Chiropractic: Cocoon is a 1985 American science fiction, comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard, which tells the story of a group of elderly individuals who are rejuvenated by aliens. In the film, the Antareans, a civilization of ancient, peaceful beings, had set up an outpost on planet Earth, on an island that later became known to mankind as Atlantis. But, when the mysterious island of Atlantis sank, several Antareans were left behind, staying alive by confining themselves inside large, rock like cocoons in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Then, a group of these aliens returned to Earth to collect the cocoons left behind, charging the water of a pool next to a retirement home with a special type of life force to give those Antareans that stayed behind the strength to survive the trip back home. And, when a group of seniors become exposed to these waters, they begin to absorb the alien life force, making them feel younger and stronger than ever before.

Cocoon was a popular film at its time which filled people with the desire and wonder of being able to regain their youthful state of being. While this notion may seem to lean more towards the side of fantasy and science fiction, current medical research has demonstrated that there is one true approach which, much like the movie cocoon, can rejuvenate people and help relieve them of many injuries and conditions which may be affecting them: chiropractic care.

Chiropractic is a natural, alternative form of medicine which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and/or conditions of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, primarily the spine. After an initial diagnosis of the patient, a doctor of chiropractic, best known as a chiropractor, will utilize a series of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to correct any misalignments, or subluxations, which may be causing the body to function less effectively than its originally intended plan through creation, resulting in other complications if left untreated.

Chiropractic treatment focuses on the body as a whole, concentrating on the relationship of all the body’s main structures to provide overall health and wellness. Chiropractors believe that an individual’s well-being can be improved and preserved through manual adjustments, particularly to the spinal column, without the need to prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures.

The human body was created with numerous complex bones, joints and muscles, as well as other fundamental structures which grants us the ability of motion and flexibility. Life can be tied in with movement and creation has demonstrated the purpose and importance of motion towards an individual’s complete well-being.

As we age, the body begins to change naturally, resulting in the degeneration of bones, joints and other tissues. Along with these wear and tear alterations, without the proper care, the body can become stiff, greatly restricting an older adult’s ability to move properly. This can then cause the misalignment of the spine and its surrounding structures, resulting in the frequently described symptoms of back pain and neck pain in the general population, among other symptoms, which usually indicate the possible development of other issues resulting from the degeneration of the structures of the body, such as osteoarthritis. In addition, a misalignment or subluxation of the spine, even the degeneration of the spinal discs found between each vertebrae, can eventually lead to the impingement of the nerves, causing a whole new array of symptoms and complications in the elderly, including inflammation and pain.

Similar to Ron Howard’s 1985 film Cocoon, chiropractic care can naturally slow down the body’s degeneration process and it can help heal symptoms of pain, inflammation and stiffness, associated with aging restoring their original mobility, flexibility and strength. Furthermore, chiropractic can also be beneficial as a treatment for other types of injuries or conditions, including automobile injuries. Through the use of chiropractic adjustments and manipulations, a chiropractor will carefully realign the affected areas of the spine to eliminate any symptoms which may be inhibiting the individual to move properly. Then, by following up with physical therapy and by recommending several lifestyle changes to the patient, such as the inclusion of exercise and even guiding them on a proper nutrition plan, the individual can regain their flexibility and strength, achieving overall health and wellness.

Chiropractic has become a well-recognized and highly respected health field because of its amazing benefits on the elderly and the general population alike. This alternative, treatment option can ultimately heal a person, restoring their original lifestyles. While the idea of being exposed to an alien life force to achieve feeling youthful and strong may be solely an aspect of science fiction, chiropractic treatment is a true, earthly option which can provide people with the same benefits so many desired at the time of Cocoon’s release.

For more information on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Whole Body Wellness & Chiropractic