Chiropractic is derived from the latin word meaning "to do by hand". Chiropractors are specialists in the detection and treatment of  the vertebral subluxation complex. This term has two meanings: the first is the missalignment of the vertebra body of the spine.The second; symptoms or problems which come from such missalignment.

WHAT AR E THE EFFECTS OF SUBLUXATIONS?

It is easy to understand if you compare the nerve to a hose. If your garden is desperately dry and needs moisture to grow, you will hook up a hose and water the garden. However, if someone comes along and steps on the hose cutting off the water supply, the garden will become sick and eventually die. Likewise, if the hose is released, the water supply will be restored and the garden will grow. Your body reacts in the same manner to subluxations. After subluxation has existed for a period of time, symptoms will occur. The various symptoms differ greatly. In some cases, the person may experience pain, numbness, or tingling. In other cases, the symptomsmay go unnoticed except that the person is more susceptible to colds, tires more quickly or starts having problems with an internal organ. Remember, the energy which travels down the spinal cord and through the nerves serves every area of the body. Therefore, any area of the body can be affected by a subluxation.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?

It all depends. Many times a subluxation has existed for a period of time before a person starts to experience symptoms. The muscles of the spine have adapted to the incorrect position of the vertebrae. For that reason, it may take a series of adjustments before the muscles become accustomed to holding the vertebrae in the proper position. The muscles have to be retrained. It is almost like playing tug o war with your body for a while. The doctor adjusts the spine/joints and the muscles, ligaments and tendons pull it back out. Many patients will not seek Chiropractic care unti symptoms have appear. By that time, the vertebra has been misaligned for some time. That is why periodic Spinal Check ups are so important; PREVENTION  is the key to maintaining health!

There is generally two categories of chiropractic; Straights and Mixers. Straights believe that all illness and di-ease come from the vertral subluxation complex. They believe that the way to true health is by correcting the subluxations only. Mixers on the other hand take a more holistic approach to the healing process. Mixers incorporate diagnostic studies, and apply many different forms of treatments to each patient. The vertebral subluxation is considered but not necessarily always the case of the patients' problem.

 Chiropractic Practice, Philosophy, Education and Safety

Chiropractic Education: a chiropractors' education begins with completing undergraduate courses required to enter Chiropractic schools. These courses include sciences such as chemistry, biology, physics, anatomy and physiology, math, and general education. Once these are satisfied, a student may apply to chiropractic school.  The first two years of chiropractic school mirrors that of medical school where chiropractic students take the very same classes as medical students. The third and fourth years is where you will find the difference. Medical students head off to clinical rotations in the hospital whereas chiropractic students continue with more chiropractic related studies. Clinical studies are conducted in school sponsored clinics and participating facilities off campus. At the end of their training chiropractic students are awarded a doctorate degree in Chiropractic Medicine.

The scope of practice can vary slightly from state to state. For instance, in the state of Oregon, Chiropractors can perform minor surgery. In every state, a chiropractor can order and interpret laboratory tests, x-rays, CAT scans, MRI scans and other diagnostic tests. A chiropractor can diagnose and treat problems using chiropractic treatment modalities.

There is generally two categories of chiropractic; Straights and Mixers. Straights believe that all illness and dis-ease come from the vertebral subluxation complex. They believe that the way to true health is by correcting the subluxations only. Mixers on the other hand take a more holistic approach to the healing process. Mixers incorporate diagnostic studies, and apply many different forms of treatments to each patient such as trigger point therapy, massage, range of motion exercises and dietary recommendations. The vertebral subluxation is considered but not necessarily always the only cause of the patients' problem.

Safety of the chropractic treatment is regarded very safe. More about the safety of chiropractic can be found from the American Chiropractic Association. Our Chiropractor is DR JERI ULBERG.