Over 35 million Americans visit a chiropractor every year, with 77% finding it very effective for helping alleviate back pain. Most people see a chiropractor for chronic pain issues like headaches, neck, and back pain.
BUT, going to a chiropractor can do more than just help with back pain! Chiropractic care focuses on your health overall, including the functionality of your nervous system, pain management, exercise, and nutrition. When your body is functioning more closely to how you were created, you may even shed some extra pounds! When combined with a healthy weight loss program, chiropractic protocols can aid in shedding those extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight in the long run. If you have some extra pounds to shed, keep reading….Chiropractic can support you on your journey. Let’s dive into six reasons why you should include chiropractic care in your weight loss program!
Reason #1: Bye-bye Pain
Dealing with chronic pain can take a toll on your body. It not only makes exercise difficult but also kills your motivation. Taking pain medications may leave you feeling more exhausted than usual, and some of them might even contribute to weight gain. The chiropractic adjustment is what happens when the chiropractor applies gentle force to your spinal joints using their hands. This helps realign your spine, relieve pressure on nearby nerves, and alleviate muscle tension and pain. By reducing pain, chiropractic care enables your body to handle the physical stress of being more active.
Reason #2: Communication Boost
When your spine is not aligned as it should be, the signals between your brain and body are disrupted. Your body releases a hormone called leptin to regulate hunger and give you the feeling of being full. However, if this communication doesn’t work as well as it should, you may experience “hunger” more often than you actually are. As a result, sticking to a healthy diet becomes more challenging over time. Regular chiropractic care helps restore these signals, making it easier for you to lose weight and stick to an exercise program.
Reason #3: Energy Upgrade
Chronic pain tends to drag your energy levels down, making you feel exhausted. Think about it, you can’t sleep well when you’re constantly in pain. Lack of sleep can contribute to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also boost the hunger hormone ghrelin, making you more inclined to eat. Chiropractic care can contribute to less overall pain, leading to better sleep and improved control over your appetite. When you eat less, sleep better, and have more energy, you’ll be ready to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle.
Reason #4: Get Motivated
When you experience less pain and have more energy, your motivation levels naturally skyrocket. This newfound inspiration can serve as a catalyst for your personal fitness journey. Before starting any new fitness routine, it’s important to ensure that you’re in good overall health. Consult with your doctor and chiropractor to assess your current health and help guide you to the best program for you. Set realistic goals for yourself and start small.Dedicating just 30 minutes a day to exercise, like a walk with your family can make a significant difference.
Reason #5: Stress Buster
Stress affects your health in many ways, and it’s often underestimated how it can impact weight management. High-stress levels increase the hormone cortisol in your body, which can lead to sugar cravings. Chiropractic care helps your body to better adapt to stress. On top of that, chiropractic care can help improve flexibility, which can make it easier to engage in different exercises. Your chiropractor can even teach you various techniques to further help you reduce stress in your daily life. These can include deep breathing, meditation, and stretching.
Reason #6: Nutrition Matters
The best thing about chiropractic care is its overall whole-body approach to healthcare. When you visit a chiropractor, he or she not only delivers the adjustment, but is also concerned with helping you to be the best you that you can be. That includes helping you to ensure your nutrition is where it needs to be. A healthy diet enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. One way to ensure your nervous system adapts to each adjustment is to include an anti-inflammatory and low glycemic index diet. This type of diet reduces inflammation, as it limits sugar intake and emphasizes fresh foods. The main protocol we use in our office is the ChiroThin, 6-week metabolic reset protocol. This protocol allows you to reset your metabolism (and lose some extra pounds).
If you are looking to reduce painful symptoms and embrace a healthier life, consider reaching out to us. We are honored to partner with you to help you reach your goals.