When most people think about the chiropractor, they think of a doctor who “cracks your back.” And while chiropractors like Dr. Lynelle McSweeney here in Reno certainly can help with back pain, there’s so much more they can do. Here’s why the chiropractor treats more than your spine.
Understanding the Nervous System
To understand how a chiropractor can treat so many conditions, one must first understand that the body’s performance isn’t the result of separate mechanisms all happening at once. Instead, the function of the body is more of a cascading effect. And it all starts with a highly functioning nervous system.
Our nervous system controls every function of the body through nerves that originate at the spinal cord. When the joints that surround the spinal column aren’t working properly, the transmission of messages through these nerves can be compromised. When chiropractors use the term subluxation, they’re referring to that compromise in biomechanical integrity and altered physiological function.
Relationships exist between the spinal nerves leaving the vertebra and branching off to different organ systems. That’s why a patient struggling with physical pain in one area may also be experiencing a condition like acid reflux or irritable bowels.
The Range of Chiropractic Care
Besides adjustment specific points in your spine, hips, pelvis or neck, your chiropractor may also use cold laser and physical therapy modalities to relieve pain. Dr. McSweeney may also recommend corrective stretching exercises, use applied Kinesiology or pressure reflex points to help normalize the body, or identify emotional blockages that are physically affecting the body. She also offers organ testing and support to help keep the body functioning at an optimal level, and tests for nutrient deficiencies that can cause the body to decrease function.
Proper nutrition is essential for the body. A balanced ratio of macronutrients and a steady supply of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals is critical for building and rebuilding the body’s tissues, all of which receive nervous system impulses. In fact, according to R.W. Stevenson in his Chiropractic Textbook, healthy tissue receives chiropractic adjustments better than damaged or disease tissues: “In order to have perfect function and metabolistic vibration, the structure must be sound.”
If you’re experiencing chronic pain that isn’t just limited to your spine, chiropractic care may be helpful. Learn more about what you can expect at your first visit with Dr. McSweeney, and schedule your appointment today.