5 Benefits of Chiropractic Care
I’ve only been to a chiropractor a few times in my life; and I must say it felt good to get a good pop in my back! I was having some hip issues and one of my Pilates teachers recommended I see a chiropractor for a quick adjustment. I went to a very trustworthy, highly qualified practitioner who knew exactly what he was doing. After he examined me, he did a few spinal adjustments and I left feeling a little lighter, more aligned and my hip wasn’t as painful the next few days.
An increasing number of people are pursuing alternative methods of treatment for minor aches and pains such as yoga, acupuncture and chiropractic care. If you’ve never been to a chiropractor or aren’t quite sure if it’s safe, read on.
Some Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Improved Sleep Patterns
Sufficient sleep is crucial to being able to function efficiently. Sleep allows your body to recover and for you to perform your tasks the next day with energy and alertness. Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your health. It raises cortisol levels, makes you short fused and can even lead to eating too much.
Since chiropractic care is designed to reduce aches, pains and to relieve stress, regular treatment often shows improved sleep patterns in patients. Often time lack of sleep is due to schedule or having young babies (as is my case); but most often, it’s because people have stress in their life or an achy body that keeps them awake at night. After a few sessions with a chiropractor many people start to feel better and see improvements in their overall wellbeing.
Improved Posture
A majority of the population has a job that requires them to sit for hours at a time. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day or commuting for hours in a car can compromise our posture.
Poor posture has the ability to play out it many ways, none of which are positive as you begin to experience pain and an imbalance in your body as your body tries to compensate. Chiropractic adjustments can assist in the realignment of a tilted or curved spine. This can assist in returning your posture to its correct form. The neck is a particular area of concern which stands to benefit, negatively affecting far more of us than we realize. I did some research and found that adjustments are safe when performed by a licensed, experienced practitioner.
Improved Mood
There are many aspects of our daily lives which have the ability to negatively impact on our emotional wellbeing. There isn’t always a lot we can do to combat these negative external influences; but we can ensure that our bodies are better equipped to deal with them.
The spine holds your nervous system which is a vital component in the way we feel and our overall health. A spine in poor condition can lead to chemical imbalances in the body. Being treated by chiropractors should be something you should consider if you can’t get to the root of your mental health problems. Chiropractic care is intended to provide balance to your body which usually results in a happier spirit.
Pain Management
Before you turn to medication or surgery, it’s always nice to see if alternative practices can help manage your pain. A natural approach to pain relief is often the best one. Its always better to target the route cause rather than mask the symptoms. Chiropractic care can be very effective in treating back pain and hip pain. Seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis can help manage common aches and pains. And a good chiropractor should be able to refer you on to the right doctor if there is a true medical issue.
Effective Stress Relief
In our fast paced society, stress is a very common complaint. Stress can really run a toll on our health and mood. I know when I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for too long, my body suffers.
Alternative complementary care such as chiropractic treatments and yoga can significantly reduce our stress and help us manage stress in a more productive way. I think anytime you can get some hands on treatments, your body naturally releases endorphins that reduce the stress and anxiety in our life. Our bodies and minds deserve a break.
As a yogi, I believe that non-invasive holistic treatment is often the best way to proceed with the treatment of many ailments, and the principals of both yoga and chiropractic care can go hand in hand. If you’re nervous, make sure you find a reputable chiropractor and give it a try. You may find it’s something you want to add to your arsenal of health and wellness tools.
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!