5 Reasons to Visit a Chiropractor

If you are under the impression that visiting the Chiropractor is only helpful if you are experiencing back pain, think again. In fact, there are many health benefits of maintaining your spinal health, particularly when it comes to the upper spine.

Upper cervical Chiropractors are doctors with expertise dealing with the delicate vertebrae in the neck at the base of the head known as the Atlas and Axis vertebrae. These bones are unique in the spine in terms of shape,  movement and how they are supported. They not only need to move to fully rotate your head, they also protect the very vital junction between your spinal cord and the brain.

This area, known as the brain stem, is a hot spot between the brain and the rest of your central nervous system and even a very minor obstruction here can have wide ranging effects on health and wellness.

Here are just 5 reasons that an Upper Cervical Care Specialist might be right for you:

1. Unlock Your Body’s Natural Healing Potential

The idea that the immune system and the nervous system are distinct and separate is now somewhat of an outdated idea. In fact, modern medical research has demonstrated that these two systems are interactional, meaning that the overall health of one can impact the other. In fact, both systems are also responsive and contributing to behavioral health as well, including stress and mood.

Although traditional Western medicine has brought us many advancements in terms of modern surgical techniques, it remains somewhat behind the curve in terms of holistic health. That is, when you approach the body as an integrated set of systems, a holistic approach can produce amazing results.

Your body’s ability to heal itself is dependent on a healthy central nervous system. Spinal health, particularly in the delicate bones in the neck, is an important aspect of overall health and wellness. Your body was designed to heal itself – Are you doing enough to protect the core mechanisms through which that process happens?

2. Chronic Pain Conditions

Chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia can be responsive to the precise and gentle corrections to the Atlas and Axis vertebrae. Misalignments (subluxations) in this area of the spine can produce a wide range of symptoms, including neuropathic pain in various areas of the body. This is because the brain stem is basically the Grand Central Station of the central nervous system and every nerve impulse must ultimately pass through this region. In essence, the brain stem is the BOSS of the body!

Many people suffering from chronic pain conditions find that they are able to decrease their medications when they receive care from an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. This is an added benefit of seeking treatment since pain fighting pharmaceutical drugs often come with unwanted side effects such as nausea, appetite and sleep changes, long term liver and kidney damage, as well as the potential for addiction and even death.

3. Anxiety and Depression

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, as many as 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, and as many as 16 million have suffered a major depressive episode in the last year. Often, these mood disorders can overlap with sufferers experiencing both.

Both anxiety and depression are complex conditions with many possible causes. Increasingly, people are turning to prescription medications, which can play a vital role in mitigating the symptoms. However, the downsides of such medications such as long term dependence and significant side effects have others looking for alternative treatment plans.

As we discussed above, the central nervous system is not separate from our mood and behavior processes. Maintaining your spinal health is important to your general wellness – and may even compliment your mental health treatment.

4. Recovery from Accidents, Falls and Other Injuries

Many people, traditional doctors included, focus on the immediate site of pain or tissue damage after an accident or injury. Unfortunately, even a small amount of trauma can have a negative impact on spinal alignment, leading to issues down the road if left untreated.

A check up with your Chiropractor can make sure that your spine, the keeper of your central nervous system, has not been damaged by a nasty fall or even a minor car accident. The sooner you get your spine into perfect alignment, particularly if there is a problem with the delicate atlas and axis vertebrae, the more likely you are to head off any long term problems that can result from neglecting this critical area of wellness.

5. Better Sleep

In some cases, poor sleep can be caused by serious medical conditions that need medical attention. For example, although it can be caused by a variety of factors, sleep apnea is a condition that has been demonstrated by research to sometimes be rooted in pathologies of the upper cervical spine.

Other causes for poor sleep may be old bedding, poor sleep hygiene, inadequate neck support and even poor posture. A consultation with a Chiropractor can help you take a look at the big picture to help identify and fix your poor sleep.

Adequate rest is important for overall mind and body wellness. If you or a loved one are suffering with sleep problems, consider a visit to your local Upper Cervical Care specialist.

Upper Cervical Care of Glen Carbon

After using advanced 3D imaging to map the condition of the neck with extreme precision, we apply very gentle corrections and hold them in place to restore the optimal functioning of the brain stem. Over time, patients can see their alignment improve through these same images.

If you live in the St. Louis, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon or Maryville area, call today to book a free consultation. (618) 692-6992.

You may be a gentle correction away from natural relief.