theportlandchir

Dr. Barry Shulak D.C. Most chiropractors focus on minimizing or eliminating pain and improving their patients’ ability to do the things they need and want to do. To be sure, these are important goals. They are my goals too. However, I also use x-ray analysis to look very carefully at the structure of my patients’ spines and make necessary corrections. I do this because this, in and of itself, is a path to better health. Spinal correction, using the techniques of Chiropractic Biophysics, attempts to restore—to the extent possible—the normal shape of the spine. Everyone is familiar with the idea that structure and function are intimately related. We accept it as a given in architecture, and we certainly rely on it in civil engineering to ensure that bridges can support the weight of vehicles that pass over them every day. Why then, do we largely ignore spinal structure as it relates to our health and well being? The natural, healthy structure of the spine is defined by curves whose angles are measurable on x-rays. When trauma and postural stresses alter the natural shapes of these curves, it alters joint biomechanics. This causes pain and causes joints and discs (the shock absorbers between the bones of your neck and back) to degenerate. The inflammation associated with altered joint biomechanics can also irritate nerves, leading to nerve pain that radiates down your arms or legs. As joints and discs degenerate, the spaces in the spine through which nerves exit the spinal cord become smaller. This interferes with nerve transmission, causing muscular weakness and reduced function of organ systems such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc. Altered spinal curves also place stress on the spinal cord and the nerves that exit the cord. Nerves don’t like to be stretched, and this also has a negative effect on all the muscles and other tissues that need to be in constant communication with the brain to ensure normal function. Spinal correction promotes proper joint biomechanics; prevents, reverses, or impedes joint and disc degeneration; and reduces spinal cord and nerve tension. The result is a healthier spine and central nervous system, which supports the long-term healthy function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body.