What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic restores proper alignment and motion to the joints of the body.  A Chiropractic adjustment can decrease pain and improve range of motion as it promotes healing.  A Chiropractic adjustment of the spine stimulates nerves that in turn stimulate the brain to monitor and control the body better.  A spinal adjustment is like turning up the power in the brain and the body.

Subluxation refers to a spinal bone (vertebra) that isn’t in its right position or not moving in its normal range of motion.  While this creates pain at the local level, it also affects the body’s proprioceptive system adversely (dysafferentation).  Proprioception is our body’s ability to know where all of its parts are, how they are moving, the mechanical load on them, and how they are situated relative to the rest of the body.  When we lose this sense of body position, we also lose proper control of that part of the body.  A joint that is not able to be controlled by the brain in a precise way will break down and develop arthritis more quickly.  Dysafferentation will also negativity affect the body globally, with decreased nervous system control to the muscles and organs of the body associated with the spinal nerves of the subluxated vertebra.

Does the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are not only virtually painless, they often create an immediate sense of relief, and increased range of motion. In cases of a recent injury, we will work with you in a way to make the adjustments as comfortable as possible.  As some people do not want to receive a traditional adjustment by hand, we can also use an instrument for the adjustment. 

Is there a minimum or maximum age for a person to receive chiropractic care?
There is no age excluded from chiropractic care.  Our youngest patient was a day old, and we have many patients in their 90’s.  The delivery of our care is always matched to the needs and body type of our patients.  Each adjustment is made as safe and comfortable as possible.

The Chiropractic adjustment: 

— Stimulates the brain in a way that helps the brain perceive and control the body better.

— Is like turning up the power to the brain and it controls the body better.

— Gets more nerve signals going to the brain, so it can control the body better (improves proprioception).

— Temporarily improves vision (visual field size and acuity).

— Reduces muscle fatigue. 

— Improves control of the arms and legs (reduced joint position error).

— Contributes to reaction times.

— To the pelvis helps you jump higher.

— To the mid back (thoracic spine) stimulates the immune system (you get more white blood cells circulating).

— Improves posture.

— Keeps the joints and discs of the spine healthy.

— Decreases labor time by 2 hours on average during childbirth.

After an adjustment:

— Muscles that are already working test stronger (calves, hamstrings, jaw muscles).

— Muscles in stroke patients test stronger.

With long term chiropractic care:

— Health care costs go down 50%.

— Hospitalizations go down 50%.

— Prescription medication use goes down 85%.

— Reflexes and coordination improve.

— Elderly people have less falls.

— Athletic performance improves.

— The immune system functions strongly as we age (rather than the typical decline).