Chiropractic care is well known for its ability to treat problems with the neck and back, but what is less well known are the health benefits it can have in other areas of the body and mind.

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is a treatment approach that treats the body and mind as a whole. It supposes that all elements of the body's system can affect all of the other systems. So the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems do not act in isolation. Instead, a problem in any one of them can affect the others.

What techniques does chiropractic care use?

The most common chiropractic treatment is spinal manipulation. This involves moving the joints between the vertebra using short sharp thrusts in order to bring them into proper alignment. This can, of course, help to relieve problems in the neck and spine, but it can also affect the rest of the body through its impact on the nervous system.

Chiropractic clinicians also use a variety of other techniques to incorporate healing through the rest of the body, including:

• massage

• exercise and stretching

• posture correction

• trigger point therapy

• nutrition counseling

What are the health benefits of chiropractic care?

1) Reduced neck and back pain

The American College of Physicians recommends chiropractic care, specifically spinal manipulation, as an alternative treatment to medication for lower back pain. There is plenty of scientific evidence showing that chiropractic care can reduce pain and improve mobility in the back and neck.

But chiropractic care can do so much more than just reduce back pain.

2) Boost the immune system

Spinal manipulation doesn't just affect the spine itself, it also impacts the nerves that radiate out from the spine. These nerves are responsible for supporting the body's immune system, so chiropractic care could help to keep the immune system functioning as it should.

3) Improved sleep

Many people report improved sleep and relief from insomnia after chiropractic care. There are likely a few reasons for this. Treating spinal problems can reduce discomfort which makes it easier to go to sleep. Chiropractic care also lowers the blood pressure which can aid in relaxation. Many chiropractic clinicians can help to determine each individual's best sleep position.

4) Better digestion

The nerves that branch out from the lower part of the spinal cord reach out to the stomach and intestines. Chiropractic care can help this system to operate at its best, which can help to aid the digestive process.

5) Reduced depression and anxiety

Many people who are living with depression and anxiety want to find a treatment that doesn't involve medication. Chiropractic care can help to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety through a few different processes:

• lowering the blood pressure

• the release of hormones such as oxytocin

• improving sleep

• relieving tension

• encouraging relaxation

The benefits of chiropractic care for the neck and back are well known, but it can also have many other health benefits for the body and the brain due to the interconnectedness of the spine and the rest of the body's systems.

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Learn about the benefits of chiropractic care

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