Chiropractic

What is Chiropractic?
    Chiropractic is a safe and well-established form of holistic medicine.  The word chiropractic means done by hand.  Doctors of chiropractic practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to medicine.  As a health care profession, chiropractic focuses on the nervous system and its effect on general health.
Chiropractors are licensed physicians who undergo broad diagnostic training to be able to diagnose a wide variety of conditions.  Chiropractic examinations may include physical exams (orthopedic testing, vital signs, muscle testing, etc.), lab tests and diagnostic imaging as needed.
Chiropractors specialize in correcting strucural imbalances via joint manipulation.  Chiropractic treatments may also include therapeutic or rehabilitative exercises, nutritional, and dietary and lifestyle counseling.

How does my spinal alignment impact my health?
    The nervous system is the central control center for the whole body.  It helps regulate everything from blood pressure to digestion to muscle function and pain levels.  The spine is designed to protect this complicated two-way communication system between the brain and the body.
When misalignments, or subluxations, occur in the spine, this can place undue pressure on the nerves in between vertebra… This can cause pain, discomfort, and weakness; it can also affect your organs, and may lead to other more serious health problems down the road.

What is spinal manipulation?
    Spinal manipulation, otherwise known as an adjustment, involves the application of a controlled force to restore joint mobility.   Manipulation is a powerful neurologic tool for restoring normal neuromuscular and visceral function.  It is extremely effective in relieving pain, restoring normal joint range of motion, and in balancing the body’s many internal functions.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes.  Any treatment carries with it some risk, but adjustments, when performed by highly trained chiropractic physicians, are extremely low risk.  In fact, you have a greater chance of having a serious side effect from NSAIDs (Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc.).
Malpractice for chiropractors is a fraction of what it is for medical doctors because of chiropractic’s strong safety record.
Occasionally people experience mild soreness after an adjustment; this is normal and usually resolves within one to two days.
There are some contraindications to the chiropractic adjustment, and it is not always appropriate. In such cases, other forms of therapy may be used.