What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body.

The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors of Chiropractic call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Chiropractic does not share medicine’s traditional focus on pain or symptoms. Rather, it focuses on what it regards as the usual cause of symptomatology: a nervous system impairment that has resulted in an interference with the body’s own built-in defenses and regulatory mechanisms.

Chiropractic contends that an optimally-functioning nervous system enables the body to maintain its homeostasis (i.e., its proper internal environment) and therefore its adaptability, both of which are pre-requisites for its health and survival of life’s many onslaughts.

Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the philosophy of all things natural.

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Is chiropractor care safe?

In the words of the New Zealand government’s inquiry, chiropractic care is ’remarkably safe.’ Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. In fact, adjustements by a chiropractor are safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers and even aspirin!

A thorough case history and examination help 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.

Chiropractor care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective. In fact, chiropractic adjustments are safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers and even aspirin!

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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 fixated, ’locked up,’ or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and 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 chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

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Do I have a pinched nerve?

Many patients consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they have a pinched nerve. Because of the way your spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional tensions, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

While commonly associated with the spine, the pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is actually rare. Researches suggest that only 10%-15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue ! This can result in numbness, burning, or a ’pins and needles’ feeling.

More common are nerves that are stretched, twisted, or irritated by spinal structures.

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Will an adjustment hurt me?

A Chiropractic adjustment involves a precise thrust of force into a joint that is not functioning correctly. Most patients experience an immediate sense of relief. At times, the involved joint may be tender, creating a very mild discomfort during adjusting, but the end result is a healthy, functioning, pain-free joint.

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What’s the ’popping’ sound I hear when I get an adjustment?

The “popping” sound heard during an adjustment is caused by gasses being released within the numerous joint capsules between each vertebra . When a specific force, or thrust, is applied to a joint, a pressure change occurs within the joint capsule and gas is released.

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Do I have to come for treatment the rest of my life?

While is often noticed in the first few treatments, it is recommended to continue with preventative care. Everyone experiences the effects of stress, gravity and trauma every day to their body which can affect your spine. Just like your car, your body needs an occasional tune-up as well!

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Why do children need chiropractic care?

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child’s spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as ’growing pains’ can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults.

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

Chiropractic has been shown to be helpful with scoliosis and many other so-called ’normal’ childhood health problems.

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Am I too old for Chiropractic care?

More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. 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 used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more obvious.

Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help improve mobility and maintain vitality.