We adjust the spine because our goal is to help the brain adapt more effectively to physical, emotional, and chemical stress. When the brain becomes overwhelmed by stress, it can contribute to physical symptoms throughout the body.
The brain is capable of adapting and forming new patterns over time. Chiropractic adjustments provide sensory input to the brain that may help interrupt maladaptive patterns and encourage healthier movement, regulation, and overall function.
Rather than simply searching for a painful spot and repeatedly adjusting that area, we evaluate how the brain is responding. Our objective is to identify neurologic imbalance and help the brain restore more appropriate regulation of the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system consists of two primary divisions:
- Sympathetic (“fight or flight”) – associated with stress, heightened alertness, and increased physical readiness.
- Parasympathetic (“rest and regulate”) – associated with relaxation, recovery, healing, and restoration.
Our Clinical Approach
When a patient presents with significant physical stress (such as an athlete) or emotional stress and anxiety, we typically begin by focusing on the upper cervical spine (C1-C3) and the pelvis. Our goal is to give the brain calming sensory input so it can begin regulating the body’s stress response more effectively.
As the brain becomes more balanced and the patient begins responding appropriately, we then progress to correcting additional spinal fixations that contribute to pain and dysfunction.
For patients who appear lethargic, fatigued, or generally “run down,” we often use the opposite approach by initially emphasizing the thoracic and lumbar spine, where sympathetic nervous system influence is greatest, before progressing to more localized spinal corrections. Our goal is to provide sensory input that helps the brain improve alertness, adaptability, and overall function.
Day One Patient Explanation
“One thing that makes our office different is that we focus on what we’re putting into your brain, not just where you feel pain.
Every adjustment sends information to your brain. Your brain then decides how your muscles move, how your body responds to stress, and how well you heal and recover.
Even though your pain may be in one area, we may not start by adjusting that exact location. Instead, we first focus on giving your brain the input it needs to begin regulating your body more efficiently.
Many patients begin noticing relief even before we directly address the painful area because we’re helping the brain improve the way it communicates with the rest of the body.
Over the next few visits, we’ll continue helping your brain regulate itself. As your brain responds and your body begins functioning better, we’ll then address the more specific spinal fixations contributing to your symptoms.
Our goal isn’t simply to treat pain. Our goal is to help your brain function more efficiently so your body can adapt, heal, regulate itself, and perform the way it was designed to.”
Recent Comments