Our body is a bunch oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. Basically, we are a bunch of elements wrapped up in skin but someway our bodies are amazing machines that can run, jump and play! We can hear, see, taste, feel and smell! How does this work and what controls us?
Our body has a master controller, like how a car or computer would, that makes us be able to function properly. This master controller is our Central Nervous System and it works through messages being sent by the brain via the spinal cord to the muscles, organs and glands which coordinate and influences all other body systems. These messages flow from the brain, down the spinal cord, out through the nerves between the vertebra to individual systems and cells. Messages are also returned to the brain from the cells via the same paths. These messages are what control all our bodily systems and they are all controlled by our central nervous system. A few key systems that we have are:
· Circulatory System- made up of cardiovascular and lymphatic system, its main job is to circulate blood throughout the body so that our cells can be nourished and have the waste material removed.
· Respiratory System- made up of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs and diaphragm- the main function is to allow us to breathe properly- to get oxygen into our body and carbon dioxide out!
· Immune System- made up of the thymus, bone marrow, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes and adenoids- the main function is to recognize and detect any foreign invader and to distinguish them from our own healthy tissues.
· Digestive System- made up of the organs that convert food to energy and those that remove any excess waste- the main function is to provide basic nutrients that we need to fuel our body and in removing any waste that may be present.
A few other systems include our endocrine system that controls our hormones; the integumentary or exocrine system that controls our skin, hair, nails, and sweat; the muscular and skeletal systems that allow for our bodies to move and stand; and the reproductive systems.
All these systems are controlled by our central nervous system, specifically the Autonomic Nervous System, which influences all involuntary bodily functions. There are two divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System:
1. Sympathetic Nervous System: this is the system that will stimulate the body’s fight or flight response when in a stressful situation and results in increased heart rate, constricted blood vessels and raised blood pressure.
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System: this system should be in control most of the time and is responsible for resting and digesting. It is responsible for slowing the heart rate, increases intestinal and glandular activity and relaxing the sphincter muscles.
Every system in the body works together to allow our body to work correctly, but if one system stops working properly the results can range from a minor nuisance to a major problem! Every disorder or disease has a basis in some part of some system not working properly and the messages traveling along the nervous system being interrupted.
If one or more of the bones in the spine, our vertebra, are slightly out of position or alignment, then the nerves that pass between those bones may be impacted. This then results in what those nerves supply being affected as well, which can lead to anything from a slight irritation to a great deal of pressure. This disruption in messages is called a Vertebral Subluxation. When left for long periods of time, a Vertebral Subluxation may result in a myriad of problems, both minor and major! Consider the many bodily systems that we just went over and that are controlled by the nervous system. If messages traveling to and from the brain via the spine cord are interrupted there will be an interruption in how those messages are sent and received leading to a variety of issues in how those systems function.
As a chiropractor, it is my job to analyze, locate and correct vertebral subluxations in the spine. This is done through a non-invasive chiropractic adjustment which removes any interference present to allow the body to heal itself and function properly.
Rather than masking the symptoms, let me help you find the root cause of your problem so that you can express life infinitely and live the life you desire! Let me know if you have any questions about what chiropractic care may look like for you or your child!