Feeling versus Function: What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter?

You may have heard it said that feelings are indicators, not dictators. This statement applies primarily to our emotions, as we all know it’s not mentally healthy to be completely led and ruled by our emotions. But this concept should also be applied to our physical feelings and physical health. Feelings of pain, discomfort, or concern about our physical health should be indicators that something may be amiss, but they should not be dictators that require us to take a pill, have a procedure, or even get surgery. 

While feelings can be indicators that something isn’t functioning properly in our bodies, the lack of feelings (particularly feelings of pain or discomfort) should not dictate that we assume we are healthy. An absence of pain does not mean we are healthy, just as instances of pain do not mean we have a terrible disease and need immediate medical care. 

The Concept of Feeling versus Function

All of this talk of feelings, function, health, and disease is incredibly important when it relates to our overall well being and our true level of health. We all know feelings can be unreliable, which makes them a terrible gauge of our true health. Many of us have experienced debilitating pain that simply turned out to be just gas, and some of us have also felt completely fine just before receiving a life-threatening diagnosis. Our feelings are not reliable when it comes to our health. 

How our body functions, however, is a great way to measure our true health. When things are working as they should and we are experiencing optimal levels of function, then we’ve achieved real and lasting health. As with anything, though, our health must be maintained and attended to. But how do we know that our bodies are functioning well and that our absence of pain is a true indicator of health?

Chiropractic Care for Optimizing Function

One way we can help our body run on all cylinders is through chiropractic care. Because chiropractic is all about the alignment of our spine and the optimal function of our nervous system, we can trust that it will contribute to our overall health. Chiropractic, at its heart, deals with the proper alignment of the spine. When even one vertebra is shifted or twisted the tiniest bit, it can put pressure on nerves and interrupt proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to dysfunction. This dysfunction may be slight, such as a digestive disturbance, or it can be substantial, such as reduced circulation that leads to tissue damage. Bozeman chiropractor Dr. Cary Gentry aims to remove all misalignments with natural, safe, effective chiropractic adjustments, allowing your body to function more efficiently and optimally. 

When your body is functioning at its highest level, you will have fewer instances of illness, pain, and injury. But it’s far more than that—you can live with the highest level of health and truly thrive, feeling your best and knowing your body is working at its best. Chiropractic care in Bozeman can not only reduce instances of dysfunction and pain, but it can also improve your overall health and help you maintain it. Contact Dr. Cary Gentry and his team at Waypoint Chiropractic in Bozeman, MT to learn more or to schedule your consultation today.

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Williams, R., Herrup, K. “The control of neuron number.” The Annual Review of Neuroscience, 1988; 11: 423–453. Last revised Sept 28, 2001. http://www.nervenet.org/papers/NUMBER_REV_1988.html#1.