There are two types of pain. Acute pain is moderate to severe and comes on suddenly. It may dissipate, or may come and go periodically. Acute pain is caused by cuts, bruises, fractures, sprain or infections, among other reasons.
Chronic pain lasts for six or more months and can be constant. This type of pain sometimes leads to depression, insomnia, exhaustion and weight loss or gain.
Physical pain and illness can be intensified or even caused by emotional factors. Peptic ulcers and headaches can be cause by anxiety. Some pain is psychosomatic, but, for the patient, the pain is real.
In some cases patients are told to "learn to live with it," sometimes leading to drug addictions. In other cases, drastic measures including cutting nerves may be attempted to alleviate the pain.
With the chiropractic approach the spine is adjusted to release the "subluxations" or misalignments that stress nerves, muscles and tissues. By freeing these, the body is able to function properly and heal itself.
