Chiropractic: Health from the Spine
Chiropractic is a health discipline that goes far beyond simply relieving back pain. It is based on the relationship between the body’s structure—especially the spine—and its function, and how this relationship affects overall health. Its goal is to restore the body’s balance through specific spinal adjustments that promote the proper functioning of the nervous system.
What is chiropractic?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines chiropractic as the health profession “that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health.” In many countries, this discipline is fully recognized as a distinct health profession.
While it is not yet officially regulated in Spain, most European countries recognize chiropractic as part of the healthcare system. France, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, and all the Nordic countries have incorporated this practice at various levels, and it is even included in public health services in many of them. This reflects a growing acknowledgment of its effectiveness, safety, and preventive approach.
The nervous system: the body’s main regulator
Our body functions thanks to the coordination between different systems: digestive, respiratory, endocrine, musculoskeletal, among others. All of these are regulated by the nervous system, which acts as a communication network transmitting impulses from the brain throughout the body.
The brain, protected by the skull, generates these electrical impulses. The spinal cord, an extension of the brain, carries them through nerves running between the vertebrae of the spine. However, if a vertebra becomes misaligned—due to poor posture, falls, stress, or sedentary lifestyle—it can put pressure on the nerves. This interferes with nerve transmission and may lead to pain, organ dysfunctions, or diseases.
The key role of the spine
The spine not only supports the body and allows movement but also protects the spinal cord, which is the main communication channel between the brain and the body. Misalignment of vertebrae can cause problems depending on the affected area:
- Cervical area: headaches, dizziness, insomnia, tingling in arms or hands.
- Thoracic area: digestive disorders such as gastritis, reflux, or colitis.
- Lumbar area: sciatica, menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunctions, lower back pain.
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic focuses on detecting and correcting these spinal misalignments—known as subluxations—to remove interference in the nervous system. The goal is not only to relieve pain but to restore the body’s innate ability to self-regulate and heal.
A chiropractor performs a specific evaluation of the spine, identifies points of interference, and applies gentle, precise manual adjustments. These techniques are personalized according to the patient’s age, health condition, and activity level, adapting for pregnant women, older adults, children, or athletes.
Benefits of chiropractic
Beyond pain relief, chiropractic offers multiple benefits for overall health:
- Reduction of pain: in the neck, back, hips, shoulders, or joints.
- Improved nervous system function, promoting better immune, digestive, hormonal, and emotional responses.
- Postural correctiol: essential in an increasingly sedentary society.
- Greater vitality and general well-being: patients report improvements in sleep, concentration, mood, and physical recovery capacity.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on several factors:
- Duration of the problem (recent or chronic).
- The patient’s overall condition.
- The time the body has been adapted to incorrect alignment.
In many cases, symptoms improve in a few sessions, but to correct the root cause and prevent relapses, completing a personalized chiropractic care plan is recommended.
More than just a pain solution
Chiropractic is not just a therapeutic technique but a way to actively care for health. By ensuring the spine is aligned and the nervous system free of interference, bodily functions are optimized, promoting a healthier and more balanced life.
If you experience recurrent discomfort, constant tension, postural problems, or simply want to prevent imbalances before they appear, chiropractic can be an effective and natural tool to improve your quality of life.
