What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care discipline, which is based on the principle that a perfectly functioning spine and nervous system will give you your best chance for optimal health. Chiropractic emphasizes on the ability of the body to heal itself.

How Chiropractic Works?

You may be wondering…how can the same chiropractic treatment which effectively treats back pain also optimize my health? The answer can be found by looking into the relationship between the spine and the nervous system.

The spinal column, which is made up of 24 moving bones (vertebrae), encases the nervous system and is responsible for its protection. The nervous system transfers messages to and from the brain to coordinate and orchestrate all functions of your body, from moving your little finger to digesting your food.

Because of this intimate relationship, biomechanical and structural problems in the spinal column can irritate parts of the enclosed nervous system. This irritation can cause malfunctioning of the affected nerve(s). The resulting ailment depends on the function of the comprised nerve(s).

This is why correcting spinal abnormalities which irritate the nervous system can lead to a number of favorable results in patients suffering from various, seemingly non-spinal related health conditions.

What Chiropractors Do?

Your Chiropractic care begins with a thorough case history. The doctor reviews your past medical history and present condition.

After this interview, the doctor will perform a thorough orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examination.

X-rays will then be taken if needed. They can often provide essential additional information which correlates history and examination findings allowing for a more accurate spinal analysis and a more individualized and effective treatment plan.

The doctor will then review all your information and propose a personalized Plan of Care, including referrals to other doctors if necessary. Chiropractic care will be monitored with periodic re-examinations.

What is Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractors are primarily concerned with locating and treating vertebral subluxations.

A vertebral subluxation, which is a misalignment of one or more of your vertebrae, can compromise parts of the nervous system and may influence organ system function and general health. Subluxations not only occur in your spine, but in any joint that is not moving properly.

Your doctor will treat any found subluxations or misalignments using adjustive techniques. There are many different ways to receive an adjustment. Usually, the procedures are hands on and the doctor will deliver a quick, gentle thrust. In other situations a slow, sustained pressure may be used. There are even specifically designed instruments and tables to aid in the adjustment. Adjustments help in preventing or reducing the wear and tear that your joints and ligaments are exposed to everyday by helping the bones gradually return to normal motion and position.

In addition to adjustments, you may be given physiotherapy treatment, rehabilitation, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, or a home exercise program to aid in a speedier recovery.

Do Adjustments Hurt?

The adjustments are generally not painful. Any discomfort usually goes away after the adjustment has been performed several times. In fact, most patients look forward to their treatments as many experience relief immediately afterwards.

The Benefits of Chiropractic