One summer, when I was a kid growing up in small-town Iowa, I broke my arm twice. That season has stuck with me as a lesson in how our bodies heal, not because of the casts or slings, but because of the incredible, natural intelligence within us.
It all started at the beginning of summer when our family had friends from church over to help paint the backyard shed. While the adults worked, we kids kept ourselves entertained. My friend Leah and I were the oldest, so naturally, we took it upon ourselves to come up with new games. The idea of “surfing” on a hammock hanging between two trees was just too tempting to resist. In our minds, we were balancing masters, ready to conquer any imaginary waves. But in reality, I fell out and hit the ground hard, hurting my arm.
At first, my mom told me to go cool off in the kiddie pool with the younger kids, but something wasn’t right—I just stood there, unable to stop crying. She decided to take me to the ER, a 30-minute drive from our small town. On the way, I must have been so worn out that I fell asleep, maybe from the shock. When we arrived, the doctor didn’t take any x-rays. Instead, he grabbed my arm and jerked it back and forth, up and down. I stayed silent, likely still in shock, but his response was dismissive: “She’s probably just trying to get attention. Make a makeshift sling for her, and when she’s tired of the attention, she’ll stop wearing it.”
The next day was Sunday, and I didn’t want any extra attention at church, so I didn’t wear the sling. But as soon as we got home, I put it back on because my arm still hurt. By Monday morning, I could barely get dressed. My mom, convinced something was wrong, drove me back to the clinic for x-rays. As we walked by the doctor, he muttered, “Well… I suppose you want a picture!” They took the x-ray, and my mom and I watched as he held it up to the light (not even an x-ray view box). My mom saw it before he even said a word—a clear fracture of my humerus. The doctor started talking about a time he hadn’t believed a mother’s complaint until the child proved him wrong (by throwing up on him from across the room), as if to excuse his earlier dismissal.
Fast forward about six weeks. I was on the verge of getting an “all clear” from the doctor when I was playing a game called “9 Lives” at church. One of my friends threw a volleyball at the person next to me, and while he stepped out of the way, I accidentally stepped into its path! The ball slammed my wrist against the wall, and I felt immediate pain. It turned out I’d gotten a hairline fracture in one of my carpal bones. So the next day, instead of going home cast-free, I left with a cast on my wrist.
The Real Healer Wasn’t the Cast or Sling
Looking back, I realize that neither the sling nor the cast actually healed my arm. Sure, they provided support, but the real healing came from within. It wasn’t the medical devices that repaired my fractures; it was my body itself that knitted the bones back together. This self-healing ability is something that we often take for granted, but it’s nothing short of extraordinary.
When we get a cut, for example, we might put a Band-Aid on it, but it’s not the Band-Aid that heals the wound—it’s our own bodies that take care of it. For over a hundred years, chiropractors have said, “The power that made the body heals the body.” This saying captures the foundational philosophy of chiropractic care: the body is inherently intelligent, capable of healing itself given the right conditions.
Innate Intelligence: The Body’s Built-In Healer
One of the Foundational principles of Chiropractic is what we call “Innate Intelligence,” a life force that allows every person to function and thrive. Some people think of it as a “spark of life.” This is what makes the difference between a living, breathing person and a body that has passed away. Even though a deceased body has all the same parts—a brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.—something crucial is missing. That “something” is Innate Intelligence.
This concept is gaining recognition outside of chiropractic, too. Renowned health experts, like Dr. Deepak Chopra, have begun to speak about the body’s innate potential to heal. This perspective aligns with the holistic approach that the body is naturally designed to be healthy and whole, and that our role is to support this potential rather than interfere with it.
The Nervous System: The Master Controller of Healing
Our bodies are indeed remarkable, but they need a functioning nervous system to harness this Innate Intelligence fully. The nervous system—the brain, spinal cord, and nerves—is the master control system, coordinating every bodily function. It’s the nervous system that sends signals from the brain to every organ, tissue, and cell, telling them how to operate and repair when needed. When the nervous system is working optimally, Innate Intelligence can flow freely, allowing the body to heal, grow, and thrive.
However, sometimes this flow of communication can be disrupted by what chiropractors call “subluxations.” A subluxation is a misalignment in the spine that interferes with nerve function, blocking the brain’s signals from reaching parts of the body. When these signals are obstructed, the body can’t heal as effectively, and this interference can lead to pain, dysfunction, and even illness.
Chiropractic’s Role in Supporting Self-Healing
Chiropractic care is designed to remove subluxations, restoring proper alignment to the spine and removing interference in the nervous system. When a chiropractor adjusts the spine, they aren’t “healing” you; they’re facilitating an environment where your own body can heal itself. By removing interference, chiropractic care helps your Innate Intelligence do what it does best—supporting growth, repair, and balance throughout the body.
When I see patients in my practice, my goal isn’t to “chase” symptoms or provide a quick fix. My focus is on restoring optimal function in the nervous system, so their bodies can operate at 100%. For many patients, this process not only relieves pain but also brings lasting improvements to their overall health and wellness. When the nervous system is free from interference, every part of the body can function more effectively, leading to a healthier, more vibrant life.
Embracing a Healthier Life, Naturally
The lesson I learned from that summer of broken bones is one that I share with my patients every day. Healing doesn’t come from external devices or quick fixes—it comes from within. By respecting the body’s natural processes and supporting the nervous system, we can unlock our potential for true health and wellness. Chiropractic care is about more than just pain relief; it’s about helping you live life fully and freely, with a body that’s able to function at its best.
Take a Step Towards Optimal Health Today
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of a well-aligned spine and a free-flowing nervous system, consider visiting a chiropractor. Whether you’re dealing with chronic symptoms or seeking to enhance your overall wellness, addressing subluxations and supporting your body’s innate healing potential could be the key.
Take charge of your health from within. Schedule an connection consultation with Dr. Brooke and discover what’s possible when your body is allowed to heal naturally, as it was designed to. Your journey to vibrant health starts here—empower your body, support your nervous system, and experience the difference of true wellness.