Chiropractic uses spinal adjustments to free "locked" vertebral segments. A vertebral segment is comprised of 2 vertebrae, the disc in between, and the spinal cord and nerve roots at that level (see pic below)
When the vertebrae "lock", an obvious decrease in range of motion is present within that vertebral segment. This decrease in range of motion creates an environment in which pressure builds around the nerve root. This pressure creates any myriad of issues, some slight like a decrease in reflexes (hardly perceptible), some major like decrease in muscle strength (very perceptible), and everything in between.
Chiropractors call this "locking" a subluxation, and we strive to locate and remove them in athletes, infants, adults and the elderly (basically everyone).
So now that the lesson is out of the way, why DO athletes use chiropractors for maximizing performance? First, the decrease in range of motion of the vertebral segment is in itself detrimental to performance. If the athlete does not have a full range of motion, even in something as seemingly slight as a vertebral segment, then the athlete can not move efficiently. This inefficiency of movement hinders athletic performance.
Second, a "locked" vertebral segment can be uncomfortable or even painful. Discomfort and/or pain absolutely slows performance. This is the clearest and most utilized reason for chiropractors in sports performance, and real life as well.
Third, the interruption of nerve signals, or communication, to and from the body slows the speed at which an athlete can react to an ever changing in-game environment. Without a nervous system in clear and unencumbered communication with the body, we find a significant decrease in performance. This is, in my opinion, the most important reason for athletes, or anyone, to get adjusted.
The nervous system is the "master controller" of the entire body. Of all 11 body systems ( immune, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive), only the nervous system runs the show. As long as the nervous system has full communication with the body, a person can perform or live to their full potential.
A subluxation alters nerve communication, chiropractors remove subluxations.
My recommendation: If you don't have a chiropractor, get one. If you do, go and get adjusted.
Thank you for reading.
Regards,
docBdc
