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The human body is a self-contained, self-governing and self-protecting vehicle which is designed to "live" many years. The body, with its framework of bones, its moving parts and motors of muscles and organs and
its communication system of nerves, is controlled by the rational and sentient capacity of the brain. With all the parts functioning smoothly life is known, experienced and enjoyed.
The nerves can be traced back to a point where they leave the backbone and enter the spinal column through small bone sections called vertebrae.
These separate sections are bound together into a strong, flexible vertebral column by muscles and fibers. Between these sections or segments are
protective cushions of cartilage. It is a remarkable structure, this backbone of ours, and it is appropriately fitted to support our bodies and to take up jars and shocks.
It is possible for one or several of the individual vertebrae to slip or turn slightly from their proper position
by sudden twists, prolonged stress of remaining in one position, falls, blows or other accidental strains.
Displacement of the vertebral section tends to change the size and shape of the nerve trunk openings
resulting in pressure upon or obstruction of the nerve trunk. This physical obstruction creates an abnormal flow of nerve force.
There are 24 moveable vertebrae in the backbone of a grown person, with nerve trunks issuing to the right
and left between each juncture of the vertebrae, each carrying millions of individual fibers bundled together
like a telephone cable and extending to the various parts of the body. This is why any one of the many bodily
parts and organs are affected by nerve obstructions and why these effects can be as numerous as we have names of diseases.
Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to discover displacements of the segments of the backbone. Not only
do they rely on their educated fingers discovering displaced vertebrae that reveals noticeable tenderness as
the result of irritation, but x-ray is also used to show the position of the vertebrae in relation to one another.
When vertebral displacement (frequently termed subluxation) is corrected by
Chiropractic manipulation the bone will be felt and usually heard to move back into place, where it belongs. That is why there is seldom any pain experienced
in Chiropractic care. Quite to the contrary, bones move from pain causing positions to the original health inducing positions.
In this modern era of catch phrase we have often come to know the resultant cause of a displaced vertebrae as a "pinched nerve".
You can see, healthy and normal nerve trunks branch forth from normal openings in the spinal column. But you can also see the devastating effect
vertebral pinching has on a once healthy and normal nerve trunk.
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