CHIROPRACTIC
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractors complete an education comparable to their medical colleagues. However, instead of an emphasis on the use of drugs or surgery, chiropractors focus on the need for the utilization of adjustments in order to remove subluxations. Subluxations are characterized by spinal misalignments, nerve imbalances, muscle irritations, tissue inflammation and degenerative wear. An individual with subluxations may experience multiple health concerns ranging from, but not limited to, pain and neurological disorganization. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective means of facilitating the function of the nervous system related to the 24 moveable bones of the spine. Individuals of all ages have been shown to benefit from chiropractic care. Following a thorough history, exam and consultation, a chiropractor should be able to identify your potential benefit(s). Functional gains are legitimate goals whenever spinal mechanics are improved.
The philosophy of chiropractic is based upon the body's innate intelligence, that is, the wisdom of the body to heal itself. The body seeks to maintain homeostasis, a balanced state. When the bones of the body are properly aligned and are not fixated, there are clear signals of communication between the body and the brain, resulting in balance that leads to health. Chiropractic views the body holistically. It is a natural approach that does not use drugs or surgery. It is not based on "curing" symptoms, but rather on maintaining wellness and vitality.
How chiropractic may have a positive effect on individuals with special needs?
The Central Nervous System is compromised of the brain and brain stem, the spinal cord and the nerve attachments. Beginning to grow within 18 days of conception, it is the first system in the body to develop, ultimately encompassing a communication network of over 45 miles of nerves sending vital messages between the brain and body at a rate of 325 MPH. The Central Nervous System and its intimately related bony protection system form a profound link between a person’s external and internal environments. Unfortunately, this link can be disrupted in many ways (trauma, biochemical aberrancies, genetic predispositions), thereby profoundly compromising neurological development, health, and function.
To an individual with special needs, subluxations have a significant, negative impact on the nervous system, accentuating an already present hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity to the environment. Environmental hyposensitivity is a functional state where certain types of information from the child’s environment are not processed effectively – it’s as if the volume is too low. Conversely, perceptual hypersensitivity is indicative of neural circuits that are overactive leading to exaggerated function – in essence, the volume is too high. This exaggeration of function is most obvious with approach behavior – a child who inappropriately inserts himself/herself into social settings. Additionally, children with subluxations, typically demonstrate motor deficits (poor posture, hypotonia, incoordination) and/or other neurological abnormalities. The benefit of a chiropractic adjustment is the restoration of neuromuscular function leading to a state of more appropriate sensory input and motor output – essentially, more normal neurological function. Because spinal adjustments affect the proprioceptive system (the largest sensory system in the body), they can have a profound impact on brain function as a whole. This in turn leads to a fine-tuning of the sensitivity of all the other sensory systems (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.) - bringing the volume up or down to a more appropriate level.
Courtesy of Kevin Doherty, DC, Optimal Health and Development Center
Hartsdale, NY, (917) 502-1880, DrKevin@optimalhdc.com, www.optimalhdc.com
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