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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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-11:30 am

2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

9:00 am-11:30 am

2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

9:00 am-11:30 am

2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

  • "Dr. Dorais was recommended to me by a family friend and he has yet to disappoint! Not only are he and his staff courteous, but very professional in all that they do.

    Response from the owner
    Thank you very much for the kind words! It has been a pleasure working with you."
    Joleen M
  • "I recently had an emergency trip to the ER with spasms so bad in my back that it brought tears to my eyes. I followed up with Dr. Dorais. He was able to adjust my back over a short period of time."
    Kim F
  • "Dr. Dorais called me personally the morning after my first visit to see how the procedure he performed had affected my problem. He is very thoughtful and caring. His staff is friendly and professional."
    Gordon B
  • "First time going to a chiropractor, and it has been a great experience. Friendly and helpful staff.

    Response from the owner2 months ago
    Thank you, Lisa for the kind words. We do value the opinions of our patients😀"
    Lisa A
  • "I always feel better when I see Dr. Dorais regularly. Great staff. I rarely have to wait, and it’s a great value."
    Ron B
  • "Always treats me with smile. Does a great job"
    Joe R
  • "I have always had a few back issues,and have always just dealt with the issues myself. I was nervous at first to go to a chiropractor, but Dr. Dorais and the team showed me there was nothing to be nervous about. They welcomed me like I had been going there for years, but it was my first visit. My back issues have been getting better and I couldn't be happier with Dorais Family Chiropractic. I can only thank them for the help they have given me!!

    Response from the owner
    It has been our pleasure working with you Blake. Thank you for the kind words."
    Blake W
  • "Doctor Dorais is just short of a miracle worker. I will not let anyone else but him adjust my neck and back, and I have been seeing chiropractors for 25 years. He is kind, caring, educated on all things spine, and truly cares about his patients, and most of all his adjustments HELP me immensely.

    Response from the owner
    Thank you for the kind words Chantal. 😀"
    Chantal C
  • "I cannot say enough about the care I have received from Dr. Dorais since I began seeing him ten years ago. I would not have the nice, straight pain free spine I do if it weren’t for Dr. Dorais. The office is always so positive and welcoming. All around awesome!"
    Connor T
  • "Dr. Dorais does a great job and makes your visit as fun as it can be when you have a bad back. He's always in a good mood and singing and his staff is awesome too. I wouldn't go anywhere else!"
    Mark B