Sitting to the Spine is like Sugar to the Teeth

I came across an article today that stated our pre-historic ancestors had no tooth brushes (or dentists), yet better and healthier teeth than we do: 
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/02/24/172688806/ancient-chompers-were-healthier-than-ours
 
The article basically said we have worse teeth than our pre-historic ancestors, mainly because the processed sugar and grains that we ingest cause acids in the teeth, which in turn rots the teeth.  

I began thinking about our ancestors and how they probably had better spines than us.  Why, because they moved continuously in healthy movement patterns, supplied their bodies with great nutritional raw materials for healthy soft tissue and strong healthy bones, and they did not sit.  Sitting to the Spine is like Sugar to the Teeth!  Sitting rots the Spine like sugar rots the teeth!    - reference: http://www.thewellnesspractice.com/products/14_foundational_premises.cfm

People do not think twice about going to the dentist for dental hygiene and maintenance.  Not so long ago, our great grand parents used to wait til' their teeth were painful, rotting or falling out before they saw a dentist.  

The dental profession did a great job in 3 to 4 generations of educating the public about the importance of dental hygiene. As a result, mostly everyone goes regularly to the dentist.

Now for spinal hygiene...Think about this: sitting to the spine is like sugar to the teeth...most people wait til' their spines are in pain or rotting out (spinal degeneration) before they see a chiropractor (or surgeon).   

We chiropractors have a large task of educating everyone on the importance of spinal hygiene.  People need to take care of their spines pro actively for life. Spinal Hygiene in the most basic sense is making sure that the spinal segments are moving well in all ranges of motion and that the spinal segments are aligned optimally with all the right curves in place, which in turn keeps the spine healthy and the nerve system working more optimally aka Chiropractic! 

 In addition to chiropractic it is important that the spine is moving well, keeping strong and moving often aka fitness/exercise

lastly is the concept of supplying our bodies with the raw materials that build strong and healthy bones aka nutrition.

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Who wants the best for their kids? Who doesn't...right?

I sure want to provide my kids with as many opportunities that allow them to be their best!

Roger Sperry, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in 1982 for his work in brain research, stated the more structurally distorted we are, the less energy we have for metabolism, for healing and for thinking. 

Proper movement of the spine is required for proper brain function, specifically the coordination of activities such as concentration and learning, emotions, motor control and organ function (including immune organs).  Literally, we are wired for proper movement in order to be our best!  An amazing 50% of this wiring comes from segmental spinal movement (individual spinal bones)!

Spinal segments that are not moving in complete ranges of motion can have a negative impact on how the brain processes neurological input.
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This alteration to the spinal joint mechanics sometimes happens during the birthing process and/or when children learn to walk.  With respect to birth, even the most natural births are somewhat traumatic to the infant and may cause damage. As far as learning to walk, did you ever see some of the falls associated with learning to walk?  My little guy taught me first hand why parents that want the best for their kids would do well getting their kids spines checked by a chiropractor. 
  

The faulty spinal joint mechanics and damage does have to cause any obvious symptoms, changes can be subtle and gradual leading to problems with time.
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Decreased or altered spinal movement causes decrease stimulation of the brain, and in childhood has been linked to central motor impairment, developmental impairments, learning disabilities, concentration problems like ADHD, behavioral problems such as violence and increased illnesses such as ear, nose and throat infections, sleeping difficulties and colic.

It should now be obvious why it is so important to ensure every child has properly moving and aligned spine.  I adjust my kids regularly, because I want to provide them with as many opportunities that allow them to be their best!

for more info: 

http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/
http://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/

original content and inspiration from Dr Jamie Richards, Cafe of Life London: http://www.cafeoflifelondon.com/

Thanks Jamie!

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