A Sample Lay Lecture for the Students of NYCC Lisa K. Bloom, D.C. Christopher J Good, D.C., MA (Ed) Associate Professors, New York Chiropractic College

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What is Chiropractic? (Fill in your name here)

Chiropractic is a unique model of health care...

So... What is health…?

HEALTH “A state of optimal physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, 28th ed., 1994

Isn’t the presence or absence of symptoms a good indicator of one’s health? Not necessarily!

l It is possible to be “sick” in the absence of symptoms –For example: The common cold l It is possible to be healthy in the presence of symptoms –For example: The common cold

Chiropractic care seeks to maximize the overall function of the entire body, not merely address the symptoms Optimal Health = Optimal Function

Structure affects function. If you change structure you directly impact function. For example: What happens to a door if the hinges rust?

How does chiropractic care maximize function…? l By optimizing the structure and function of muscles and joints l By optimizing communication within the nervous system

We are concerned about the nervous system because… the nervous system organizes, regulates and connects the functions of the entire body.

The 3 parts of the nervous system are: l Brain and spinal cord make up the “central” nervous system l The nerves to and from the arms, legs and trunk make up the “peripheral” nervous system l The nerves that take care of automatic activities such as regulating digestion, heart rate and blood pressure make up the “autonomic” nervous system

What does the nervous system have to do with the spine…?

The spine is very important because… l The spine lies at the site where these 3 major parts of the nervous system meet l Poor movement or misalignment of the spine (subluxation) directly affects the way the parts of the nervous system communicate l This results in less than optimal communication between different parts of the body

A “subluxation” occurs when a joint loses some of its ability to move freely... This leads to structural and functional stresses that cause changes in the function of the nervous system

What does a chiropractor do to restore proper movement of the spine?

The Adjustment l The purpose is to restore normal movement between spinal joints which will… –Correct the poor mechanics which can cause degeneration and pain –Correct the misalignment of the joints –Optimize muscle function –Optimize nerve activity which optimizes communication between all types of tissues –Restore Health!!!

What is the “popping” sound that occurs with some types of adjustments? This is the result of gas particles in the joint fluid being released—like opening a can of soda!

Will I need more than one adjustment? If you were to change the way you part your hair, you wouldn’t expect it to hold right away... In the same way, the muscles and nerves of the spine need the opportunity to learn new patterns

The neuromuscular system needs time to relearn new patterns. Your chiropractic visits will coincide with: l How quickly your body learns l The effects of your work and play activities l How compliant you are with exercises and changes prescribed by your chiropractor

Who should see a chiropractor? Everyone should have their spine evaluated by a Doctor of Chiropractic.

WHY…? Because it’s not about symptoms, it’s about optimal function!

Symptoms… l Often indicate a healthy response l Often are absent in the presence of disease l Treating symptoms does not necessarily address the problem l Masking symptoms may delay appropriate treatment while significant damage is being done…why wait?

Chiropractic notes that the body is capable of healing and looks to the causes of a patient’s symptoms... We do not seek to mask the symptoms!

If you have poor spinal mechanics, and these changes affect nerves, muscles and other tissues... How well is your body really running?

Poor mechanics in your spine can lead to: Abnormal wear and tear (arthritic conditions) Activation of the body’s “alarm system” Poor posture Reduced overall performance All without symptoms!

If these problems are not addressed they can lead to: l Reduced movement and flexibility…movement is life! l Degenerative processes l Pain syndromes

Your car will run even if your wheels are out of alignment... After 15,000 miles, how well is it running even if the car appears to be fine? How much damage has to be done before your car starts to act up?

Wouldn’t it be best to prevent these things rather than wait for them to occur and then try to fix them?

It is much easier to fix a small problem than it is to wait...

We also address the body as a whole because… l How we think affects how we function l What we eat affects how we function l How we work, sit and sleep affects how we function

A good diet, exercise and positive mental attitude along with chiropractic care can optimize your body’s potential. Improve your performance and experience life to the fullest.

Get into chiropractic care... Why wait?