What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a drugless, non-surgical approach to health and wellness. Chiropractic keeps the body working by allowing the brain and spinal cord to do their jobs. The brain talks to the rest of the body via the spinal cord and nerves. In a perfectly functioning person, this communication is un-interrupted, and the messages go to and from the brain without interference. The brain is the main computer of the body, It communicates to the body by nerves. Nerves are the wiring of the body. If there was a blockage or interference in this wiring, and the signal did not reach the body part, illness is able to begin. These blockages can appear anywhere in your spine. That is why a pain In the arm or hand, may actually be caused by a problem in the neck. The nerves that go to the hand come from the neck. Chiropractic checks the spine for these blockages, and then removes them.

   Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative ability of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. Chiropractic focuses on the relationship of structure [primarily the spine] and function [as coordinated by the nervous system] and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

Chiropractic also looks at posture.

   Posture is one of the biggest causes of blockages to the spine. Many of you may have noticed other people walking around or with their head and necks too far In front of them. This is one of the most common postures that cause neck and back problems. It is also easily corrected with Chiropractic, and home exercise/traction. Left uncorrected, this posture may lead to muscle ache, arm tingling/numbness, and eventual bone spurs and decreased ability to move the head around.

Posture and Gravity

Picture holding a bowling ball in your hand, close to your body. With the weight of the ball right above your arm, there is not much difficulty or stress on the joints. If you move the arm forward, in a position that is not as centered, the weight of the ball starts to cause more stress in the arm. Over time these stresses build up. Many of you may have noticed that your heads are not square above your shoulders. This poor posture puts stress on your neck. The muscles on the back of your neck must work much harder to hold your head up. This poor posture also puts stress on your spinal cord. For every one inch of forward head movement, there is an equivalent of 10 extra lbs of weight on your neck.

   Many people are aware of the benefits of Chiropractic when dealing with neck or low back pain. Chiropractic is beneficial to many other types of problems as well:

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome 1-4
2. Obstetric/gynecologic disorders:
1. Dysmenorrhea 5-7
2. Premenstrual syndrome 8-10
3. Conditions of infants, children and adolescents:
1. Scoliosis 11-12
2. Otitis media 13-15
3. Enuresis 16
4. Pulmonary and circulatory disorders:
1. Asthma 17-20
5. GI dysfunctions 21-23

   Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help your body maintain its level of health and fitness. Regular spinal checkups can help detect and prevent spinal stress due to subluxations.

What is a subluxation?

   In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.

What causes a subluxation?

   A fall, injury, sudden jar, trauma, or sometimes an inherited spinal weakness can displace a vertebra. Other causes include improper sleeping conditions or habits, poor posture, occupational hazards, incorrect lifting practices, obesity, lack of rest and exercise, and stress.

How is a subluxation corrected?

   Doctors of Chiropractic are specialists in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. We are trained to restore the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column. We do this manually, utilizing the chiropractic procedure known as "spinal adjustment." Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her hands in applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and location. The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Sometimes the doctor's hands deliver a quick, highly accurate thrust. Other times an instrument directs a controlled force to a fixated spinal joint. Some times a slow, constant pressure is used. Some Chiropractic doctors use special tables with moving sections. Several areas of the spine may be adjusted or just one. The key is to use the precise amount of energy - at the exact spot - in the right direction - at just the right time, to get spinal joints moving again. Chiropractic is truly an art. Your Chiropractic doctor has become a master at one or more adjusting techniques. Adjustments help reduce nervous system interferences and reconnect the vital communication link between your brain and your body

How does this affect you?

   Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly.

How do I know if I have a subluxation?

   You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like tooth decay, subluxations can be presents before any warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

   Just about anyone can be adjusted. Newborns, infants, children, seniors and even failed back surgery patients can benefit. Naturally, your doctor tailors your chiropractic care to your size, age and unique health problem.

What do adjustments feel like?

   After the brief thrust, many patients report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness. Others feel improved mobility. Inflammation or muscle spasms may delay these positive effects. Chiropractic doctors excel at making adjustments comfortable and effective.

   Chiropractic can Increase your energy and vitality. By increasing mobility, and reducing pain, many people are more energized, have the ability to do more, and reduce their reliance on some medications. Chiropractic can help you to improve your energy, boost your immune system, and enhance your total well-being. Chiropractic improves all aspects of your life (Physical, social, emotional, work, etc.)by taking care of your spine, removing interference and allowing the body's innate abilities to flow.

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