Chiropractors work with the spine, not just because it's often the source of neck and back pain, but because it houses and protects the central nervous system -- that system, which monitors, controls and regulates all body function, and allows the body to adapt to internal and external influences. Biologists call this dynamic process homeostasis. This ability to adapt is central to the body's ability to maintain its health and sustain life. Virtually every vital life-sustaining process, whether it's digesting our dinner or responding to potential infection, depends on the integrity of this communication network between the brain and the body.

Since the central nervous system is so vital, the body has wisely built in a system of protection. Around the brain we have the skull and around the spinal cord is a system of protection for the spine - 24 moveable segments which have the dual role of protecting the central nervous system and providing the axis for the entire musculo-skeletal system. Each vertebra has a unique set of nerves that pass through it to the other systems of the body through individual holes called foramen.

Ironically, the very thing that is designed to protect the spinal cord can actually interfere with it, due to misalignment of the spinal vertebrae.

Chiropractors maintain the proper position of these delicate joints and the precious cargo they protect, your nervous system. Pressure on the root nerves that leave the spine through the foramen or on the brain stem can affect millions of nerve fibers. Interfering with these nerve fibers can have disastrous effects on your health.

Spinal misalignments are typically caused by stress that overwhelms the body's resilience and coping ability. Physical stress can occur as the result of a car accident or slipping on an icy sidewalk, improper posture, occupational trauma, or birth trauma. Emotional stress can be the result of significant emotional trauma or the inability to adapt to a stressful situation. Chemical trauma can result from the misuse of prescription or illicit drugs, inadequate nutrition, or environmental toxins. By interfering with the nervous system, these misalignments interfere with normal function, reducing your body's ability to self-regulate, adapt, and heal.

Chiropractors detect and correct the cause of this interference, allowing your body to properly self-regulate, adapt and heal. The care and maintenance of the spine and nervous system is a necessary component of any natural approach to healthcare.

There are several common ailments which initially make people aware that there is a problem with their spine and/or nervous system. Pain is usually the first sign of subluxation to many people. However, decreased range of motion in the body, stiffness, fatigue and decreased sport performance are all indicators that subluxation may be present.

The peripheral nervous system plays an important role in maintaining and controlling the body’s biological functions and systems. Everything from body temperature to digestion to body agility depends on proper input from the peripheral nervous system. This system maintains and restores your energy. It directs blood to your digestive tract and makes sure you actively digest food. It maintains your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. It also controls muscle contraction, reaction time, speed and power output throughout the body.

Peripheral nerves comprise all of the nerves beyond the spinal cord. The peripheral nerves are not protected by bone, leaving them exposed to mechanical injury or interference through pressure or irritation. All peripheral nerves leave the spinal cord through small openings in individual spinal vertebra called foramen. These nerve roots are exposed and susceptible to interference or neuropathy (changes in the pathology of the nerves) from the vertebrae themselves well as the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues.

           When spinal health is compromised because of misalignments of the spinal vertebrae or damage to the surrounding tissue, the body does not function as efficiently and optimally as it should, and overall health suffers.

Chiropractors correct these misalignments by gently adjusting the position of the vertebrae of the spine, reducing or eliminating neuropathy (changes in the pathology of the nerves) thus allowing your body to function optimally.

Welcome to Pierce Chiropractic!  If you have any other questions or concerns after reading this, please write them down, and talk to the doctor at your next appointment.  We look forward to working with you and maximizing your health.

Dr. Beau and Dr. Bill

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