About Chiropractic

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a natural, drug-free approach to health that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. It is based on the idea that the body is self-healing and self-regulating, and that much of that control happens through the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that branch throughout the body. When the spine is properly aligned and moving well, the nervous system can do its job without interference, and the body is better able to function and heal.

A Brief History

Spinal manipulation has been used to relieve pain for thousands of years; even Hippocrates documented manipulative techniques in ancient Greece. Modern chiropractic began in 1895 and has since grown into one of the most widely used forms of conservative, non-surgical care for back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

How Chiropractic Works

Your body is controlled by the brain through the spinal cord and a vast network of nerves. When vertebrae shift out of place, they can put pressure on those nerves and interrupt the signals traveling between the brain and the rest of the body. A chiropractic adjustment is a precise movement that restores proper alignment and motion to the joint, relieving that pressure. With the interference removed, the nervous system can function the way it was designed to.

What is a Subluxation?

When a vertebra becomes misaligned or moves out of its normal position, chiropractors call it a subluxation. Subluxations can result from anything from a minor slip or bump to a car accident or sudden trauma. A subluxated vertebra places pressure on nearby nerves and blood vessels, which can interrupt the clear signals the brain needs to coordinate the body. Left uncorrected, subluxations can lead to muscle spasms and increasing pain.

Spinal Degeneration

When subluxations go uncorrected for a long time, the spine can begin to degenerate, much like a tooth that is neglected. Discs lose height and flexibility, bone spurs may form, and movement becomes restricted. Catching and correcting spinal problems early, and maintaining alignment over time, helps slow this process and keeps the spine healthier for longer.