WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of the body. The nervous system is protected by the spinal vertebrae. When these vertebrae become misaligned or lose normal motion, malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body result.

Chiropractic is a form of natural health care that focuses on treating a patient without the use of drugs or medicines. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers and are recognized by governmental health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Workers’ Compensation programs, and more. Every year, more than 30 million Americans see chiropractors as part of the regular health care programs. With over 84,000 licensed chiropractors nationwide and more than 10,000 students currently enrolled in chiropractic school, it is the fastest-growing health care profession.

Chiropractors frequently treat individuals with problems, such as headaches, joint pain, neck pain, low back pain, and sciatica. Chiropractors also treat patients with osteoarthritis, spinal disk conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, and strains. However, the scope of conditions that chiropractors manage or provide care for is not limited to the common pains and problems listed above. Chiropractors also have the training to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies, asthma, digestive disorders, and other disorders as new research is developed.

PHASES OF DEGENERATION

DEGENERATION PHASE 1
First, your spine loses its normal balance. There may be a loss of normal spinal curves. Your nerves may be affected and the vital life energy that flows over them is interfered with. Also, your joints, discs, nerves, and posture are stressed and age more quickly. Surprisingly, there may be no pain other than occasional minor discomfort. Also present may be a slight lessening of energy and slight height loss. Response to spinal care is generally good.

DEGENERATION PHASE 2
Here there is a much greater degree of decay, disc narrowing, and bone spurs (deformations); postural changes are much worse. This condition is very common (by age 40, 80% of males and 76% of females exhibit moderate disc degeneration). Spinal canal narrowing or stenosis may occur. This phase is characterized by more common aches and pains, fatigue, and a diminished ability to cope with stress. Height continues to decrease. With chiropractic care significant improvement is possible.

DEGENERATION PHASE 3
Here there are more postural imbalances, increased nerve damage, permanent scar tissue, and advanced bone deformation. Physical and/or mental weakness or disability begins. Also found in this phase are permanent loss of height and loss of energy. With care some reversal is possible.

DEGENERATION PHASE 4
This is the most advanced stage of subluxation degeneration. The postural imbalance is severe and motion is limited. There is severe nerve damage, permanent scar tissue is formed and the bones may begin to fuse. In this phase, we find the pain, various degrees of physical or mental disability, and continued loss of energy and height. By now the condition is considered irreversible, although chiropractic may give some symptomatic relief.

WHAT IS SUBLUXATION?

Subluxation is a term used in the chiropractic field to describe what happens when one of the vertebrae in your spine moves out of position. The word subluxation is derived from the Latin words meaning somewhat or slightly (sub) and to dislocate (luxate). When this happens, the misaligned vertebrae creates pressure and stress on the spinal nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding muscles. This pressure and stress can cause an imbalance in the body’s normal processes as the nerves in the spinal column to extend to the entire body and its organs. As time goes on and the uncorrected subluxation settles, the damage to the nerve gets progressively worse, and different stages of subluxation degeneration set in.

Subluxations can occur in a number of ways. A car accident, athletic injuries, birth trauma, pregnancy, a fall, sudden jar, or other traumas are all examples of unique instances that may cause a subluxation. The other occurrence of subluxation comes from regular actions such as improper sleeping position, poor posture, or incorrect lifting processes.

Chiropractors are specialists in correcting subluxation and other misalignments. A chiropractor can restore the misaligned vertebrae to the proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually by using the chiropractic procedure known as a spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her hands in applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and location. The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. In some cases, the chiropractor may use instruments to detect a subluxation and adjust the spine. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of trauma, such as car accidents, some discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation.