Chiropractic Origins

Posted on by zgower
DD Palmer, founder of Chiropractic, in his original office in Davenport, Iowa.

CHIROPRACTIC comes from the Greek words “cheir“ (hand) and “praktikós” (practice) meaning to practice or done by hand.  D.D. Palmer, the founder of Chiropractic, coined this term in 1895. 

The word ch’i or qi (energy flow, life force) originates from traditional Chinese culture; which describes a vital life-energy within all living things.  Chiropractic is founded on the fundamental principal that an organizing intelligence is inherent in all life.

Chiropractic focusses on improving the structure and function of the spine and nerve system; the master control network of the body. This improves the communication pathways between the brain and body, resulting in better health.

Chiropractors do not diagnose or treat symptoms using drugs or surgery.  Chiropractic is simple.  ADJUSTMENTS to the spine clear interference in nerve system, allowing the body to heal itself naturally. 

The Cervical Curve

Posted on by zgower

Research shows importance of cervical curve on overall health. 

In our technology culture, the repetitive use of cell phones and computers causes increased stress and strain on the neck, resulting in forward head posture and flattening of the curve in the neck.  Every inch forward the skull leans over the body causes an additional 10 lbs of pressure on the spine.  A normal curvature in the neck is between 39-45 degrees. 

A team of researchers evaluated the effects of chronic compression, associated with cervical kyphosis (reversal of cervical curvature) on the cervical spine and spinal cord.

The study “Spinal kyphosis causes demyelination and neuronal loss in the spinal cord,” was done at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, in Tokyo, Japan, and published in Spine Journal.

In the study, surgical spine procedures were performed at the C4–C5 level in 52 small game fowls to induce change in normal biomechanics of the cervical spine.

In all operated animals, there was a significant correlation between progressive kyphosis (loss of cervical curve) with spinal cord compression.  Demyelination (damage to the protective covering of surrounding nerve fibers) as well as neuronal loss and atrophy (breakdown of tissue) were observed. Demyelination progressed as the kyphotic deformity became more severe.  Mechanical compression and vascular changes in the spinal cord were observed, resulting in decreased blood flow through the carotid arteries.

The research study highlights the negative long term effects of Subluxation (reduced spinal motion) leading to;

  • degeneration of the spine
  • loss of normal spinal curvature
  • spinal cord compression
  • reduced vascular flow

Chiropractic care helps improve motion in the spine and reduce spinal cord tension.  Get your spine checked by a Chiropractor and experience greater health and vitality!

Reference

Shimizu, Kentaro, et al. “Spinal Kyphosis Causes Demyelination and Neuronal Loss in the Spinal Cord.” Spine, vol. 30, no. 21, Nov. 2005, pp. 2388–2392.

 

Pregnancy and Chiropractic

Posted on by zgower

Why every pregnant mom needs to see a Chiropractor

Adjustments remove interference in the nervous system, the master control system within the body, allowing optimal health and life processes to function in the mother and baby.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care Before Pregnancy
  • More regular menstrual cycle and optimal uterine function
  • Prepares the body to be strong and balanced to carry your pregnancy
  • Restoring nerve supply to reproductive organs helps with fertility problems
  • Strengthens immune system

Chiropractic During Pregnancy

  • Helps leg cramps, pubic bone and low back pain during pregnancy
  • Maintains pelvic structures in proper alignment, preventing pressure build up on the sciatic nerves and round ligaments. This promotes optimal fetal position and leads to a safer and easier labor
  • Stress reduction and hormonal balance
Post Delivery
  • Helps with birth trauma received during the labor and delivery process, particularly when medical interventions such as vacuum extraction, episiotomy, caesarean sections and other surgical procedures are employed.
  • Breastfeeding challenges
  • Parents report symptom relief of infantile colic, constipation, chronic ear infections, bed-wetting, torticollis, scoliosis, acid-reflux, asthma and ADHD
 
Postural Changes During Pregnancy
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Zach Gower is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). He is trained and certified in the Webster Technique- a safe and gentle chiropractic approach for pregnancy which helps stabilize the pelvis, reduce pressure and tension in the pelvic muscles and ligaments, and support the baby to naturally assume a normal birth position.  Chiropractic care for pregnancy has been shown to help reduce labour times, maintains pelvic floor stability and improve balance and structure in the mother’s spine and pelvis. Dr. Gower is passionate about providing chiropractic for pregnant women and helping families and children express their optimal health potential. 

 
References

Ohm, Jeanne, DC, and Joel Alcantara, DC. “The Webster Technique Definition, Application and Implications.” J. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health May.10 (2012): 49-53. Print. http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/Webster-Technique/