Chiropractic
Chiropractic, principles and benefits for well-being is generating growing interest, and this is not surprising when we know that 81% of patients consulting a chiropractor notice an improvement in their health. This therapeutic approach is not limited solely to back pain. Indeed, it can also treat problems as varied as jaw pain, dizziness, headaches, arthritis, and even discomfort related to pregnancy.
At Hello Soins, we have found that the benefits of chiropractic extend far beyond simple pain relief. A study conducted by Dr. Wayne Whittingham reveals that more than 50% of patients noticed a reduction in their nervousness and better concentration, while 70-80% reported an improvement in their mood after chiropractic treatment. Moreover, chiropractic adjustments can have a positive impact on sleep, immunity, energy levels, and digestion.
In this article, we explore in depth this discipline, which is intended for all ages, from newborns to the elderly. We present its fundamental principles, how it works based on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, as well as its many benefits for your overall health.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a manual therapeutic discipline that is generating increasing interest in the field of complementary healthcare. Recognized as the world’s third health profession after medicine and dentistry, this approach focuses primarily on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders.
Origin and meaning of the word
The term "chiropractic" is rooted in the Greek words "kheir" (hand) and "praxis" (practice), literally meaning "done by hand." This discipline was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, an American magnetic healer. It all began when he performed a spinal adjustment on Harvey Lillard, a janitor who had been deaf for 17 years. After this adjustment, Lillard regained some of his hearing, which led Palmer to develop this new therapeutic approach.
In France, chiropractic was officially recognized in 2002, then regulated by a decree in 2011 that precisely defined the scope of practice and the competencies of chiropractors. Moreover, in 2021, a ministerial order established the activities and competencies framework for chiropractors, thereby consolidating the place of this profession in the French medical landscape.
Difference with osteopathy
Although often confused, chiropractic and osteopathy have notable differences. Indeed, chiropractors focus primarily on the spine and the nervous system. They use precise and rapid adjustment techniques, often accompanied by a characteristic "crack," to correct vertebral subluxations.
Osteopaths, on the other hand, take a more general approach and work on the body’s entire structures (muscles, joints, viscera, skull). Their manipulations are generally gentler and slower than those practiced in chiropractic.
Another important distinction lies in training: chiropractors complete a 5- to 6-year program specifically focused on their discipline, comprising around 5,000 hours of training, including 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. This in-depth training enables them to develop particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders.
A whole-body approach
At Hello Soins, we highlight chiropractic as a holistic approach to health that is not limited to simple pain relief. The fundamental principle of this discipline is based on the body’s innate ability to heal itself when the nervous system functions optimally.
Chiropractors consider that many health problems may be linked to dysfunctions of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Thus, their intervention does not focus solely on symptoms, but seeks to identify and correct the underlying causes of disorders.
This broad vision is also reflected in chiropractic’s preventive approach. Beyond treating existing pain, chiropractors place particular importance on educating patients about posture, lifestyle habits, and physical exercise. The goal is to maintain the body in optimal balance and prevent the appearance of new problems.
Chiropractic fits perfectly into a comprehensive health approach, and can complement other conventional medical treatments. This complementarity explains why many patients consult us at Hello Soins to find a qualified chiropractor capable of supporting them in their health journey, in harmony with their other medical care.
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works on a fundamental principle: the intimate connection between our nervous system and our body. This manual therapeutic approach considers that many health problems can be linked to spinal dysfunctions that disrupt nerve communication.
Connection between the spine and the nervous system
Our spine plays a role far more complex than that of simple mechanical support. It serves as a true communication channel in our body, allowing the brain to exchange information with every part of the body. The spinal cord, protected by the spine, contains millions of essential nerve connections.
These nerves run לאורך the spine and exit in pairs through the intervertebral foramina located between each vertebra. Through this sophisticated network, information constantly circulates between the brain and our organs, muscles, and tissues. This nervous system, made up of around 15 billion nerve cells, controls and coordinates all our bodily functions.
However, certain events such as a sudden movement, a fall, or repeated poor postures can cause what chiropractors call "biomechanical lesions." These vertebral dysfunctions create interference in the transmission of nerve impulses, thus compromising optimal communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Role of manual adjustments
Faced with these vertebral subluxations, the chiropractor intervenes through "adjustments," precise technical gestures that are the very essence of chiropractic. An adjustment consists of a quick, low-amplitude mobilization applied to a specific joint.
This expert gesture creates a particular stimulation of joint receptors, generating a regulation of sensory-motor functions via the nervous system. These manipulations may sometimes be accompanied by a characteristic "crack," called "cavitation," which simply corresponds to the release of an air bubble in the joint fluid.
A chiropractic adjustment is generally painless and can provide an immediate feeling of relief. It helps stimulate mechanoreceptors, leading to reduced pain, improved range of motion, and better posture.
At Hello Soins, we make sure our patients understand that these adjustments are not limited to the spine, but can involve all the body’s joints, depending on the specific needs identified during the diagnosis.
The body’s natural ability to regulate itself
The fundamental philosophy of chiropractic is based on recognizing the innate capacity of the human body to self-regulate and heal. Chiropractors call this ability the body’s "innate intelligence."
Our nervous system, when functioning optimally, gives the body remarkable self-healing and self-regulating abilities. These natural mechanisms allow, among other things, wound healing, fracture repair, and the regulation of vital functions such as blood pressure or digestion.
The chiropractor’s goal is therefore not to directly treat symptoms, but to unlock the body’s self-healing potential by eliminating the interference that hinders its optimal functioning. By correcting subluxations, the practitioner enables the nervous system to regain its full functional capacity.
On our Hello Soins platform, we observe that this holistic approach, which considers the body as a whole and relies on its natural resources, is particularly well aligned with the expectations of patients seeking complementary, non-invasive therapeutic solutions.
What are the benefits of chiropractic?
Studies show that patients under chiropractic care experienced, on average, 13 fewer days of pain than control groups. This manual therapy indeed offers many benefits that go far beyond simple pain relief.
Relief of lower back and neck pain
Spinal manipulations performed by chiropractors are particularly effective in treating chronic and acute lower back pain. A systematic review published in the BMJ in 2019 confirms the effectiveness of these techniques in managing chronic low back pain. Moreover, this approach helps significantly reduce the use of pain medication, with 3 out of 4 patients saying they take fewer medications thanks to chiropractic.
Improved sleep and digestion
One third of the patients followed in a study by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation reported an immediate improvement in the quality of their sleep after their first chiropractic treatment. Adjustments help reduce muscle tension and promote overall relaxation, thereby creating a more favorable environment for restorative sleep.
Regarding digestion, chiropractic can help treat various digestive disorders such as acid reflux and bloating. Indeed, spinal manipulation helps restore the normal functioning of the nervous system in this part of the body, thus improving intestinal motility.
Reduction of stress and fatigue
From the very first session, patients feel a decompression effect, so significant are the accumulated tensions. This release helps restore a more suitable posture, thereby reducing pain and, consequently, stress levels.
Chiropractic care decreases the body’s sympathetic dominance (alert system) and stimulates the parasympathetic system (rest and digestion), allowing the body to better manage daily stress.
Effects on immunity and energy
Recent studies have shown that spinal adjustments can positively influence the immune system by altering the levels of certain inflammatory markers. Chiropractic thus restores your body’s ability to defend itself against external aggression, while improving your energy and overall well-being.
Prevention and maintenance of health
Chiropractic is also part of a preventive approach. By maintaining optimal spinal alignment, it improves nerve communication and contributes to better posture and a greater range of motion.
At Hello Soins, we make it easy for you to find qualified chiropractors to support you on your wellness journey and prevent future health problems.
