Understanding Your Spine

A short course in the basics of spinal anatomy is tremendously helpful in understanding why the chiropractic profession is the number one source of alternative care in the world. Hang in there -- it will be well worth it!

The central nervous system (the brain, brain stem, and the spinal chord) is connected to the peripheral nervous system (the spinal and peripheral nerves) and controls the way we move and function. OUr skull protects our brain and most of our brain stem, and the spine provides protection to our spinal cord and spinal nerves.

The spine is a column of small bones called "vertebrae" that supports the entire upper body. The column is grouped into three sections:  the cervical spine (neck), the thoracic spine (middle back), and the lumbar spine (lower back).

Verterbrae in the spinal column are separated from each other by small "cushions" of cartilege known as inter (between) vertebral (spinal bones) discs. The verterbrate and discs combine to create a space (called the intervertebral foramina or IVF) for each spinal nerve to exit from the spinal cord on its way to the body. Abnormal positioning of the vertebrae (also known as the vertebral subluxation complex or nerve impingement syndrome) can compromise the IVF or nerve space, and create nerve irritation or nerve interference. The nerver will still influence the muscle or organ it supplies, however the quality of the nerver transmission will be affected.

Here's probably one of the most important concepts to grasp -- nerve interference may occur without any trace of symptoms. Read that one more time. Nerve interference may occur without the trace of any symptoms.

This point allows a sharper understanding of the wellness approach to health. Just like brushing our teeth before we get cavities, uncovering nerver interference before symptoms arise is a foundational principle of chiropractic care.

Once detected, your doctor of chiropractic is uniquely trained to apply spinal adjustments. In fact, although other professionals utiize spinal adjustments as part of their treatment, doctors of chiropractic deliver 94% of all spinal adjustments.

Although each individual responds differently to chiropractic care, research reveals that most are very satisfied with the care they receive. In fact, a recent Gallup Poll of chiropractic patients conducted for the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) yielded some remarkable results about patients' opinions of the care they received:

• 73 percent felt that most or all of their expectations were met.
• 80 percent were satisfied with the chiropractic services they received
• 90 percent of chiropractic patients considered their chiropractic treatment to be effective.

Remember, although the wellness approach to health may take some getting used to, especially if you are accustomed to a sickness model of health, it is certainly well worth it!