CHIROPRACTIC is the science, art and philosophy of finding and correcting subluxations to normalize the flow of nerve impulses between the brain and the body.
What is a subluxation?
SUBLUXATION is a misalignment of the vertebrae (spinal bones) causing an irritation to the nervous system. Your nervous system controls, co-ordinates and integrates all the functions of the tissues and cells that make up your body. Any irritation to the nervous system in your body can have devastating effects on your health.
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
The only way to know for certain is to have your spine checked by a good chiropractor. If you take three people with the same subluxation they may all present differently. For example, with a subluxation at the fifth cervical vertebrae (neck): one may present with pain or stiffness at the spinal level; one may have pain or muscle weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand; and the third may not have any complaints at all - yet. In any case it is not o.k. to have nerve interference.
What is an adjustment?
ADJUSTMENT is the art aspect of chiropractic. It is the procedure to correct subluxations. There are many different types of adjustment techniques. Different chiropractors choose what techniques work best for the individual patient and for themselves.
Does an adjustment hurt?
No. However, do appreciate that when you are adjusted you are affecting how your body functions. And, similar to when you first started that exercise program to improve the strength and function of your muscles, you may experience temporary discomfort as your body reaches higher levels of health.
What type of conditions does a chiropractor treat?
Technically, none. Chiropractors do not treat any specific disease entities. The human body is a magnificent design and has an unlimited ability to heal unless that power to heal is interfered with. Chiropractors remove the interference to the nervous system and unleash the power to heal that resides inside each and every one of us. They do, however, ensure that the spine is functioning as well as possible and with full conduction of nerve impulses the body is able to heal itself. So, in essence, chiropractic can help an individual heal regardless of what the name of the disturbance in normal body function (ie. disease) is.
Why do you adjust children? They seldom complain of back or neck pain.
But they do get subluxations! A subluxation causes neurological disturbances. The mental impulses coming from the brain are what direct all the functions of the body - including growth and development. The growing body needs to have full and free flowing nerve conduction to reach its full potential. AS THE TWIG IS BENT, SO GROWS THE TREE!
If I go to a chiropractor, do I have to go the rest of my life?
You don't HAVE TO do anything. Most people who experience the full benefits of chiropractic continue to get checked and adjusted regularly because they enjoy the elevated level of health. We are faced with many health care decisions and the choice is always ours. Do you brush your teeth regularly, exercise regularly, eat nutritious food... Regular spinal checkups fit right in with a healthy, wellness lifestyle.
I feel so lousy with this fever. What can I do to get rid of it?
FEVERS are part of the body's natural defense against viruses or bacteria that invade the body. The increased temperature results in a quicker response time of the immune system. The higher temperature not only decreases the unfriendly organisms' ability to reproduce themselves, it also helps to destroy the existing ones. By suppressing or bringing a fever down with drugs you shut down part of the body's ability to defend itself. Allow the body to do its thing and resist interfering just to make the person feel a bit better. Obviously the person needs to be monitored and if the fever gets too high you may need to intervene.
