About Chiropractic

Chiropractic helps ensure the proper function of the nervous system. The Nervous System controls every aspect of the body and contributes to the productivity and overall strength of the immune system. During a chiropractic exam, the spine is examined, and misaligned vertebrae are identified. Misalignment in the spine is known as subluxation, and subluxations can cause pressure on the nerves. This pressure can result in blockages that interfere with the flow of vital nerve impulses throughout the body. A chiropractic adjustment of the spine can reset subluxations and return the body to its natural, healthy state.​​​​​​​

Chiropractic is based on the idea that the body is self-sustaining and self-healing. The body is controlled by the brain through its connection via the spinal cord and vast networks of nerves that make up the body. When this system is not functioning at its peak, the body’s performance is lacking. In the chiropractic world, drugs and medicine are not utilized as a form of treating a patient. Drugs can be viewed as band-aids to treat symptoms rather than addressing the source and treating the real problem.

It’s sometimes thought chiropractors only treat back and neck pain, but the truth is that Chiropractors treat a wealth of issues related to your whole health.

Improves Nervous System Function

Chiropractic adjustments protect the nerves so they can fire more efficiently and effectively allowing your entire body to work in unison.

Improves Stress Levels and Concentration

Once you receive an adjustment, your spine is better aligned, and your body’s muscle tension is released. You feel better and less stressed which allows you to sit still longer and focus.

Improves Circulation

With a healthier nervous system, your lymph system can circulate nutrients into your cells more effectively and rid your body of toxins. This improvement in your circulation system improves energy and promotes healthier and stronger muscles.

Improves Physical Performance

Proper alignment can improve mobility and act as preventative care for future injuries.

Improves Inflammation

Inflammation is your immune system’s response to irritation, infection, or injury. When the spine is adjusted, normal biomechanics return to the body and stop the production of neuropeptides which have been shown to cause inflammation.

Improves Overall Health

Once your spine has reduced nerve interference, the outcome is better immunity and increased ability to fight diseases.

Did you know that chiropractic dates to the time of Hippocrates? He believed that if the spine was misaligned, it greatly contributed to the health of an individual. The modern-day school of chiropractic dates to 1895, when Dr. Daniel Palmer adjusted a man that had lost his hearing 17 years prior. The story goes that prior to losing his hearing the man had heard something pop in his back. Upon the adjustment of the man's misaligned vertebrae, his hearing greatly improved. From that point forward, Palmer and others continued to refine chiropractic manual adjusting techniques as well as study how manual manipulation can relieve pain and improve function. While spinal manipulation continues to be a centerpiece of chiropractic care, modern chiropractors have developed a variety of practice styles, featuring different therapies and modalities, to address patients’ needs. Chiropractors practice a holistic approach to health care that generally excludes drugs or surgery.

If you've ever been in a car accident, played a sport, fell, or just bumped into something too hard, it's very possible that you are not functioning at your best due to a misalignment. While there are many potential mechanical or structural causes for misalignment, there are also chemical reasons. For instance, if you smoke or drink excessively or even just have a poor diet, the chemical issues in your body can eventually cause underlying conditions and disease to appear. Chiropractors remove interruptions or misalignments so the network of nerves can flow freely without any interruption.

When a vertebrae becomes misaligned or moves out of its normal position, this is referred to in the chiropractic profession as a subluxation. Subluxations can be caused by a wide range of issues ranging from a minor slip or bump to a car accident or any sudden trauma. A subluxated vertebrae puts pressure on nerves, blood vessels, and everything around it. The subluxation interrupts the natural pathways that carry messages from the brain. If subluxation remains untreated, the spine and surrounding features such as discs can begin to degenerate. This degeneration becomes more difficult to reverse as time goes by as the surrounding muscles, nerves and bones begin to adjust to the new shape. The longer this goes on, the more difficult it is and the longer it takes to get back to the near perfect position.

Degeneration Phase 1

The first stage of spinal degeneration is when there is a minor loss of normal spine balance and spinal curvature. The surrounding features of the spine such as nerves, discs, and joints begin to age quicker and are continually more stressed. This stage of the degeneration process rarely is accompanied by any major pain. At this point, there is a good chance that with the proper care, you can return to normal.

Degeneration Phase 2

In the second stage of spinal degeneration, there is a often narrowing of the discs and potentially deformation in the bones. Your posture is often beginning to degenerate as well at this point. As the spinal canal or opening begins to narrow, there are often significant aches and pains associated. Fatigue and stress are more common at this stage. There is a good chance of improvement at this stage with the proper care.

Degeneration Phase 3

In the third stage of spinal degeneration, there is significant physical and mental involvement due to the level of issues here. There is most likely nerve damage as well as deformation of the bones and discs. There would a significant loss of energy and height at this point. Some reversal is possible.

Degeneration Phase 4

In the fourth stage of spinal degeneration, most damage is permanent including scar tissue, nerve damage, and deformation. At this point, the condition is irreversible. Management of pain and discomfort is the best option here.