Addicted
Several times I have been asked, "Once you go to a chiropractor don't you have to keep getting adjusted forever? I mean, what good is that?!" This idea of becoming addicted to adjustments or even just needing them to keep feeling good is not uncommon in people who have been to a chiropractor themselves, and even those who simply know someone else who has been under care. Many people have no problem taking high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, digestive, cholesterol and other medications for the rest of their lives, so why should they have a problem seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis? Still, I would like to address this question.
It is possible that the chiropractor is, in fact, a very good and specific adjuster, but he or she never gives any instruction about how certain aspects of your attitude and lifestyle can continually recreate problems (or maybe the patient just doesn’t DO those things). The result is then the same in that you would continually have to get adjusted just to keep from feeling bad. Another possibility is that people wait so long to get care that the only thing the chiropractor can do is give a little relief and keep them from getting worse. If that’s the case, then getting adjusted regularly is a great alternative to using drugs or surgery. It is also possible that people who continually go to the chiropractor have actually received excellent care in every way, and they simply realize that there is a difference between not being sick and being optimally well! In that case, the only thing they are “addicted to” is being healthy, happy and full of life! We should all be so lucky to be addicted to that!”
All these explanations are valid, but they only apply to the person who sees chiropractic as a treatment for some kind of pain or other malady. Let’s look at this a little differently. When someone works out and gets totally fit and healthy, does he say to himself, “I’m glad I never have to work out again!?” Of course not! If someone is hungry and eats until she isn’t hungry anymore, does she say, “Boy, am I glad I don’t have to eat again now that I’m full!?” When you wake up after a good night’s sleep, totally rested and refreshed, do you think to yourself, “Alright! Now I never have to sleep again!?” Of course, these are ridiculous questions. Just because someone eats every day, sleeps every night and works out regularly, it doesn’t mean they are addicted to food, sleep and exercise. They simply understand that doing all these things on a regular basis, along with all of their other healthy lifestyle habits and keeping a positive attitude will ensure that they are their best each day.
The same is true of getting your spine adjusted by your chiropractor. Because of the intimate connections between your spine and your nerve system, making sure your spine is well-aligned and functioning properly helps ensure that your brain is in contact with every part of your body, and that your entire body functions at the highest level. So, you see, getting adjusted for the rest of your life, helps you experience the BEST of your life! This is your year to experience regular adjustments to be your best!
By Carolyn Wanken, DC, FICPA
Posted In:
Addiction