What Is Chiropractic Theory & Philosophy

The overall goal of chiropractic healthcare is to maintain the premium function of the nervous system, through adjustments of your bones and joints. Treating disorders of the spine, joints and muscles, Chiropractors believe that when the body systems are in harmony, the body has the capability to heal itself from the inside. Nature, or Innate Intelligence, has a great capacity to maintain or restore health if it is allowed normal expression within the body. Because of the occurrences of subluxations (spinal misalignments), this problem can interfere with the flow of vital energy, or "innate intelligence." When subluxation occurs, nerve pulses can be imbedded and eventually result in "disease" in the body's various organs, joints or muscle groups. As a result of its' accomplishments in treating back and neck problems, headaches, and sports-related injuries, Chiropractic is the most widely practiced branch of complementary medicine in the West (over 70,000 Chiropractors worldwide). Who should visit a Chiropractor? Researchers tell us that over 50% of the general population will suffer from one of the great variety of vertebrogenic disorders for certain periods of their life. Vertebrogenic disorders mean disorders of the body that are caused in whole or part by spinal problems. In addition to pain and discomfort in the neck and back, these disorders include tension headaches, migraine headaches, dizziness, neuralgia's, pain in the shoulders and arms, certain types of pain in the chest and abdomen, pain in the hip, knees and legs (sciatica), disc disorders, certain digestive disorders and problems with menstrual cycles. The connection between these seemingly unrelated conditions and the spine is that the nerves, which serve all areas of the body, can be irritated directly or indirectly by spinal disorders. Even people suffering from arthritis find great relief with chiropractic care, although complete cures for arthritics are not possible. Frequently spinal problems start in childhood, years before clinical symptoms appear. Identified early, most of these disorders are reversible, and it is for this reason that spinal examinations of children are imperative. What happens in a Chiropractors office? On your first visit, the chiropractor will want to talk to you, not only about your immediate problem, but also about any past health problems. These facts will help in the interpretation of the examination findings. A thorough examination and tests of the affected area and related muscles/nerves will be done as necessary and after consultation with the patient. In addition to a spinal examination, the chiropractor may elect to take X-rays or conduct other tests to better determine the nature of your disorder. If it is decided that your condition will respond to chiropractic care, then treatment can begin. Treatment consists of unlocking certain spinal segments which may have become "fixated" causing abnormal movement or nerve irritation on the spine. These "adjustments" are performed by hand and are generally painless.