Five Additional Benefits You May Notice After Visiting a Chiropractor in Portland

Out of the 22 million patients who visit a chiropractor in the United States each year, about a third of them do so seeking relief from spine-related pain. If this is why you are scheduling an appointment, you may experience more than just relief from your back or neck pain. Here are some of the additional benefits you may enjoy after your sessions with a chiropractor in Portland.

Lower Blood Pressure

There's research suggesting that nerves in the neck may be stimulated enough to result in a natural reduction in blood pressure. The atlas adjustment, in particular, may produce these results. This gentle, upper cervical adjustment targets the first vertebrae in the spine that supports the skull (atlas vertebrae).

Increased Energy

Chiropractic manipulations may increase energy by easing tension in the spine enough to free compressed nerves, allowing them to work more efficiently. Patients might also experience a feeling of having more energy as muscle tension and discomfort eases and the brain has a chance to focus on other things besides pain.

Immunity Boost

A misalignment of the spine can affect the nervous system, which affects various cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body, enough to have an impact on immune system functions. Realignment of the spine can allow the nervous system and the related immune system to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other invaders with better efficiency.

Improved Digestion

Nerves running through the spine also control functions in the stomach and digestive tract. If bones of the spine aren't aligned properly in this area, nerve signaling may be affected enough to trigger problems such as gas, bloating, acid reflux, and indigestion. Chiropractic adjustments focusing on the thoracic spine (upper- and middle-back) sometimes restore alignment enough to ease nerve irritation and improve digestion.

Better Respiratory Functions

A misalignment in the thoracic and mid-cervical area has the potential to affect nerves that play a role in respiratory functions. Correcting a slight misalignment of vertebrae (subluxation) in the thoracic and mid-cervical region may ease lung inflammation and make it easier to breathe. Some patients may also notice improvements with existing respiratory issues.

Whether your initial reason to visit a chiropractor in Portland is because of pain from an automobile accident or another type of injury, you may notice some added benefits from your sessions, like the ones mentioned here. Another benefit many patients report experiencing is less stress and anxiety, which can also have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

Sources:

Chiropractic Adjustment, MayoClinic.org

Chiropractic - Topic Overview, WebMD.com

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.