You may have never heard the terms pathogenesis and salutogenesis before, but they have almost certainly affected your life. In fact, the difference between these two things can be the difference between getting sick and staying healthy, or maintaining overall wellness and health and having repeated health problems. Those who want to be healthy will err toward salutogenesis and care from a Billings chiropractor that supports this care.
Pathogenesis and Salutogenesis
Pathogenesis is related to how we feel – when we think something is wrong or don’t feel right, our first thought is often to visit a doctor. The doctor may be able to prescribe medication to address these symptoms, often covering them up effectively. But our feelings and symptoms are not always the full picture of a health problem. And if you never felt any symptoms, you might not have even sought out care. When we determine our health care based on our feelings, this is pathogenesis.
The real goal of health care should be to prevent as much illness and injury as possible, before it ever happens. Not only does this save us pain and stress, but it can also mean avoiding chronic conditions that can’t be treated with medication and other common treatments. Salutogenesis takes the approach of prevention and proactive healthcare, by using holistic measures to work toward a body that functions at its full capacity.
Chiropractic Care as Salutogenesis
Most people associate a chiropractor with back and neck pain, but the truth is that the goal of chiropractic care is full body health and wellness. The spine is the root of our nervous system and therefore dictates our body’s communications and functioning, and when it is impacted, every part of the body can be impacted. Dysfunction, disease, injury, and chronic health conditions can all be caused or exacerbated by misalignments in the spine.
By addressing these misalignments, Dr. Thomas Keogh is able to ensure that the body can function at its highest level. This allows you to better fight off sickness through proactive care – the very definition of salutogenesis. In many cases, chiropractic care is a preemptive measure to ward off problems before they arise. That level of caring for your body will pay off for the rest of your life.
Benefits of Salutogenesis
Many case studies have shown the benefits of this approach to healthcare over time. For example, a 2014 case study showed a drastic reduction in stress when a person is cared for holistically, rather than based on symptoms. People stayed healthier when they were able to access good habits, healthy social relationships, and a positive relationship with health care. One important component of this can be chiropractic care that takes the same approach.
Whether you are experiencing any health concerns or want to take action to prevent health concerns, the team at Bare Chiropractic is here to help. When you make your first appointment, Dr. Thomas Keogh will listen to your existing symptoms, lifestyle factors, and medical history to determine the best way to approach your care plan. Contact Bare Chiropractic in Billings today to get on the road to better health.
Sources
Heim, E. “Salutogenesis versus pathogenesis–a new approach to an old wisdom.” Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1994 Jul 23; 124(29): 1267-75. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8066413.
Zielinski, E. “Salutogenesis: The Authentic Wellness Model for Health.” 2015 June. http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/salutogenesis-the-authentic-wellness-model-for-health.html
