The Best Kept Secret about the Musculoskeletal System
Keith Giaquinto
DC
We all understand the term “stress” and recognize when we feel stressed. But few understand that to be stressed really means we do not have sufficient energy to deal adequately with the events that are “stressing us out.” Even fewer realize that that one constant stress in our lives is the effect gravity is having on our bodies. Our body is always compensating to keep us upright against gravity, regardless of whether we are standing, sitting, or lying down. Opposing gravity takes a lot of energy.
Dr. Roger Sperry, neurobiologist and 1981 Nobel Prize winner for brain research, is quoted as saying that, “Better than 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating to the physical body in its gravitational field. The
more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism, and healing.” He is talking about posture. The musculoskeletal system is responsible for posture. Experts and research have demonstrated that poor posture equals poor health.
All biological processes are accustomed to the ever-present force of gravity and even small variations in this force can have significant impact on the health and function. Gravitational forces influence the musculoskeletal system, as well as fluid distribution and circulation.
Fortunately, your chiropractor is trained to recognize the influence gravity is having on your body. The chiropractic profession is the only
profession that places posture as a high priority for all of their patients. Chiropractors understand the significance of poor posture and the body’s ability to heal. Improving the way our patients sit and stand along with the adjustments and strengthening postural muscles can help speed up the healing process.
You see, our musculoskeletal system is designed to not only provide us with a means of moving about, but also is constructed to oppose gravity, which takes energy. The energy needed is stored in muscles and can be used to walk, run, and exercise.
There is also the stress (energy deficiency) response of our central nervous system for emergencies. This is called the “fight or flight” response, when we must decide almost instantly in a stressful situation whether to stand and fight or to run.
When needed, the body can dramatically increase muscle activity in many different ways. The sum of its effects permits the person to perform far more strenuous physical activity than would otherwise be possible.
But, when the stress and energy deficiency is continual or becomes chronic then the muscles become exhausted and contracted because they don’t have enough energy to continue their job. This muscle contraction causes the joints to begin to lose their normal range of motion and are unable to properly oppose gravity. This results in apparent postural deviations when doing a posture check on a patient.
When that happens we clearly become energy deficient and feel stressed or we lose our ability to adapt to stress. Your chiropractor will now readily recognize the various signs and symptoms associated with the body’s inability to produce energy needed to meet the demands being placed on it.
The secret to the musculoskeletal system is first helping to identify your patient’s source of stress and helping them manage it better. It is not about eliminating stress completely. Sometimes that is hard because life can be challenging. It is about switching perspective from what is happening to you to having techniques and support in place to help patients manage their stress better. As
Dr. Loomis always has said, “I am not saying you can’t listen to rock and roll, just turn down the volume.” Helping patients manage their stress better is the first place to go to help them heal. This approach along with the adjustments, improving posture and supporting the body’s energy needs with food enzyme nutrition will give your patients the best chance to heal.
For more information on seminars and food enzyme nutrition, chiropractors may call the Food Enzyme Institute at 800-662-2630 to set up an account.
Keith Giaquinto, DC, has more than 12 years of clinical experience as a chiropractor and internal health specialist. He frequently lectures to companies and groups in his community on topics of health and wellness. He has created a new patient lecture system for growing your practice through lecturing. You can contact him at www.drkeithgiaquinto.com. For more information on seminars and food enzyme nutrition, chiropractors may call the Food Enzyme Institute at 800-662-2630 to set up an account.
