrong with the body and to pay attention.  If these symptoms weren’t in place, you would damage your body and not know it until it was too late.

Specific chiropractic adjustments simulate and reset these receptors to give the brain the information it needs to restore proper function and healing to the body.  With chiropractic, the pain is not just subdued but rendered unnecessary by improved function.  Metaphorically speaking, no need for the alarm, the fire is out. 

Chiropractic does not cure disease but makes it less likely to occur when the body is functioning at its peak.  Chiropractic doesn’t cure back pain but through better communication to the brain, it makes it unnecessary.

My name is Dr. Rob Gottesman, your Colorado Springs gentle chiropractor.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at dcinthesprings@yahoo.com or call (719) 600-1926