Chiropractic is an alternative approach from the medical model of health-care. The Marriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines health as "freedom from physical disease and pain". However, Chiropractic philosophy strives for people to be more than simply free of disease; Chiropractic strives for wellness in people. Wellness can best be described as "an approach to health-care that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases" (dictionary.com). Chiropractors help patients to maintain their state of wellness through adjustments that are frequently, but not solely, to the spine, as well as through nutritional, dietary, and exercise advice.
The human body is a complex interrelated unit that is controlled by the nervous system which includes our brain, brainstem, and the nerves running throughout the body. All of the functions
of the human body are regulated by the nervous system and unfortunately there are times when the nervous system can become compromised and less able to work effectively. Take for example when we are sick: when we catch a cold, many things start happening in our bodies, all of which lead to our immune system responding and killing the cold virus that has invaded our system. The nervous system plays a very important role in immune response, and if the nervous system somehow becomes compromised, and therefore less able to achieve its goals, then the body will not develop a very strong immune response and a person will be sick for longer. This type of situation is in all of our body processes and responses, and as a result the integrity of the nervous system is critical to the maintenance of wellness.
When you visit a Chiropractor, the purpose of an adjustment is to remove anything that may be compromising the nervous system. Take for example the spine which houses our spinal cord: if a bone has been moved out of its natural alignment, then it is possible that the nerves could be compromised, and it will not be as able to transmit its signals as well. However, once the compromise is removed by a Chiropractic adjustment, the nervous system is able to send signals at its strongest. After an adjustment the body is able to naturally maintain its optimum level of health and allow the person to lead a life of wellness.
These are the fundamentals of how Chiropractic works, and what Chiropractic philosophy is about: Wellness care.
