What is Chiropractic?

The word chiropractic translates from its Greek origin into "treatment by hand". Chiropractic is a hands-on approach to healing that emphasizes correction of vertebral dysfunction or derangement. It is this dysfunction that directly or indirectly causes irritation to the joints, ligaments, muscles or nerves throughout the body. Through the use of high-velocity, low-amplitude, specific and safe spinal "adjustments", the Doctor of Chiropractic is able to relieve the pressures exerted on these structures and restore proper spinal function with the purpose of optimizing health.

ANYONE with a spine needs regular chiropractic care! Fast-paced lifestyles have led to an alarming increase in stress and stress-related disorders which often are easily corrected with chiropractic care.

In addition to fatigue or stress, the lack of physical exercise leaves many patients susceptible to injuries. Most injuries are caused by repetitive movements, either in the workplace or at home. Less frequent injuries can be caused by sudden falls, automobile accidents, or work place injuries. In either case, without proper exercise, adult aging bodies become less resilient, yielding to injuries much more easily than a younger person's body. Lack of exercise also leads to negative changes in a person’s spinal posture. The extent of these changes depends largely upon an individual’s career or his or her life-style of activities.  All activities that weaken some muscles and tighten others can lead to an imbalance in the neck, upper torso, andlower back.

Upper Cross Syndrome is just one example of tissue imbalances that cause the head and upper back to drift forward and to slump. With this Syndrome, the shoulders begin to tip forward and to create a concavity of the chest, and the upper back structures become weak and fatigued due to the over-stressed position. Over time, left untreated, the joints become stressed, and the muscles become shorter and tighter. When the chornic conditions set in, more serious symptoms can develop like migraine headaches and other conditions.

The normal aging process creates wear-and-tear on the tissues in the body, especially the joints. This process is commonly called osteoarthritis which is like rust in the joints. Osteoarthritis may cause pain and decrease range of motion; the inflamed joint may feel hot and swollen.  Chiropractic has been shown to have an impact in alleviating pain associated with this degenerative process as well as restoring function, mobility, and overall health to the joint and tissues involved.