Chiropractic
The concept of functional medicine is predicated on the fact that if biology is allowed to operate without interference there are no diseases and no symptoms. Disease occurs when the physiology and metabolism of an organism encounter something which pushes it out of homeostasis.
The human body if allowed to operate without interference is capable of maintaining its internal environment without production of symptoms. It is only while the body is overburdened that its response can become excessive or inefficient allowing an environment of symptoms and disease. If we remove interference to optimal function the problems resolve.
Therefore in functional medicine the focus is on reducing interference rather than treating the end-result (disease and symptoms). There are a number of factors of interference including but not limited to spinal dysfunction, improper removal of physiological waste products, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, viral load, systemic bacteria, parasites, insufficient activity and malnutrition. Any factor of interference contributes to the overall dysfunction often closely tied to allergy and immune response.
As a wellness advisor and chiropractor I consider every factor of interference that can be identified. As mentioned above, spinal dysfunction is a major factor. If the spine is relaxed and functional a major interference to the nervous system and circulatory system is not present. Therefore the body functions better and is able to effectively deal with challenges. As factors of interference are removed, there is relief because symptoms resolve. Diseases tend to vanish as the symptom collection reduces.
Adjustment of the spine is actually the mobilization of joints which are designed to have free but controlled movement. Replacing that movement if it is not there takes interference away which allows the improvement of function. Function improves and we move toward normal health. Normal health means absence of symptoms and disease. If you are living with common symptoms it is time for you to wake up and make changes before your condition progresses into disease.
Do not make the mistake of others and ask “what pill do I take?” Do not be satisfied with a simple label and leave it at that, resolving to live with the problem. If you are diagnosed, that simply means that someone has labeled and categorized your problem. This may get your insurance to pay, but why get stuck with a label; just get rid of the condition. Do you want to be called IBS, Arthritis or fibromyalgia? These conditions have solutions, get to work. Instead learn and apply what you can do to enhance function, you will lose your labels.
For example, if you are contending with allergies (runny nose, sinus problems, headaches, watery eyes, etc.) then you are not normal, not healthy and your body is dysfunctional. Your immune response is unreasonable in its volume producing symptoms for you instead if just dealing with an allergen quietly. Start taking care of yourself by removing interference and enhancing function. Eating better, getting your spine adjusted, removing toxins, and exercising are the keys to a solution. Simply easing your symptoms with pills will not create the “fix” that you are looking for.
Your body is capable of doing everything for you if it is not overburdened. When people come into our clinic we tell them we don’t treat diseases, we work on eliminating causes. Removing interference until the body can step up and function on its’ own again. The diseases just disappear as the body recovers.
Your spine houses the central communication system of your body. Any abnormality of alignment or movement can interfere with that communication system. The human nervous system and circulatory system share this channel of distribution called the spine. Either or both systems can be severely impaired by dysfunction in the spine. In the past referred to as a subluxation, a misalignment of spinal vertebrae, which alters nerve function and interferes with the transmission of mental impulses from the brain to the tissue cells. This reduces the body's innate ability to express its maximum health potential.
Your nervous system is the master system of your body and mind; it gives life to and animates your entire being. Your relationship with others and your environment are dependent upon a clear and flexible nervous system. When your spine is free of interference to the nervous system there is a more effective connection between the emotional, chemical, physical and spiritual aspects of your being. The purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is to mobilize joints into a relaxed and functional state and restore nervous system function.
A holistic approach is a central tenant of the philosophy of chiropractic. It stresses the patient's overall well being and recognizes that many factors affect health. Chiropractic focuses on maintaining optimal health naturally and helping the body resist disease, rather than simply treating the symptoms of disease after the fact. Chiropractors use manipulations, nutrition, herbs and exercises. They work with medical doctors to provide functional medicine.
Chiropractors focus on the nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) which manages the body’s resources to ensure homeostasis and health. The brain sends messages through the spinal cord across the body’s network of nerves to deliver information to every cell, organ and system in the body.
When the bones of the spine become misaligned, they can interrupt the flow of information and therefore interfere with the normal function of the body. Chiropractors aim to correct misalignments and restore homeostasis.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that chiropractic is about correcting low back pain. Chiropractic is about wellness. If you restore function you restore health. Yes going to a doctor of chiropractic can help your pain, but the intention and the effect are logarithmic. Going to the chiropractor is a lot like calling the fire department to rescue your cat out of the tree. The fire crew will likely do a fantastic job but they are capable of diffusing much more dangerous situations and have the power to accomplish so much greater tasks.
Yes, the methods used in chiropractic can improve or correct digestion, asthma, allergies, headaches, kidney function, even bed wetting. Ideally chiropractors are your most trusted wellness advisors. They should be your “gate keeper” allowing you to start with a conservative approach utilizing spinal adjustments, nutrition and exercise. Then if you need more invasive or powerful treatments, you would be referred on to conventional medicine. Practitioners use the tools that they are taught. The carpenter uses a hammer, the medical doctor drugs and surgery. Most of the time the solution lies in what you do for yourself, and not in the use of pharmaceuticals surgical intervention which are invasive and expensive.
The chiropractor’s primary treatment is the spinal adjustment. A short and painless thrust with the doctor's hands or the use of an instrument is used to correct vertebral subluxations. The intent of an adjustment is to restore normal motion and the flow of nerve impulses.
Functional medicine including chiropractic can improve the body’s ability to balance and heal itself. The brain, spinal cord and nerves control all other organs and tissues of the body. The optimum function of the nervous system lessens the probability of disability and disease.
Again, don’t carry your labels around for the rest of your life. If I leave my socks on the floor, giving myself a diagnosis of “floor socks disease” does not rectify anything. The socks are still on the floor. Picking up the socks and putting them where they belong will fix that. So don’t accept a label and resolve to live with IBS, reflux or socks on the floor. Go to the chiropractor, have your thoracic spine adjusted and see how much improvement there is. The chiropractor will also show you how to make better choices in what you eat and explore better levels of activity. That is how you fix it.
Vincent Bellonzi, B.S., D.C.,C.C.N,ACSM H/FI,C.S.C.S.
Your most trusted Wellness Advisor
