When a muscle needs to be reconditioned after an injury, stretching is usually utilized. This allows the muscle fibers to realign themselves into a more organized position. Over time receptors grow accustomed to the lengthened muscle tissue. The muscle becomes more flexible and responds better to physical demands. This can be a time consuming practice because it takes a while to get past the tension threshold to re-educate the muscle. A routine stretching program for maintenance helps the body preserve its improvements.

Just like a muscle, the brain can be improved. Similar to stretching, the brain learns new ways to do things. Playing an instrument or perfecting an athletic technique “stretches” the brain's neural connections. Any kind of challenge that is presented continuously re-establishes a novel neurological pattern. As long as there is some kind of ongoing “nudge” reinforcing the pattern, it will remain. Chiropractic is that useful nudge that helps retain healthy patterns.

With an understanding of stretching, creating new patterns and “nudging,” you can teach your body to be healthier.

The brain and spinal cord work together to deliver important messages about healing to the rest of the body. If they experience deficiencies, they forget how to heal.

Chiropractors call this spinal learning because the spine influences how the rest of the body acts. Poor confidence and fear starts in the mind then the spinal cord contributes to the negativity by allowing stress hormones to attack organs. Irritated nerves due to physical trauma or poor nutrition will also permit the body to break down.

Chiropractic adjustments to the spine disrupt negative communication patterns so improved patterns have the opportunity to take hold. Chiropractors also play the role of teacher by explaining how the body is reacting to its environment so the patient can take appropriate action to support the adjustment. All this “stretching” introduces a better way to function.

The amount of “nudging” you incorporate into your life affects how much your body is tuned into the healing process. It is just as easy to develop a negative pattern as it is to maintain positive patterns.

Somehow we believe it takes more effort to do the healthier things. Chiropractic helps reverse that belief because keeping the nervous system in tip top condition allows you to see faster improvements in all other aspects of your life. This includes your mental health, physical strength, energy level, relationships and creativity.

In the new field of psychoneuroimmunology, psychosocial factors, behavioral responses and the neuroendocrine system are studied as important factors in disease prevention. Chiropractic has a unique role because it initiates a profound transformation in how the individual perceives its environment.

In simpler terms, chiropractic allows us to have a keener awareness of our own reactions to stress so we learn appropriate ways to invite balance into our lives. Many patients look for ongoing improvements by visiting their chiropractor for “tune-ups.” Just like stretching, if it is not continued on a regular basis, the benefits will not last because we are exposed to many stressful factors on a daily basis. Chiropractic is a great tool for inviting positive change to our outlook on life and health.

Lisa Ann Homic, M.Ed. D.C., may be contacted at www.DrHomic.com