Chiropractic is based on a scientific fact that your body is a self-healing organism. The brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of the body control this important function.

The skull protects the brain's tissues. The moving spinal bones protect the communication pathways of the organs throughout the body. Doctors call this a subluxation. Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures (the subluxation), and the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system.

Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and poor health. Chiropractic care is based on locating and removing interferences to your natural healthy state. A common interference to the nervous system is a misalignment or subluxation of the 24 moving bones of the spinal column.

A misalignment can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system and nerve impulses. With improved spinal function, there is improved nervous system function. Your chiropractor can help remove interferences that may be impairing normal health. Chiropractors can also have a positive effect on many health conditions, although most initial visits to chiropractors are for neck pain, back pain and headache relief.

Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a case history. This gives the doctor a background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details affecting your current health.

After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and functional problems associated with the spine. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system deficit. The findings of these examinations are fully explained and a plan of chiropractic treatment is initiated. The plan consists of a program of spinal adjustments. Progress is monitored with periodic examinations and follow-up reports.

Chiropractors are very well educated. The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the subluxation and help to correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a State Board Examination before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractic education never ends. Most chiropractors stay current on the latest scientific research.

Research has shown chiropractic care to be "remarkably safe". Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is a result of healthcare that avoids invasive procedures, unnecessary surgeries and/or addictive drugs.

A thorough case history and examination help to reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.

• It's natural and works without drugs or surgery.
• It treats the cause of your condition and not just your symptoms.
• It unblocks your nerves so that your body can heal itself.
• It relieves tension and stress, strengthening your immune system.

What are the 5 stages of chiropractic health?

1. I am pain free!
2. I have no returning symptoms!
3. I am flexible enough to enjoy my life!
4. I have a great sense of wellness and vitality!
5. I get out of bed 6 to 7 days a week ready to go!

What kind of back pain is chiropractic treatment effective for?

• Automobile accidents (personal injury)
• Work injuries
• Sports injuries
• Lifting
• Repetitive motion (prolonged activity at a computer terminal)
• Household chores (gardening)
• Posture
• Biomechanical problems
• Scoliosis and other congenital problems
  

Do I have a pinched nerve?

This is a common belief for many people. Your spine is designed in a special way. Any abnormal spinal function can be easily caused from physical trauma, chemical toxins, or even emotional stress of your daily life. These affect the tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Many people associate a pinched nerve with the spine, when in fact it is actually rare. Research has shown that about 10% of spinal problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue. This gives many a burning or numbness feeling of the spine.

More often, nerves are irritated not pinched. Irritation is a result of a scraped, rubbed, or stretched nerve tissue or a malfunction of spinal bones.

Do I have a slipped disc?

Technically, a disc can't "slip". Between the spinal bones lays a disc of cartilage-type material. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer and shock absorber for the spine. The center consists of a jellylike center with surrounding tissue. Healthy discs allow normal bending and turning of the spine.

Because each disc is intricately attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot "slip". However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or even rupture. This is very painful. The jellylike center can leak, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve and spinal cord. Many patients avoid needless surgery or dependency on pain pills, even though results are not guaranteed. Patients do benefit from choosing chiropractic care for their spine-related problems.

What is an adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones to gradually move to the normal position. The purpose of this procedure is for improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and overall improved health.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the variety of spinal adjustment procedures.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon the patient's case history.

Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients notice that their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on the previous one. Although many visits may seem similar, each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.

Can I adjust myself?

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is fundamentally impossible to adjust oneself.

It is possible to turn, bend or twist in a certain direction to create a "popping" sound. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making the pain eventually increase. The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain spinal function.

Can I speed the healing process?

While there aren't any shortcuts to speed your recovery, there is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance at a quick recovery.

Learning proper sitting and lifting methods can prevent unnecessary strain on your spine. Specific exercises may be given to help restrain the muscles that support your spine. Proper rest is also an important aspect of the healing process. Getting the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and avoiding sleeping on your stomach can be very beneficial.

During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you eat balanced meals, and if you're overweight, slimming down will also help reduce unnecessary stresses on your spine.

Why do children need chiropractic care?

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for subluxations. As their children grow, learning to walk, ride a bicycle and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. Although many fix a fall with a bandage, there still remains unseen injury that should be treated by a doctor.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as "growing pains" can be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many health complaints that adults experience.

Naturally, chiropractic adjusting treatments are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.

Am I too old for chiropractic care?

More and more people are consulting chiropractors every day, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over medication and side effects from prescription drugs, chiropractic care delivers safe and natural treatment plans for a healthier life.

Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance and appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.

The adjusting technique will be modified for the patient's individual comfort. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more obvious.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

Spinal problems neglected since early childhood may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.

Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in optimal shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive care is helpful in the maintenance of good health.

Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their pain becomes unbearable. When this style of "crisis management" is used, their treatment is often more costly and time-consuming. It is my job as a chiropractor to treat every patient regardless of their health goals.

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.