In the previous blog you learned about who we are as chiropractors and what we do. The next part will focus a little more on the science behind how chiropractic can help with pain, one of its many benefits when used regularly.
Neck and back pain are common ailments that affect us in our world today. Low back pain is the leading cause of disability globally and it has a direct impact on healthcare costs and work productivity. Neck pain is not far behind and is also one of the leading causes of economic burden, reduced productivity, and job-related problems. Experiencing pain is common but unpleasant, it is the way our body lets us know that it is unhappy or that something is not right.
Thankfully, there is research that shows the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment in the reduction of pain. Chiropractic treatment allows for decreased pain in a localized area which can have a positive impact on how people live their daily lives. Adjustments affect the central nervous system (this is the part of our bodies that is made up by the brain, spine, and nerves) by blocking pain signals sent to the brain.
Disclaimer: It is important to understand that when relieving pain, chiropractic adjustments won’t be effective at the magnitude of very intense pain like when breaking a bone or a severe burn. These types of injuries would require a different kind of specialist that adjustments will not be able to address.
Ok, but exactly how does chiropractic treatment block pain signals? Humans have specific receptors in our skins and tissues that are activated with touch, vibration, or stretch. These receptors stimulate nerves which release a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is known as the “bonding” or “love” hormone in humans, but besides that, oxytocin also has the power of stopping signals to the brain that bring pain or unpleasantness. An example of this is when you accidentally bump your shoulder into the wall, and you quickly rub it to make it feel better. Ever notice your pain go away almost immediately? That’s oxytocin!
Having said this, when patients go to their chiropractor to get adjusted, not only do chiropractors use the process of touch, called palpation, to assess dysfunction or misalignment in the joints, they also produce a mild stretch in the ligaments surrounding the joints to align them. Both actions release oxytocin, allowing the patients to leave the office with less pain than before.
Like with most things in life, in order to see benefits of chiropractic adjustments, it is important to get adjusted frequently to notice results of decreased pain. Think about it like going to the gym: one day will probably burn calories but won’t give you the six pack or tone your arms you want. Going often is key to seeing results!
Stay tuned for Part III of this chiropractic series!
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