Feeling vs. Function – Which Matters More?

When we talk about our health, we often use the phrase “I feel…” to describe its state. You may feel sick or well or feel like some certain part of you is in pain. This can be a helpful way to communicate concerns, but it also means that the way we treat problems is focused on removing the feeling. For example, if you feel sick, you may take an anti-congestion medication which removes the feeling but not the root cause of the issue. 
Chiropractors like Dr. Shane Hoffman take a different approach, hoping to understand why these things are happening and treating the underlying dysfunction that caused them. This approach is not only more natural, but it’s also more effective for achieving long-term relief. 

Understanding Feeling and Function 

When an Urbandale chiropractor refers to the dichotomy between feeling and function, this is meant to illustrate the body’s complex relationship with the nervous system. To understand why this is so important, you should first understand that we have three main parts of the nervous system, and each plays an important role in the body. 

• Autonomic: Controls blood vessels, organs, and glands. When dysfunctional, you may experience tiredness, digestive problems, breathing trouble, and issues with sinuses and allergies.
• Motor: Controls the muscles, which can become tight, weak, or spasmatic when there is a problem. 
• Sensory: Controls feelings of pain, position, and temperature. Pain and discomfort are a result of dysfunction here. 

While the sensory part of our nervous system only accounts for about 20% of the entire system, it does not mean only a small portion of things cause pain. Instead, issues with motor or autonomic functions can cause dysfunction that is not felt in the body in the typical way. 

Recognizing the difference between feeling good and functioning properly is the key to understanding chiropractic care. Symptoms mean that the dysfunction has passed a certain threshold, but it is possible (and highly likely) for underlying issues to be present before then. This means it is important not only to treat issues at their root, but also proactively and often. 

Chiropractors Improve Function 

While many people visit a chiropractor due to pain, it is actually a great way to proactively prevent problems from occurring. Many studies show that this care is an effective way of treating any condition that roots back to the nervous system, from common back pain to more serious conditions like diabetes. 

When you visit Thrive Family Chiropractic, we will spend your first visit discussing your health and your concerns. This involves both an in-depth conversation and medical history, as well as physical exams that help Dr. Shane Hoffman understand your spine. With this information, we can begin to craft a comprehensive plan of care aimed at improving function throughout your body. 

Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and begin taking a proactive and complete approach to your health. Not only will you begin to experience improved function, but you will also feel better when your body is working optimally.  

Sources

Haneline, M.T., Cooperstein, R. “Chiropractic care for patients with acute neck pain: results of a pragmatic practice-based feasibility study.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2009 Dec; 8(4): 143–155. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2786244/
Williams, R.W., Herrup, K. “The Control of Neuron Number.” The Annual Review of Neuroscience, 11:423–453 (1988). Last revised Sept 28, 2001. http://www.nervenet.org/papers/NUMBER_REV_1988.html#1