The science of chiropractic manipulation
If you have ever been to a Gurnee chiropractor then you know what manual manipulation is all about. If you haven't been to one and were told you could benefit from an appointment, you may be hesitant because of the associated images and sounds with chiropractors "cracking" a neck. There is a lot to the science of manual manipulation, and that loud sound at the end is only a small part of what is going on. In fact, it is one of the least important aspects of the manipulation, but an essential one.
Where does the cracking sound come from?
When your Gurnee chiropractor snaps or cracks your neck or back, that isn't the sound of bones grinding together. It is the release of gases that build up between the bones. It is that gas that can cause significant pain by pushing the bones out of alignment. Imagine two plates separated by a semi-inflated balloon. Both plates are held a comfortable distance apart and the balloon is stable. Now introduce air bubbles into the balloon and you will find that it will begin to stretch and inflate. Depending on what is surrounding the plates (muscles, tendons and ligaments) the balloon may not inflate evenly but push the plates out of balance. This means the plates are now unstable. If the plates are tilted, they could even rub against one another. The manual method of manipulation allows your Gurnee chiropractor to get the bubbles out and return that balloon to its natural size.
Problems can be caused because of muscle, tendon and ligament issues
Another common treatment performed by a chiropractor is the use of electric muscle stimulation. This is a slight and painless current that is sent through the muscle to promote contraction and relaxation of the fibers, tendons and ligaments. Using the example of the plates from above, if the surrounding tissue is too tense or uneven – it can hold the plates at odd angles that will result in joint pain. The slight stimulation your Gurnee chiropractor uses with a stim machine is all you need to relax the muscles to then allow for manual manipulation to begin to repair the environment surrounding your joints and spine.
Why is the spine so important to health?
Having a healthy spine is essential to your health and well-being. Your spine is the main support for your body. It holds you erect, which is what allows for all of your major organs and systems to function properly. If your spine becomes damaged, or is not properly aligned – you may not just experience bone pain, but physical illness. Another key aspect of spinal alignment is that inside the spinal column is your main nerve trunk. Again, if the spine is out of shape, the nerve trunk is affected and the results can be very disruptive and painful.
Working with a chiropractor can give you back more of your life
Unlike working with a general medical physician, a Gurnee chiropractor is looking at your health in a more holistic sense. A general medical practitioner is looking to relieve your symptoms; a chiropractor is trying to resolve the condition so the symptoms do not return. That isn't to say that one is better than the other, but that the two together can be an ideal combination for treatment. Your medical doctor can help alleviate pain and other symptoms while also eliminating chemical and organic causes; your chiropractor can work on changing your body alignment to better support good health.
What other therapies does a chiropractor offer?
Many of the Gurnee chiropractor services work in conjunction with other holistic oriented practitioners. Acupuncture and massage therapy are two of the most common. Yet don't be surprised if your chiropractor wants you to see a nutritionist or personal trainer as well. Their view is that your lifestyle is just as much a part of your health as your body. How you treat your body will affect the success of their treatments, so you may wind up with a combined treatment plan in order to get you to the best that you can be – all with your chiropractor at the center.
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