What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic has been clinically proven to successfully and efficiently treat many aches and pains that people experience every day. The following information will help you understand why.

Your spine is made up of 24 individual bones called vertebrae. Each vertebrae is connected to one another by joints. Just like any other joint (elbow, knee, etc.), they allow movement between two bones. One or more of these joints can become "locked up" or restricted in its movement, what you have heard described as "misaligned." This can occur due to trauma, poor posture, prolonged sitting or standing, as well as the general wear and tear that we place on our spines every day.

When these joints become "locked up" the muscles and tissues supporting the joint can become spasmed and inflamed. When this occurs the nerves coming out of the spine in that area become irritated. This nerve irritation in turn can cause pain or even a numbness or tingling sensation. You may have heard it described as a "pinched nerve."

"Pinched nerves" at the spine can cause pain away from the area as well. One example of this would be leg pain or what you might have heard described as "sciatica."

Determining the source of the pain is the primary goal of a chiropractor. Many things mimic back pain which is why a chiropractor's exam is designed to eliminate cases that he or she cannot help.

After it is determined to be a chiropractic case, the chiropractor's main tool is spinal manipulation. Manipulation is a gentle force applied in a specific direction to restricted or "misaligned" joints of the spine. Manipulation helps restore normal joint function and motion to the spine and remove irritation from the nerve.

When your problem has been resolved and your treatment is complete, your chiropractor can give you exercises and advise to help prevent the problem from recurring.