Dr. Rathburn's Blog

If I can keep you from wearing out till you are 100, you win!

When I was in Chiropractic college we spent a lot of time on Chiropractic philosophy.  My previous blogs incorporate some of those discussions.  It's true that we must function mechanically well for our spines, the nerves, and the tissues they control to work well; ultimately leading to "health".  I find that sometimes when discussing what Chiropractic is to patients, it helps to make analogies.  I have come up with many.  Comparing us to a machine is one of my favorites.

Our spines and related muscles, ligaments and joints must function in proper relationship, much like a machine.  Machines must have all of their parts working properly in order to run smoothly without wearing.  When this happens the machine runs well.  It will last a long time, be more reliable and rust slower. 

We are not all that different from this machine.  If our vertebrae are in the best possible alignment and are able to move through their proper range of motion without impingement, we tend to have fewer spinal problems.  Proper motion and function keep us running smoothly therefore minimizing pain and degenerative arthritic "rust" in the future. 

Another reason to keep our spines working well is to insure that the spinal cord and nerves that run between our vertebrae are free and functioning normally.  When this happens, we feel better and information running between our brain and body is transmitted properly; allowing all of our parts to work better.  This leads to better health overall. 

Sound too simple?  I used to think it was also.  Agreed, there are lots of other factors: injuries, conditioning, occupational hazards, obesity......blah, blah, blah, the list goes on.  But still, if you make your machine work as good as it reasonably can then you will feel as good as possible.  Changing parts generally isn't an option.  Medicine helps some with symptoms.  Prevention is ultimately the way to go and Chiropractic focuses on just that. 

To better health naturally,

Dr. Rathburn