Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The "Nervous" Doctor




In the past 4 months, I graduated with my chiropractic degree, obtained my state license, started my own practice and found out I am going to be father. Sounds like I have a little bit to be "nervous" about - of course it does!  But, that is the exciting part of life. One of my favorite sayings is "if you are not growing, you are dying" and that can be applied to all areas of life. The easiest way to think about it is in terms of weight lifting.  When I go to the gym to weight lift, what happens to my muscles? They get bigger and stronger. What allows them to do that? The RESISTANCE of gravity! If you were to map out your life, I could guarantee that immediately following your most difficult struggles comes growth and prosperity.  So remember that the next time you are "nervous" or fearful of a major project, activity, or conversation with a loved one.  However, the "nervous" feeling is not what I wanted to discuss. Rather, I wish to discuss your nervous system.

As a chiropractor, given the choice between two sections of the phone book - "bone" doctor OR "nerve" doctor - which do you think I would pick to be listed under? Be careful on this one… I choose "nerve" doctor!

Have you ever wondered why chiropractors get such a "back" rap (pun intended)? Yes, they do deal with your spine, but it is so much more than just a back! The alignment and motion of your spine is intimately related to the function of your nervous system. That is an extremely important statement, so allow me to reiterate. The structure and function of your spine is directly related to your overall health. WOW, that is powerful! So why is that? Well your nervous system, which is made up of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves, is the master coordinator/conductor of your body. There is not a single activity that goes on in your body that your nerve system does not know about. Your spine protects and feeds the nervous system based on its alignment and motion. Starting to see the big picture?

Your chiropractor addresses your spinal challenges, known as subluxations, because he knows it will lead to a better functioning nervous system. If you get a better conductor, with time, does an orchestra not improve? Of course, and the same occurs with the health of your body. If your nervous system was located in your knee, then chiropractors would be known as "knee" doctors instead of "back" doctors. So the next time you meet a chiropractor, instead of grabbing your neck or your low back and saying "gee doc, I could use a good cracking," maybe you should instead say "thanks doc for improving the nervous system function of my family and friends." Now you might be thinking, can chiropractic help with this, that, or the other condition? The only way to find out is to make an appointment with your local chiropractor and know that you have everything to be "nervous" about!

Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Find more information at his website. Follow him on facebook and twitter.