Chiropractic and men’s health

BY DR. VIKAS PURI

Unfortunately, a great number of men do not seek care until after they experience some sort of pain. In the event of Father’s Day and June being Men’s Health Month, help encourage your grandfather, father, brother and other loved ones to get a complete chiropractic assessment! Chiropractic care has many benefits for men of all ages such as: decrease in hypertension, increased immunity, improved muscular energy and strength, better posture, headache relief, improved quality of sleep, and an overall healthier level of wellbeing.  Let us look at these in greater detail.

Decrease in hypertension
The risks of high blood pressure can become fatal over time, not to mention heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide. Many patients are led to treat this with prescription medication, which can become costly and ineffective while more healthy forms of prevention are often overlooked. Nonetheless, countless research studies have concluded that chiropractic treatment can signal a new healthier approach for treating hypertension because of the positive effects it has not only to the musculoskeletal system but also our vascular and nervous system.

Increased immunity
Fathers are often seen as the backbone of a family; therefore, their health is essential. Similarly, our spine is the medium used as the connection between our mind and body. Spinal misalignments, known as subluxations, decrease nerve flow out to our body, increasing stress hormone levels and the result is decreased immunity. In summary, these spinal “disturbances” exaggerate the flight or fight response which has a negative effect on immune function. However, when subluxations are removed through chiropractic adjustments, stress hormone levels reduce and our immune system is free to work more effectively at defending our bodies against bacteria, fungi, and (in light of the COVID-19 pandemic) even viruses.

Improved muscular energy and strength
It is common for men to experience lower back pain from all the hard work or the physical activities they often partake in. Whether it be from being a handyman or lifting heavy objects around the house. These physical stresses are often the cause of spinal subluxations that negatively impact our health. In men this can especially manifest as decreased libido, mood, and digestive issues, along with body aches and pains.

Slouching and bad posture can also lead to back pain and make you feel extremely uncomfortable. Ultimately, our spine controls our posture and if you notice that your dad, grandfather, brother, friend or colleague experience pain or are uncomfortable while sitting or standing properly, it is likely that their spine is misaligned. Your chiropractor will check if your body has a noticeable posture imbalance, such as a higher right shoulder, and also test your flexibility and mobility. Ultimately, all men can benefit from chiropractic care by getting a spinal adjustment.

Headache relief
Men get headaches for a variety of reasons such as: stress, exhaustion, or an underlying condition. Regardless of the cause, we need to listen to what our body is telling us and treat it. Over the years, research has concluded that headaches can be treated safely with chiropractic care without risking side effects that may be linked to medications. Studies have also shown that chiropractic care can help decrease both the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches.

The COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing has definitely increased stress levels which can lead to increased headaches, and chiropractic care can help ease this condition.

Improved quality of sleep
Quarantine may be the perfect time for all men to catch up on their sleep and the quality of sleep is crucial in letting our mind and body get the rest that it needs. Believe it or not, this can be determined by your spinal alignment.  For example, subluxations in the spine affect the quality of sleep.  Discomfort felt in the spine can make you experience periodic wakefulness. Increased stress hormone levels caused by spinal subluxations also prevent the body from relaxing enough to initiate restful sleep. Treating these subluxations is extremely important in improving your quality of sleep.  Chiropractic adjustments balance out our hormone system, decrease stress hormones, and allow everyone including men to get a better night’s sleep.

In summary, what better way to show appreciation for all the father figures in our life than improving their health through chiropractic care.  Happy Father’s Day everyone!