Many people call the chiropractor when they are in pain or feel they need realignment. However, your chiropractor is a medical professional who can help you achieve and maintain optimal health if you visit regularly and receive routine adjustments.
A chiropractic adjustment (or spinal manipulation) is a procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor. They use their hands, small instruments, or both to apply a controlled, sudden force to the vertebrae that are not functioning correctly. This adjustment process is done to correct your spine’s alignment, increase your range of motion, minimize nerve inflammation, and restore overall function.
7 Benefits of Regular Chiropractic Adjustments
- Stress Relief: When the musculoskeletal system is out of alignment, unnecessary pressure is placed on the muscles and bones. Adjusting the spine and restoring proper alignment alleviates potentially harmful tension and pressure, increasing blood circulation and relaxing the body. Chiropractic adjustments also combat the symptoms of stress. Misalignment, back pain, neck pain, and muscle tightness can occur when stress results in tension and contracted muscles. Chiropractic adjustments release the pressure, easing adverse symptoms.
- Enhanced Mental Health: Chiropractic adjustments also provide mental and emotional benefits. One published study reported that chiropractic adjustments increase the hormones neurotensin, oxytocin, and cortisol. Neurotensin eliminates stress-induced pain; oxytocin enhances neuro-communication and social bonding; and cortisol blocks pain caused by inflammation. Adjustments can improve mood and overall quality of life by alleviating pain, discomfort, and muscle tension.
- Less Inflammation: Inflammation is one of the primary reasons for joint pain and muscle tension. The good news is that chiropractic adjustments reduce inflammation by restoring the spine’s alignment and eliminating pressure on the nerves. When the body functions optimally, neuropeptides and cytokines are regulated, reducing inflammation. Lower levels of inflammation promote a lower risk of developing many diseases linked to the condition.
- Regulated Blood Pressure: If you are fighting hypertension or hypotension, chiropractic adjustments can ease your struggle. A study conducted at the University of Chicago Hypertension Center found that adjustments have the same effect as taking two high blood pressure medications. Adjustments target the C-1 and C-2 vertebrae in the upper neck, which adversely affect blood pressure when not aligned properly. These beneficial effects were observed to last six months after the adjustment. Patients with low blood pressure can also expect chiropractic adjustments to raise blood pressure to normal levels. Remember: Many factors, such as diet, lifestyle, emotional well-being, activity levels, and medications, can also affect blood pressure.
- Better Quality Sleep: Millions of people suffer from insomnia and other sleep-related issues. However, several studies published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that adjustments may improve sleep patterns. While further research is needed, chiropractic adjustments ease the body’s pain and stress, which can easily interfere with sleep. Regular adjustments can help your body to get quality rest, free of pain.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Chiropractic adjustments can significantly help players perform better and heal more rapidly. Every professional sports team employs chiropractors to help athletes prevent and recover from injury and enhance their performance.
- Headache Prevention: Routine chiropractic adjustments have been proven to have high efficacy in relieving headaches. Over 200 studies have documented the effectiveness of adjustments in treating headaches, which are this culture’s most prolific ailment. Headaches and migraines can result from spinal issues, misalignment, muscle tension, or back pain. When left untreated, the tension will continue to increase, which may cause more frequent and more painful headaches. Adjustments can eliminate this probem once and for all and allow you to get rid of your pain medications.
Start Your Routine Adjustments today
If you are ready to transform your health by eliminating pain and inflammation, call the offices of Integrated Chiropractic. Dr. Ryan Johnson’s offices are conveniently located at the South Siesta Key Causeway, and your call is always welcome.
