What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses particular attention on vertebral subluxation. A vertebral subluxation is a complex of functional, structural, and/or pathological changes to spinal joints that compromise nerve system integrity and general health. The Dr. of Chiropractic is the only health care provider uniquely trained to evaluate, diagnose, and adjust vertebral subluxations based on the best available rational and scientific evidence.

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a holistic approach that is very effective at balancing the body on a structural, chemical, and emotional level. Muscular testing is performed as a means of identifying imbalances in the body’s nerve/energy system, and as means of determining the optimum correction method to restore health and balance. AK helps to fine-tune the body and gives us a way to optimize the body’s self-healing, self-regulating, and performance ability.

Where did it begin?

Applied Kinesiology evolved from the inquiring mind of American chiropractor, George Goodheart D.C. In 1964 Goodheart started to use muscle tests to evaluate the effectiveness of his treatments.
He discovered that he could use the muscle test not only to determine where treatment should be directed, but also to determine whether the treatment was effective. Over the years, Goodheart discovered relationships between muscular response and organ dysfunction, nutritional imbalance, spinal subluxations, acupuncture meridian imbalance, cranial-sacral distortion, emotional states, blood flow, and energy flow. He developed and cataloged the science of AK and demonstrated his findings at seminars, workshops, and conventions around the world. In 1973 he founded the International College of Applied Kinesiology to further research and expand this exciting and effective healing system.

Why do we test muscles?

Basic human anatomy has shown that there is an intimate connection between your muscles and your nerve system. The purpose of the central nerve system, your brain and spinal cord, is to control, regulate, and heal the body. In order to do this, your brain must be able to “talk” to your body. It does this by sending vital energy over your nerves, which act like telephone wires, allowing your brain and the muscles, organs, glands, and tissues of your body to talk with each other. Optimum body function is only possible when this communication occurs without interference. However, when there is interference, or static on the line, the brain and body cannot communicate effectively. As a result, the ability of the brain to control, regulate and heal the body is diminished.
Muscle testing is performed as a means of tuning into your internal communication system. When performing a muscle test we are looking for the muscle to “lock”. A “lock” occurs when a muscle responds by meeting and remaining firm in response to the pressure being applied. If the muscle being tested feels mushy, shakes, or gives way, that indicates that there is interference in the communication system of the body. By locating the source of the interference and correcting it, the communication between your brain and your body is improved and your self-healing, self-regulating and performance capabilities are maximized.

What is a subluxation?

A subluxation is a complex of functional, structural, and pathological change in the spinal vertebrae that compromise nerve system integrity and may influence organ systems and general health. Subluxations are often painless and slowly undermine your health for years before symptoms appear.

>> See the Subluxation information page >>

What causes a subluxation?

Subluxations are caused by emotional stress, falls, auto accidents, traumas, or sometimes an inherited spinal weakness can cause subluxation. Other causes include improper sleeping conditions or habits, poor posture, occupational hazards, incorrect lifting practices, obesity, lack of rest and exercise.

How is a subluxation corrected?

Doctors of Chiropractic are specialists in the detection and correction of subluxation. They are trained to restore the subluxated vertebrae to its proper position in the spinal column. This is done manually, utilizing the chiropractic procedure known as "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 instrumentation to detect subluxations and adjust the spine.

Does the adjustment hurt?

Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In our office, we pride ourselves on detecting and correcting subluxations in a gentle and pain free manner.

Is regular chiropractic care necessary?

Regular chiropractic care may be necessary to correct spinal subluxations and help maintain sound health and fitness. Your spine is under constant strain during your life.. Improper lifting techniques, poor posture, accidents, falls, traumas and gravity contribute to spinal strain. Ignoring the health of your spine can severely hamper the quality of your life. Regular chiropractic care can help detect small problems before they become serious. Timely adjustments can help detect and correct subluxations and maintain spinal integrity.

How old should a person be before he or she begins chiropractic care?

Chiropractic patients range in years from birth to old age. Regardless of age, the vertebrae can become misaligned. For example, the birth process may cause trauma to the neck and spine. Left uncorrected, the vertebral subluxation may disturb the delicate spinal cord and nerves which control the youngster's muscles and organs. In some cases, an uncorrected subluxation may lead to a deformity of the spinal column. An early chiropractic checkup may detect many spinal problems while they are still easily correctable.

How will the adjustment help me?

Chiropractic adjustments by themselves do not actually heal the body. When any of the 24 moveable spinal vertebrae become misaligned, a basic imbalance or disruption can occur in the nervous and blood vascular systems, which may contribute to stress in the body. Chiropractic adjustments help eliminate that imbalance or disruption so that the body can function at its true potential.

Does an adjustment have to make a noise to be effective?

No, it is a common misconception that your joints must make a noise to be properly adjusted. However, more often than not when your vertebrae are adjusted, the smooth articular (joint) surfaces become separated, creating and then releasing a small vacuum, making a noise. This is the sound made when you crack your knuckles. Your chiropractor is concerned with the position of your vertebrae, not with the noise that may occur.

Should I go to a Chiropractor if I feel fine?

Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help your body maintain its required level of health and fitness. Your chiropractor can recommend a preventive spinal-care program and advise you on correct posture, dietary information and back exercises. Regular spinal checkups can help detect and prevent spinal stress due to subluxations before problems become serious.

Is it true that Chiropractors do not prescribe medication or perform surgery?

Yes. Chiropractors do not include medication or surgery in their treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the body has a built-in capacity to restore health within certain limits, and base their care on this principle. Occasionally, the use of medication can interfere with the body's healing mechanisms, produce side effects, create a dependence and lead to drug-caused disease or complications. The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. Chiropractic's principles make it possibly the safest and most appealing of the healing arts.

How does chiropractic care help the pregnant woman?

Because of the additional weight and stress on the framework of the body in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can help lower the incidence of pain in the low back and legs, and between the shoulder blades. In some cases, fewer headaches and problems with nausea and elimination may also result. Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular course of their daily practices.