In today's world of high technology and medical wizardry people have grown to expect instant gratification for the relief of their aches and pains. We were conditioned to think that if the symptom was gone (the headache or pain, for example) then the underlying problem was gone as well. We had become used to hearing about miracle cures and quick fixes. Occasionally these “miracles” would come true; but the reality was… far more often they would not. Many times the remedies of yesterday no longer worked today! This is especially true of new antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, etc. We also found that certain “miracle” cures came along with unwanted side effects, some fatal!

As a society, a new awareness regarding the limitations of medicine has begun to emerge. Consequently, more people are now turning towards an increasingly holistic view of their health and lifestyle. Part of this step involves taking more responsibility for one's own health. This may include evaluating lifestyle habits as well as practicing preventative health measures. Taking personal initiatives on a large scale could not be timelier: research data concerning actual causes of death in the U.S. indicates HALF of the annual deaths are rooted in our behavioral choices. Yes, you are in the driver’s seat more than you realize! From the moment you wake up, you are provided with many choices. What will you eat? Will you exercise? What pollutants are you exposed to and can you make choices to limit or eliminate that exposure. Are you ingesting artificial preservatives? Are you using soaps and detergents that increase toxicity or promote allergic reactions? The list is endless.

From Chiropractic's perspective, society's new interest in a more holistic, more personal-responsibility based approach to health is a large step in the right direction. Fundamental to Chiropractic is respect for the body's natural ability to attain and maintain optimum health. Chiropractors believe their role is more of a facilitator than a healer: we help facilitate healing and health by working to optimize body function. This helps to promote “self healing”. This does not occur overnight! Chiropractic is not a “pill” you take for symptom control or a magic wand you wave and all your problems disappear overnight. You must allow your body the time to rebuild and heal itself at it’s own rate of recovery, not artificially “push” it to change beyond its normal rate of change and recovery. In healing, patience is truly a virtue.

To create the optimum conditions for optimal healing requires commitment and teamwork between patient and doctor of Chiropractic. Restoring normal spinal, muscular and nervous system function and adhering to a healthy lifestyle are vital to creating correct conditions for the body to regain its health and to maintain wellness. That is why as part of each patient’s treatment program they attend a special class which covers advice regarding the care and maintenance of their spine, a home stretching program specifically designed to maximize their spinal flexibility, basic education about how the spine and nervous system work and advice relative to their daily living choices.

When patients take responsibility for their health, remarkable things happen! In my 26 years of practice, it has often been demonstrated to me that there is a far better treatment outcome when the patient is an active participant in their own treatment. An involved, informed and motivated patient is less likely to re-injure themselves and more likely to improve their overall health and general sense of well being! If you have questions about your spinal health, contact our office at 661-2225. Schneider Chiropractic.