Body Repair is Chiropractic’s Specialty

Why do many major sports franchises have a doctor of chiropractic on staff? Why does the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins seek out a doctor of chiropractic? Because they all know what the benefits of chiropractic really are.

What does a chiropractor do? We repair bodies. We apply gentle forces to help repair and re-order the faulty structure. The faulty structure can interfere with the free flow of vital information in the form of communication through the nervous system.

The nervous system controls a multitude of functions in the body. The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is protected by bone (the skull and the backbones) because of its importance to a fully functioning life. It is of interest to realize that no other system is so carefully encased in the bone as the nervous system.

Misalignments or malpositioning of the bones of the spine can interfere with nerve flow (communication) because the nerves exit the spine in between the backbones and travel to other parts of the body – that includes every muscle and organ throughout your body.

The nervous system is a vast and complex system. If it is not optimally functioning it is impossible for our health to be at its best. That is why we need all the spinal vertebrae to be positioned correctly and moving properly.

The Weight of a Feather is Enough to Affect a Nerve’s Function

Research shows that the amount of pressure exerted on a nerve that is equivalent to a feather falling onto your hand is sufficient to decrease nerve transmissions by up to 50 percent! This study of nerve compression was performed at the University of Colorado by researchers Seth Sharpless, Ph.D., and Marvin Luttges, Ph.D.

Did You Know There are Chiropractic Specialists?

Knowing that even the lightest of pressure disrupts nerve function and communication between the nervous system and the organs of the body, chiropractors have created many ways of relieving this pressure. Special tables and adjusting tools have been invented over the 100 plus years of chiropractic history.

As with the medical profession, specialties within the chiropractic profession have developed that require additional training beyond the doctor of chiropractic educational program. Current chiropractic specialties exist in the fields of:

• nutrition – Our Drs. Petersen here at Root Cause Medical Clinic have completed this field of study

• pediatrics

• sports

• orthopedics

• neurology

• radiology

• acupuncture

• physiological therapeutics and rehabilitation

• diagnosis and internal disorders

• occupational health

Most people think of chiropractors as ‘bone movers’ but our focus is on restoring the optimal functioning of the nervous system by removing any nerve interference. The result is the elimination or improvement of pain and a large variety of other symptoms.

Chiropractic Helps with Head Trauma and Concussions

Many professional sports teams have a team chiropractor to address the needs of the players and to optimize performance. Primarily in football and other contact sports, concussions are a concern for young players and professionals alike.

The force necessary to create a concussion is significant. The results of a concussion on the brain and nervous system are dependent on the force of impact and the number of repetitions (some players/people receive multiple head traumas resulting in concussions).

Can chiropractic help in cases of concussions? Most definitely! If the head is hit hard enough to cause a concussion, the neck is bound to be stressed as well. Cranial bones move, and chiropractors are trained to adjust them.

Hockey Player Rebounds after Dangerous Concussions!

Last year, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguin hockey team, Sidney Crosby, suffered two head injuries within days of one another and was sidelined for 10 months. Unable to play without symptoms returning, he sought treatment from more than one doctor. However, he attributes his healing and a great improvement to Dr. Ted Carrick, a chiropractic neurologist, and founder of the Carrick Institute (on the far left in the picture).

Under Dr. Carrick’s expert care he has now returned to the ice and is hoping to soon be cleared for a play which, as you may know, if you’ve ever watched hockey, involves extreme physical contact.

Don’t wait for a concussion or major nerve damage to receive chiropractic treatment. Life can ‘dish out’ major injuries, but more often it’s the smaller ‘micro-traumas’ that build up over time and create the problems.

Come in for a free structural analysis at any time – we can let you know the root cause underlying the symptoms or pain that is bothering you. We are here to help and would be delighted to help you, your friends, and your family.