What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care discipline which restores and emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

In 1895 the “founding father” of chiropractic, Dr. D.D. Palmer, developed a theory that spinal misalignment (subluxation) caused nerve pressure or irritation which in turn caused various ailments. He realized that the structure and condition of the spine influenced how the body functioned and its ability to heal itself. To fully understand the chiropractic perspective, one must learn a bit about the nervous system.

The Nervous System

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The brain is divided into sections and stores and receives an incredible amount of information. But this information needs a way to get in and out. Nerves provide a pathway for this information to travel, and the spinal cord is made up of bundles of these nerves. The spine both houses and protects the spinal cord.

Nerve dysfunction can result from any number of factors, such as falls, accidents, stress, tension, or over-use. These events can alter our “wiring” and create pain or discomfort in our bodies.

Chiropractic

Doctors of chiropractic are trained to locate the source of the pain or discomfort at the interface between the skeleton and the nervous system.  This may actually be far from the actual location where the symptom is occurring.  We then correct or adjust the joints to relieve irritation from the nervous system and restore the ability of the body to heal itself.

Of course, the type of correction or adjustment employed by the chiropractor depends on the condition being treated. The important thing to remember is that chiropractic success occurs by addressing the source of the problem, not just masking the symptoms.

Wellness

Because helping the body heal itself involves many facets, chiropractors also provide lifestyle advice to help prevent illness and injury. Diet & nutrition, fitness, ergonomics, and other areas in your life contribute, or diminish, your overall health. By making the right choices, one can live a life full of wellness and vitality.