What is pain?
Most people I have met don’t like it, and they just want it to be gone! While pain can be problematic, the question one needs to ask is why is it there in the first place? Pain, a symptom of a problem, is a warning signal of an underlying condition. It is the body’s natural way of alerting us that something requires our attention. How we respond to the symptoms is what really matters. In my ten years of experience as a chiropractor I have seen a few responses used by many. I have seen those who can literally “tune out” the pain. The problem, of course, gets worse with time and they eventually reach a point of “crisis” in their health. I have also seen those who cover up the symptoms with various pills and pain relievers.

The Underlying Problem: Most of the time the culprit of the pain in the low back is from one or more of the spinal bones or vertebra being out of their normal position. This is called subluxation. It simply means “less than being dislocated”.

Nerve Irritation: When subluxations occur nerves will become irritated. The vertebra move out of their normal position, and since the nerves pass through the vertebra they become compressed or irritated (every organ in the body has nerve involvement from the spinal cord which passes through the vertebra).

Areas Affected: Low back problems typically occur in the L4 L5 lower lumbar region. This area, where the waist band sits on your hips, is also involved with bending at the waist. The sacrum is yet another area where subluxations can occur frequently and it is located just below the waist band.

The Body Will Heal: The question is not weather the body will heal itself rather will it heal itself in proper alignment. The human body is a magnificent self healing organism and does pretty darn well on its own until we over work it, injure it or just simply fail to take care of it. The body’s innate ability to heal is automatic; it should be free of any interference. A chiropractor who specializes in subluxation correction can quickly identify the levels of involvement in the spine. He will then perform a series of adjustments (usually done by hand) to correct and stabilize the spine, allowing the body to heal in proper alignment.

Serious Consequences: When the body does not heal in proper alignment and the warning signs or symptoms are ignored more serious consequences will occur. Ill health and fatigue are common in patients with long standing spinal misalignments (subluxations). Degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease can eventually set in and become serious complications. Ignoring these complications can lead to the unfortunate need for surgery.

Dr. Charlie DeWilde, D.C.
Owner of Liberty bay Chiropractic
19045 HWY 305, Suite # 203
(Next to Azteca Restaurant)
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-779-7800