If you experience headaches, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten Americans suffer from them. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea. What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away?
There is a better alternative.
In terms of overall wellbeing, the health of your spine is one of the most important areas to focus on. When your spine is in correct alignment, so many good things happen. The surrounding nerves and muscles function normally, free from irritation or inflammation. Blood is able to circulate more freely, breathing is free and easy, and even cognition is better.
But what happens when the spine is under too much stress? What happens when it’s out of alignment? Nerves are pinched, vital cartilage is worn down, and supporting muscles are inflamed. The symptoms include chronic pain, tingling, and numbness in various parts of the body—not to mention a limited range of motion, fatigue, and even mental distress.
I had a patient come up to me the other day. She asked, “So Doc, why are these chiropractic adjustments so important? I know I had pain when I came in, but now I don’t. So why do I need to continue with them?”
I told her, “That’s a normal reaction. People judge their health by the way they feel, and to a certain point, that’s okay. But when you have nerve interference, you don’t necessarily have to have pain. I suggest you follow the recommended program that was tailored to your health, then continue getting check-ups at least once a month. And here’s why.”
Here’s a story you might like to know. It’s a true story, but Sam is not a patient at this office.
Sam, a 43-year-old man, was injured in an auto accident, during which his car was rear-ended by another vehicle. This happens all the time to people, but most people don’t take it seriously. In this case, Sam was taken to an emergency room by ambulance (it was a terrible accident), complaining of neck and mid-back pain. The X-rays showed no fractures, so what do you think the hospital did? Yes, Sam was released.