Wildfire Inside of You

Image of a group of runners.

Comparisons between the inner world and the outer world have been frequently drawn by philosophers, nature writers, and visual artists. For example, "seeing the universe in a grain of sand" is a well-known aphorism. The number of neurons in your brain has been compared to the number of stars in the Milky Way. The golden ratio (1.618), derived from the Fibonacci sequence, is demonstrated in flower petals, pine cones, nautilus shells, and human DNA. In this same manner, another comparison may be made between wildfires and our internal system of fires known as inflammatory processes.

These inflammatory processes are unleashed by the immune system in response to a real or perceived attack by foreign cells and foreign proteins. This response includes destroying cells that are recognized as "non-self," such as microbes but including malignant cells and virus infected cells. Additionally, the immune response involves the release of cell signaling molecules (cytokines) that facilitate cell-to-cell communication. This signaling network modulates the immune response, heightening or diminishing the course of inflammation as needed. Problematically, certain inflammatory processes may be extended unnecessarily or inappropriately, as in anaphylactic shock. Such out-of-control inflammation may be likened to destructive forest wildfires.

Inflammatory processes may also affect joints of the neck, low back, hip, knee, and ankle. Inflammation of a joint is termed osteoarthritis, a painful disorder which also may cause redness, increased warmth, and swelling. Joints affected by osteoarthritis tend to develop limited mobility and use of these structures may become quite difficult over time owing to pain and decreased motion.

Osteoarthritis is not necessarily abnormal and may occur as a result of daily physiological weight-bearing forces. But, as osteoarthritis may cause pain and debility, we could and should employ preventive measures to counter these degenerative processes (processes involving breakdown of tissues). One of the most effective proactive and protective methods to prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis is regular vigorous exercise. Physical activities including walking, running, biking, and strength training teach the body how to handle mechanical loads. By training the musculoskeletal system and other connective tissues, physical activity helps to build up "resistance," in a sense, to the degenerative forces of osteoarthritis. In this way, regular vigorous physical activity helps us to continue to be healthy and well over the course of a lifetime.

Additionally, regular chiropractic care supports our long-range goals of vibrant good health. Regular chiropractic care helps our nerve system to be free of interference and function at peak levels of performance, and helps to optimize our spinal mechanics. By providing these benefits, regular chiropractic care helps us get the most out of the time we spend exercising and achieve greater good health today and into the future.

  1. Hügle T, Geurts J: What drives osteoarthritis?-synovial versus subchondral bone pathology. Rheumatology (Oxford) 56(9):1461-1471, 2017
  2. Lambova S: Exercise programmes for osteoarthritis with different localization. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2017 Aug 10. doi: 10.2174/1573397113666170810153808. [Epub ahead of print]
  3. Kirihara RA, et al: Intensity, duration and type of physical activity required to improve function in knee osteoarthritis. Acta Ortop Bras 25(1):25-29, 2017

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Our Regular Schedule

Emard Chiropractic & Wellness, Inc.

Monday:

12:30 pm-7:30 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday:

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Thursday:

12:30 am-7:30 pm

Friday:

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Have been seeing Dr William Emard for a couple months now and feeling so much better and he has helped me and my family with so many health issues he truly is a blessing"
    Ivy C.
  • "Been seeing Dr. Crystal since 2010. She is always wonderful and has helped me resolve many health concerns that I was unaware of. If you listen to her, you will feel amazing!"
    Noelle N.
  • "Dr Crystal has been keeping me healthy for 10 years. She is awesome. Lost weight thanks to her.kept it off, changed my eating habits, to healthier food. My back has been the main issue,, Cant say enough about her. Thanku Lord for putting her into my life."
    Tom A.