National Chiropractic Health Month is here!

October is here which means the holiday season is finally upon us, but that’s not all:  it is also National Chiropractic Health Month! Every year, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its members work together across the country to share information regarding chiropractic care and encourage healthier lifestyles! This year, the ACA has chosen the theme and tagline “Move 4 Life” in hopes of encouraging the public to move more to improve and maintain their musculoskeletal and overall health! Throughout the month of October, you will see information about the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care, health tips, and other ways to become and stay more active while preventing injury! Let’s start with and easy question:  why ‘Move 4 Life’?

The theme ‘Move 4 Life’ targets one of the core values and aspects of chiropractic care: movement is vital for life. The body lives and thrives off of movement, especially the spine. The 24 spinal vertebrae, their joints, and inter-vertebral discs between them, need movement to maintain adequate blood flow and nutrients. The inter-vertebral discs, in particular, have no direct blood flow and survive solely on nutrients received through the movement-based process of imbibition. Imbibition is the absorption of a nutrient-fluid mixture (solvent) into a gel (the disc). When the spinal vertebrae move, they compress and release the disc, creating a pump which allows imbibition to occur. Without movement, the inter-vertebral disc will lose valuable nutrients and become dehydrated, which leads to degradation of the disc and increases the potential for degenerative disc disease.

Movement and physical activity is not just important for a healthy spine and inter-vertebral discs, it benefits the whole body! Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and help strengthen the muscles and bones. Having a strong musculoskeletal system is imperative as we age. It helps reduce the frequency and severity of low back pain, prevents falling and other potential injuries, and can even keep you more mentally alert and engaged. Without the muscles to support the bones and joints or access to valuable nutrients from a strong cardiovascular system, risk of injury and healing time increases. If this cycle of weakness, injury, and prolonged healing continues in an individual, movement continues to decline and an individual runs the risk of developing chronic injuries and illnesses that could last a lifetime. Breaking the cycle by encouraging movement or even taking the time to prevent it all together by starting a light exercise routine today can help an individual lead a happier and healthier life.  

Coupled together, chiropractic care, regular movement and activity, and a healthy diet and prove to be the most effective way to a long and happy life. As the month continues, we at Cape Coral Family Chiropractic look forward to sharing information and a lot of tips to help you live the best life possible with optimal health. If you are curious about chiropractic care and its benefits, please give us a call, we would love to help you ‘Move 4 Life’!