Couch-Based Illness
Dr. Scott Monk
March 18, 2014
Chiropractors have made their livings aiding the joints (especially the 24 vertebral segments of the spine) by restoring full movement throughout their designed physiologic range. The beneficial results of regular adjustments, such as pain relief and increased flexibility, have been experienced by millions. But there is much more to this story.
There are 206 bones in the body, making 360 joints when connected together. The more joints the greater the degrees and possibilities of movement. Movement has obvious benefits and some that are just now being understood that are related to the nervous system and genetics.
The connection between the nervous system and the genes is the reason why the chiropractic adjustment has a profound impact on health - one that goes well beyond pain reduction and increased motion. Adjustments are one of the primary therapies I use to aid in allergy elimination, emotional stress reduction, immune system balance, and detoxification. These are also all linked to the proper motion of the joints. Motion equals health.
The nervous system, that marvelous transmitter of electrical and chemical messages which governs the majority of bodily functions, is intimately connected to, supported and enhanced by, feedback from the joints. In fact, the relationship between the nervous system and the joints is so interdependent that reduced feedback from a lack of motion will interfere with the proper expression of our genes, what is called protein transcription. Since genetics are the human body's intrinsic defense system, health is not possible without their appropriate expression. Let me put that another way. If you do not move your body through all of its designed ranges of motion, and do so on a regular basis, you greatly increase your chances of incurring any inconvenient condition, illness or any disease including cancer.
It has been well known in the world of health science that regular physical activity diminishes many of the health risks associated with being overweight or obese. Now here is the head scratcher: physical activity not only attenuates health risks, but active obese individuals actually have lower morbidity and mortality than normal weight individuals who are sedentary.[i] That is correct, the normal-weight-couch-potato who takes comfort that he is not fat, is more likely to suffer from illness or die compared to his overweight, exercising neighbor. The scale does not tell you whether or not you are healthy. "Move it, or lose it" - your health that is.
[i] Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999 Nov;31(11 Suppl):S646-62. Effects of physical inactivity and obesity on morbidity and mortality: current evidence and research issues. Blair SN1, Brodney S.
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There are 206 bones in the body, making 360 joints when connected together. The more joints the greater the degrees and possibilities of movement. Movement has obvious benefits and some that are just now being understood that are related to the nervous system and genetics.
The connection between the nervous system and the genes is the reason why the chiropractic adjustment has a profound impact on health - one that goes well beyond pain reduction and increased motion. Adjustments are one of the primary therapies I use to aid in allergy elimination, emotional stress reduction, immune system balance, and detoxification. These are also all linked to the proper motion of the joints. Motion equals health.
The nervous system, that marvelous transmitter of electrical and chemical messages which governs the majority of bodily functions, is intimately connected to, supported and enhanced by, feedback from the joints. In fact, the relationship between the nervous system and the joints is so interdependent that reduced feedback from a lack of motion will interfere with the proper expression of our genes, what is called protein transcription. Since genetics are the human body's intrinsic defense system, health is not possible without their appropriate expression. Let me put that another way. If you do not move your body through all of its designed ranges of motion, and do so on a regular basis, you greatly increase your chances of incurring any inconvenient condition, illness or any disease including cancer.
It has been well known in the world of health science that regular physical activity diminishes many of the health risks associated with being overweight or obese. Now here is the head scratcher: physical activity not only attenuates health risks, but active obese individuals actually have lower morbidity and mortality than normal weight individuals who are sedentary.[i] That is correct, the normal-weight-couch-potato who takes comfort that he is not fat, is more likely to suffer from illness or die compared to his overweight, exercising neighbor. The scale does not tell you whether or not you are healthy. "Move it, or lose it" - your health that is.
[i] Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999 Nov;31(11 Suppl):S646-62. Effects of physical inactivity and obesity on morbidity and mortality: current evidence and research issues. Blair SN1, Brodney S.
Other Recent Articles:
Hypoglycemia
Insulin Resistance
Female Sexual Cycle