Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing organism controlled and regulated by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord, and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm whether your body is working as it should. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine may interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerby nerves and the tissues they control. Precise chiropractic adjustments are intended to improve mind/body communications. health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

Chiropractic is a science, art, and philosophy. It's a scientific fact that your brain and nervous system control every cell, tissue and organ of your body. Research confirms that interferences to the nervous system change the way the body functions. Nerve interferences are most common along the spine. Objective tests help locate these interferences, called subluxations, and precise chiropractic adjustments are designed to help correct or reduce them.

Chiropractic does not cure anything! Nor is it a treatment for disease. If there's going to be any curing, your body will do it. Not doctors. And certainly not drugs. The best doctors reduce the interferences that may be preventing your body from expressing its inborn healing capacity. That is why chiropractors are interested in the nervous system. With a revived nerve supply, your self-healing abilities are unleashed.

Separating each spinal bone is a special type of tissue called a disc. Its fibrous outer ring contains a jelly-like material. This soft center serves as a "ball bearing" for joint movement. Because of the way in which discs attach to the vertebrae above and below, it can not actually "slip." Hover, a disc can bulge, tear, herniate, thin, prolapse and dry out.

A pinched nerve is actually rare. It is more likely that a spinal bone will irritate, stretch, rub, or chaff a nearby nerve root. These "subluxations" may distort the critical nerve messages sent from and to the brain. This may produce unhealthy alterations in the ways affected organs and tissues are able to function.

Subluxations are usually the result of physical, emotional, and/or chemical stresses. Physical stresses might include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions, or improper lifting. Emotional stress, such as grief, anger, or depression, may produce subluxations. Alcohol, drugs, or preservatives are common examples of chemical stress.

You can have subluxations and not know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or even cancer, subluxations can be present without obvious symptoms. The results of a thorough examination can reveal the location and severity of any subluxations you may have.

YES. Learning to walk, riding a bike or playing sports can cause subluxations that are often passed off as mere "growing pains." Chiropractic care detects and helps correct these spinal distortions, providing a clearer path toward proper development. Ignored, these problems may worsen until they become more difficult to correct as an adult.

SOMETIMES. Today's hectic lives can be constant sources of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these minor problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations do not resolve, you need to see a chiropractor for a chiropractic adjustment!

Adjustments feel good! Many patients report a sense of well-being and a calming sense of ease. Repeated adjustments are often necessary, and if adjustments were not comfortable, patients would not return. Chiropractors excel at making spinal adjustments comfortable and effective.

Unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered at the right place at the right time. the intent is to get a "stuck" spinal joint moving again, helping to reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and effective.

NO. Generally, only the spinal joints that are stuck and "locked up" receive adjustments. The spinae joints that have had to compensate, becoming unstable, are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can heal and strengthen.

YES. A New Zealand government inquiry found that chiropractic adjustments are "remarkably safe." A thorough examination helps identify the rare individual for whom chiropractic care might not be suited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking a common, over-the-counter pain reliever.

NO! Some people may be able to make their joints "pop," but that is not an adjustment! Worse, damage may occur by habitually stressing the joints, muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even chiropractors must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

NO! Some people may be able to make their joints "pop," but that is not an adjustment! Worse, damage may occur by habitually stressing the joints, muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even chiropractors must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

Special fluids lubricate each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound as the gas and fluids in the joint shift—like releasing the pressure in a bottle of champagne. The sound, if it occurs, is fascinating, but is not a guide to the quality or effectiveness of an adjustment.

No. Each patient's pine is unique, and each patient's care plan is different. With 24 spinal bones (that can each move in seven different directions!), we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Everyone's care is tailored to his or her age, condition and health goals.

The number and frequency of adjustments vary from patient to patient. Most patients see some prgress within one to two weeks. As supporting muscles and ligaments heal, visits may become less frequent. More difficult, longstanding cases may require regular visits over many months or years to make lasting changes.

Of course. When developing a care plan, chiropractors consider your unique circumstances. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected is best suited to accommodate your age, size and any health issues you may have.

YES. Naturally, your chiropractor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery has been known to cause instability above or below the involved areas. More than likely, this will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

YES. Pregnancy may be one of the best times to benefit from chiropractic care. While it is always best to have a properly working nervous system, it is especially helpful during pregnancy. Adjusting methods are modified to a mothers size, weight gain, and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care because it is drug free. Many report shorter and easier births.

Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can stress an infant's spine. Colic, poor appetite, ear infections, or erratic sleeping habits may be signs of spinal distress form the birth process. Adjustments for babies are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the amount of pressure applied is no more than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato.

NO. Chiropractors do not dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful symptoms. When properly used, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects commonly associated with many pain medications.

After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job, as chiropractors, is to offer the very best care we can, and your job is to decide how much of it you want.

Results vary. Many report long-term changes, including renewed energy and vitality. Naturally those who have neglected their health or who have delayed taking action may not see lasting changes. Many discover the value of ongoing chiropractic checkups to help avoid a relapse.

If we are unable to find and reduce the underlying cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other trustworthy specialists who may be able to help. Your health and satisfaction are our only goals.