There is a saying within the Chiropractic community that states, "Expect Miracles". It's so common, that chiropractors worldwide have adopted it as a sort of catch phrase - and for good reason.
"CLARA"
After coming in for regular care for a couple weeks, one of our patients (who happens to be on the Autism spectrum - we'll call her "Clara"), asked to be hugged, voluntarily, for the first time in 18 years.
18 years - that's a long time to avoid a hug!
Clara's mood improved, her behavior was less erratic, and she was calmer. Clara also exhibited more regular sleep patterns, increased cognitive processing, and improved digestion - and these are just some of the positive changes that occurred in the beginning of Clara's care.
Clara's story is just one of thousands we could share from our office alone. So how specifically, does this happen?
AUTISM AND THE HUMAN BODY
Autism is a highly variable neurodevelopmental disorder. This basically means that the brain and central nervous system are not connecting properly, and areas of the brain which control emotion, learning ability, self-control and memory are affected.
There is a wide range of symptoms including difficulties with social interaction, communication, restricted and/or repetitive behavior, hypersensitivity to physical touch (among other things) and atypical eating habits.
As mentioned, Autism is highly variable, so each diagnosis is unique in its symptoms and severity - including Clara's.
HOW DID CHIROPRACTIC HELP?
Like most families, Clara's parents were told to "medicate" and/or "find a way to live with it". Yet, the human body is an incredible thing. Despite imperfections, the body can still be capable of healing and growth - and Clara, and her parents, are fighters!
The central nervous system is encased in your spine, and when it disconnects from the brain for any reason it can lead to neurologic disorders (Autism, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, etc.), behavioral disorders, processing disorders, infectious diseases, general lowered immunity, and so many other problems.
You see, our spine is like a root, and the nerves are the branches extending to all other areas of the body. The brain is the most important "flower" stemming from that root. When that pathway of growth is compromised (think of water from the root not reaching the flower of the plant), it causes problems. The flower may be able to hold on for a little while, but the petals will loose their color, wither, the flower will droop, and eventually, it can even die.
As in Clara's case, a postural distortion caused a disconnection from the brain to the spine, which lead to worsening of the symptoms that she was exhibiting. Once her postural distortion was corrected and the pathway began to flow freely again, symptoms improved.
We call that process a chiropractic adjustment :).
THE MIRACLE
For individuals on the Autism spectrum, life can be pretty difficult. Try to imagine what it would be like to experience hypersensitivity and imbalance, and not be able to communicate your needs. It must be so frustrating!
Proper chiropractic care has the power to restore the natural pathways from the central nervous system to the brain and balance that flow, improving life - much like it's doing for Clara.
To put it simply, as one witnesses the power of Chiropractic in action on a regular basis, "miracles" become commonplace - even expected. That is the power of Chiropractic!