The Motion of Life

To be fully alive is to be able to move

Movement allows us to enjoy life and be everything we were meant to be. This movement is made possible by the bones, muscles and ligaments of the body. These tissues respond to the commands of the nervous system and allow us to walk, run, bend, twist, lift and do other normal body movements.

A key structure permitting these movements is the spinal column.

The twenty-four interlocking bones of the spine are designed to allow movement while protecting the vital nerve pathways of the spinal cord. The relationship between the nervous system and the bones of the spine is critical to good health. Here is why. The nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, nerve roots and all the nerves of the body control the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. If the nervous system malfunctions, the organs and tissues they control malfunction. And since the bones protecting the spinal cord are moveable, they are a common source of nervous system interference.

We don't just treat aches and pains

While you may have consulted this office because of an ache, pain or other health complaint, Dr. Fredericks does not treat aches or pains. Dr. Fredericks locates and treats nervous system interferences, usually along the spine. When areas of your spine not moving properly are located and nervous system interferences are reduced, patients discover pain relief and an improvement in their overall health. Finding these areas of your spine interfering with your nervous system is the purpose of a thorough examination. Since your spine is designed to move and improper movement can interfere with your nervous system, x-ray films are taken as you go through normal ranges of motion. These films show you and Dr. Fredericks how well your spine is working. And while pain and other obvious symptoms may not be associated with improper movement, if left uncorrected there will be nervous system interference and a progressively worsening degeneration process set in motion.

Where and How to adjust the spine

These x-ray views of your spine and other examination findings tell Dr. Fredericks where and how to adjust your spine to restore normal motion and position of individual spinal bones. It also tells Dr. Fredericks which muscles are not properly supporting the spine and allowing for normal movement. While your spine can be adjusted to restore normal motion and position, muscles and ligaments supporting the spine may have become accustom to years of improper support. Often muscles on one side of the spine become strong and the other side becomes weak. While chiropractic care is appropriate, research suggests this imbalance cannot be corrected by chiropractic adjustments alone.

Exercising to overcome the muscle imbalance

And that is where you come in. You play a critical role in your own recovery by exercising specific muscle groups to overcome this muscle imbalance. When specific exercises, or maneuvers, are combined with chiropractic adjustments, the spine has its best chance to return to normal. Doing these exercises is like the relationship you have with your dentist. It takes more than regular dental checkups. Brushing and flossing your teeth are things you must do to promote dental hygiene and lengthen the life and usefulness of your teeth and gums. It is the same with your spine. Adjustments alone will not permanently correct your spine. However, when adjustments are combined with proper exercise, dramatic improvement is possible. You can see how effective these exercises are on before and after x-ray views of patients who have worked in partnership with Dr. Fredericks to improve spinal function. You will be given specific exercises to do. These exercises take just a few minutes each day and will speed your recovery and will help your problem from returning. These exercises have such a profound effect that when subsequent x-ray views of your spine are taken, it will be quite apparent how consistently you have done them.

Participating in your Health Care

With this information and the knowledge that you are ultimately responsible for the results you get in this office, you have one of two choices to make: The first is to discontinue your care when your symptoms improve. Symptomatic improvement is possible even without doing your recommended exercises, but it does take longer. Many patients who discontinue care at this stage often find their original complaint returns because supporting muscles have not been retrained and re-patterned to a more normal and balanced condition. The other choice is to participate in your health. Doing your exercises and looking forward to seeing your functional progress revealed in future x-ray views of your spine. Most of our patients choose this course because their symptoms improve faster, it saves them money and helps prevent their problems from returning later. Regardless of your decision, this office is here to support your choice and help you achieve your individual health goals. It is up to you. Your spine is designed to move. When it moves properly, it protects your nervous system and helps you enjoy life to the very fullest.

To get started today, call Institute for Chiropractic Rehabilitation, PA at 952-884-6144. We want to work with you to help you get well and stay well!