Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body. Your nervous system consist of your brain, spinal cord, and millions of nerves. Your skull protects your brain and your spine protects your spinal cord. Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This results in dysfunction of the nervous system and eventually illness.
Okay, now that the Anatomy and Physiology lesson is over, the question is...
What is Chiropractic?
If I asked 3 different people, I probably would get three different answers. So let's start with a good definition. Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. The chiropractic approach is to detect, reduce, and prevent nervous system dysfunction.
Why Chiropractic?
Uncorrected stress on the spine can add to the degenerative process associated with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. When this process is found in other places in the body, we call it osteoarthritis. When it's in the spine, it's called Subluxation Degeneration. There can be a tragic effect of uncorrected spinal malfunction. There can be few symptoms exhibited, much like cancer, heart disease, and hypertension. Abnormal bony growth is a common response to uncorrected trauma or injury to spinal joints. Think slip and falls or a car accident. These situations can definitely stress the spine by changing the position or movement of spinal bones. The body instantly starts to repair the unstable area with new bone growth. If this continues over a period of time, the spinal joints can fuse together.
There's Hope
Instead of taking muscle relaxers or medication that can become addictive, a better option is to restore the normal structure and function to the spine. Specific chiropractic adjustments can help to do this as well as help the body stop "building bridges" within the joint. Chiropractic adjustments help to slow down this process by restoring proper motion and position of spinal bones.
"Prevention is worth a pound of cure".........BEN FRANKLIN
Think back to your childhood. Did anyone ever say to you that you were going through "growing pains. " Well childhood traumas like the birth process, learning to walk, falling, or playing sports can start the process of new bone growth and movement of spinal bones. The tragic consequences of ignoring childhood traumas can appear decades later. Early detection is key. Well informed and wise parents request periodic chiropractic checkups for infants and chidren.
Results May Vary
Like anything, results vary from person to person. Some patients get immediate results, while others take several months or longer. Just keep this in mind, THE HEALING PROCESS TAKES TIME. I normally conduct periodic exams to gauge my patients progress and update treatment plans. These are like regular checkups along the way. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
The Three Stages of Care
Generally there are three phases of care in Chiropractic.
- Initial Care
This is where everyone starts care. Visits are more frequent depending how serious the condition is. The primary focus of this stage is to reduce or eliminate symptoms. - Corrective Care
In this stage the pain has diminished. The focus is to stabilize spinal function and promote healing completely. In this stage, muscles and soft tissue of the spine are strengthened to help avoid a relapse. - Wellness/Maintenance Care
This is when you get a regular chiropractic checkup. This is preventative care. This will save you time and money. Why? You keep minor issues from maturing into more serious ones.
Patient Responsibilities 
At the end of the day, it is the patient's responsibility for their own care. The more that you are involved and asking questions, the easier it is to comply with the treatment plan. Make sure that you keep your appointments. This is the only way to achieve maximum results. Perform any at home task that are given to you by your Chiropractor. I suggest specific exercises to help speed up the recovery time. Avoid unnecessary strain on the body. Try lifting with your legs and not bending so much. Get adequate rest and watch your food intake. Then after that refer, refer, refer. Share your experience with others. Don't keep chiropractic a secret for just you to benefit.