What Does a Chiropractor Do?

A chiropractors primary focus is the spine (bones), nerves and discs and its relationship to the whole body in reducing pain and assist with the natural healing process. If this relationship is interrupted, what is known as a spinal misalignment can occur, causing pain and decreased body function.

A misalignment is a dislocation. It can occur in the spine when you have a vertebra shifting in relation to an adjacent vertebra. This shift presses on a nerve, from the spinal cord, that exits the spinal column. This nerve carries messages from the brain to the body. If the message cant get through, then you can have pain and/or dysfunction.

An adjustment is a gentle pressure made by the doctor, to a specific area of the spinal bones, to line the bones up and take pressure off the nervous system which can reduce pain and restore the normal relationship between the bones of the back and the nervous system, which they house.

There are three basic causes of misalignments. Physical causes could include slips, falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotion such as grief, anger and fear can cause misalignments. Chemical causes include alcohol, smoking, drugs, pollution, and poor diet.

Treatment sessions average 10 20 minutes, but expect the first visit to be a bit longer because the doctor may perform physical and neurological tests, take x-rays, or provide a consultation.

Chiropractic care may also be effective for a wide variety of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, allergies, disc problems, and headaches. It has earned recognition for its focus on natural, drug-free, non-invasive methods of treatment.