Is it Time for an Attitude Adjustment?

Is it Time for an Attitude Adjustment?
Illustration showing a healthy spine versus a subluxated one. Spinal subluxations can cause a host of problems such as fatigue and stiffness, and even affect one’s mood. (Courtesy of Dr. Sabrina Chen-See)
8/1/2014
Updated:
8/1/2014

Have you ever noticed how there are some people who always seem to be having a bad day? They may be hypersensitive to or irritated by every little thing or to unexpected changes—however small or inconsequential. As one patient described it, “I would get mad if the lid wasn’t on the ketchup bottle just right.” 

People like this can easily be overwhelmed by everyday tasks and tend to “make mountains out of molehills.” Quite frequently, these people will take out their frustrations on anyone in their vicinity, such as their spouses, employees, co-workers, kids, pets, and even strangers. 

Where does this negative disposition come from? We’re talking about the mind here and on the most basic level, your mind operates on nerve impulses travelling through the brain. Brain function is greatly influenced by nerve messages that come from the rest of the body. These nerve messages inform the brain of what’s going on in and around the body. 

Misalignments of the spine, called subluxations, can cause nerve irritation, resulting in altered nerve flow to the brain. Signs of diffuse spinal subluxations include the inability to sit still for long periods of time, poor posture, fatigue, stiffness, and pain. It’s true: over time, neck pain can turn someone into “a pain in the neck.” 

If the subluxation is at the top of the neck, at the level of the atlas bone, the problems can be even more dramatic. This is where the brainstem is located, as well as functions to filter and modulate nerve impulses going up to the brain. Erroneous messages, duplicates, and static are filtered out so that the brain gets a true image of the current state of things. 

Stress to the brainstem from an atlas subluxation can prevent the brainstem from performing its duties properly. As a result, the brain can be overwhelmed, leading to difficulty with learning, concentration, remembering, “seeing the big picture,” and making rational decisions. Ever felt like your “head’s not on straight” and that’s why it took longer to grasp a new concept? 

The metaphor might be truer than you think. 

An “attitude adjustment” is a chiropractic adjustment to relieve nerve pressure and irritation. With regular chiropractic care, patients notice improvements in stress management, memory, learning, mood (yes, even PMS), and keeping life’s challenges in perspective. On a broader scale, this can bring about more harmonious workplaces, homes, classrooms, and marriages. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with life or finds it hard to enjoy life, perhaps it’s due to undetected and uncorrected subluxations, in which case it may be time for a chiropractic “attitude adjustment.”

Sabrina Chen-See is a pediatric and family wellness chiropractor based in Vancouver. She is a firm believer in making positive contributions to society, and regularly volunteers her time and chiropractic skills for community and charitable events. Website: www.DrChenSee.com. Phone: (604) 566 9088.

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