Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts that is based upon the fact that good health depends upon a healthy relationship between the nervous system and the spinal column. The practice of chiropractic deals with the concept of interference with normal nerve transmission and expression. It is based on the fact that abnormal functions of the body can be caused by abnormal pressure or irritation of the nervous system by various body structures.

Gray's Anatomy states that, "the nervous system's function is to control and coordinate "all" the other organs and structures and to relate the individual to his environment."

Yes, the nervous system is vitally important to our health and well being. In many cases the nervous system should be evaluated first before taking drugs or surgery, the last alternative.

Treatment (The Adjustment)

An adjustment that the Chiropractor administers to a vertebra of the spine is call "an adjustment." The adjustment of displaced vertebrae interfering with normal nerve supply and causing a disturbance to the nervous system is the major treatment. The adjustment is performed by hand and in some instances, by a hand-held device as the patient is lying face down on a specially designed table.

The Chiropractor relates various levels of the spinal column to various organs and conditions. For example, if tenderness is found at the base of the skull, it may be related to headaches, sinus problems or to the jaw. Lower down in your neck may be found misaligned vertebra that relate to pain, tingling or numbness in your shoulder, arm or hands. Chest and stomach problems may have a displacement of the bones between the shoulder blade. Lower back pain can cause tingling down the leg and numbness (sciatica) as well as abdominal, bladder and prostate problems because of the same nerve supply.

Orthopedic and neurological testing are a part of a chiropractic examination to arrive at the underlying cause of your problem.

Health Check List

Take just two minutes to check for any symptoms you may have. Following an accident, always get checked by a Chiropractor to avoid future, possible serious health problems. If you have any symptoms call immediately for an appointment.

__Migraine headache __Ache all over

__Numbness in limbs __ Fatigue

__Stiff or painful neck __Bursitis

__Nausea __Neuritis

__Dizziness __Tendinitis

__Double vision __Loss of neck motion

__Painful back __Blackouts

__Muscle spasm __Muscle swelling

__Nervousness __Night blindness

__Tingling in limbs __Loss of balance

__Insomnia __Loss of hearing

__Pinched nerves __Cold hands or feet

__Ringing in ears __Shortness of breath

__Poor circulation __Poor memory

__Mental dullness __Anxiety

__Tremors __Eye strain

__Rapid heart beat __Period of depression

__Constipation __Diarrhea

__Early arthritis __Any change from pre-accident condition.

__Tension

Mini Exam At Home

A simple visual check may be done to reveal possible spinal misalignments. In front of a mirror, stand up straight with your arms relaxed, looking straight ahead. Is your head tilted to one side? We become so accustomed to our everyday appearance we rarely notice asymmetry.

Look at the level of your shoulders. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Next, look at your hip level. Compare each side at the top of your hip bone. Is one side higher than the other? Do you have your clothes altered because of a "short leg"?

Ask a family member to view you from behind. Turn your head to the right and left. Are you able to turn further one way than the other? Are your shoulders symmetrical? Does one shoulder blade protrude? Do the muscles seem to be bulkier on one side? Is one knee slightly bent when you are standing?

Many times, deviations such as those above can be the source of aches and pain.

All young children should have a spinal examination at least once a year. If caught early, much can be done for a spinal curvature, avoiding painful procedures like surgery and braces.

It is possible to have structural deviations without pain, but sooner or later, they will usually cause pain and are one of the major causes of osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases.