by Dr. Nadia Emen, D.C.

Did you know that at the moment your chiropractor corrects your subluxation complex, hundreds, if not thousands, of bodily functions and activities are affected? The flow of nerve impulses over your brain, spinal cord, spinal and peripheral nerves connecting to your internal organs and tissues is normalized. Your body begins to rebalance, renew, and rebuild itself.

Chiropractic affects more than physical well-being.  Many patients have reported a feeling of deepening peace and relaxation and/or energized after an adjustment.  

Most chiropractic patients find that the problems that brought them to their chiropractor soon begin to lessen after their first few visits although some feel no difference after an initial adjustment. This does not necessarily mean that they are not receiving any benefit; healing may be occurring under the surface. Occasionally, a person may initially feel muscle soreness or some other uncomfortable feeling after an adjustment.

What causes these reactions? You are experiencing a detoxification or cleansing of the body after an adjustment, so it is important to drink plenty of water afterwards.  A second reason is that weak, underused muscles may be working to realign your spine and may become sore or “charley horse” for a brief period. Third, old injuries may not have healed completely, and may be “re-awakened” for more complete healing.  Memories and feelings associated with the original injury may also come to the surface.  This phenomenon is known as “retracing” and is part of the healing process. Lastly, some people who are in peak health may feel no difference while others may feel no difference for the opposite reason - they’re so ill or toxic that they have lost sensitivity to their body.

As you continue your chiropractic care, your spine and nervous system continue to release deep stresses. You may begin to notice better balance, smoother movement and more energy, increased awareness of your spine and body stress, increased ability to breathe more deeply, more emotional relaxation, less pain and discomfort, lowered blood pressure, increased flexibility, improved sleep function, and a myriad of other positive healthy changes.

The true benefits of an adjustment are found below the level of consciousness. It is when the nerve communication to the heart, lungs, joints, sexual organs, skin, eyes, ears and the brain itself are improved that the true benefits of chiropractic are experienced.

Many people feel a dramatic improvement right away, but for some, it takes time.  That is because long-standing subluxations cause scar tissue or fibrosis to build up around your joints, discs, and bones which takes months or years to fully break down.  As such, you must be patient with chiropractic care as the wait will be worth it.

Studies revealed that people undergoing chiropractic care experience wellness in many areas of their lives; patients report improved physical  and mental/emotional health, improved ability to deal with stress, less bodily pain, greater vitality, and increased activities of daily living. In one study, people age 75 and over who received chiropractic care reported improved overall health, fewer chronic conditions, less days in nursing homes and hospitals, more mobility and less likely to use prescription drugs than non-chiropractic patients.  Overall, 87% of chiropractic patients described their health as excellent compared to just 67.8% of non-chiropractic patients (“Study Associates Chiropractic With Better Health in the Elderly“, Today‘s Chiropractic. November/December 1996.  Originally published by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research).  

Chiropractic care is individualized; the care you receive will be unique for your body and needs.  Be sensitive to your body and communicate with your chiropractor - express exactly what changes you may be experiencing after your adjustment.