The nervous system is the master controller
of all living cells, tissues and organs; orchestrating and coordinating all
cellular functions. The spinal column encases the nervous system
(spinal cord and nerve roots) and is responsible for its protection.

Because of this intimate relationship, biomechanical and structural problems
in the spinal column can irritate parts of the enclosed nervous system.

This irritation can result from noxious inflammatory biochemicals released
during tissue injury or may result from direct mechanical pressure.

In either case, the functioning of the nervous system is negatively
influenced as is the functioning of the cells, tissues and organs which are
supplied by the affected nerve(s).

The resulting ailment(s) depends on the cells, tissues and organs affected
as well as the extent of nervous system compromise.

In short, because the body's innate recuperative powers are affected by
and integrated through the nervous system, correcting spinal abnormalities
which irritate the nervous system can lead to a number of favorable results
in patients suffering from various, seemingly non-spinal health conditions.

What Chiropractors Do

Practically speaking, chiropractors are primarily concerned with locating
and treating vertebral subluxations (nerve impingement syndromes).

A vertebral subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural
and/or pathological articular (joint) changes that compromise neural
integrity and may influence organ system function and general health.

Using a number of unique and highly refined skills, the chiropractor checks the
patient's spine for any misalignments, fixations or other abnormalities
(vertebral subluxations). If subluxations or other abnormalities are detected,
the chiropractor will generally apply a gentle force in a corrective manner to
the affected spinal area.

Chiropractors use many specialized techniques to identify and treat these
spinal abnormalities and optimize overall health.

In addition to spinal adjustive techniques, soft tissue techniques such as
massage, dietary and nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modification programs
are commonly employed.

How Chiropractic Differs

There is a significant and very important difference between the way chiropractors
and medical doctors approach health ailments.

When evaluating and treating patients, chiropractors take a holistic approach which
includes identifying and correcting the cause(s) of the patient's health ailment.

Correcting the cause of the problem provides significant long-term benefits over only
treating the symptoms.

The Benefits of Chiropractic

Short-term and regular chiropractic care have a number of benefits including:

• spinal and extremity pain relief
• headache relief
• increased mobility and range of motion
• decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
• arthritic joint pain relief
• increased joint health
• increased performance and energy
• increased sense of well being and relaxation
• increased balance and coordination
• reduced degeneration and risk of injury
• enhanced tissue healing
• decreased tissue inflammation

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