See A Chiropractor

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and millions of nerves. Your brain is protected by the skull, and your spinal cord by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This can result in nervous system dysfunction and ultimately ill health.

The chiropractic approach to better health is to detect, reduce, and help prevent nervous system dysfunction.

Here is what will happen when you visit your chiropractor for the first time.

A Thorough Examination

chiropractic You'll be asked to turn and bend, your posture will be checked, your reflexes and muscle strength will be tested, and other orthopedic and neurological tests may be performed. These tests are designed to show if any areas of your spine are causing problems.

Diagnostic Imaging

These images can help reveal pathologies, document the history of your spinal health, and guide your doctor in creating a care program based on your unique spinal condition. Today's high-tech equipment and ultra sensitive films help minimize your exposure.

A Teamwork Approach

Your health today is the result of your habits, your thoughts, your actions and all the circumstances of your life. Little can be done about the past, but we're here to help with your future.

Learn as much as you can about the nature of true health and follow your doctor's recommendations.

REFERENCES

White, A.A. and Panjabi, M.M. (1978) Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine. J.B. Lippincott, Philadelphia

Mumura, M., Moriya, H., Watanabe, T., Takahashi, K., Yamagata, M., Tamaki, T. Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis of the Cervical Spine with Special Reference to the Axial Rotation. Spine 11-1135-39, 1989.

Breig, A. (1978) Adverse Mechanical Tension in the Central Nervous System, New York, John Wiley and Sons.

Goel, V.K. and Weinstein, J.N. (1990) Biomechanics of the Spine: Clinical and Surgical Perspective. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press, Inc.

Grostic, J., Dentate Ligament Cord Distortion Hypothesis, Chiropractic Research Journal, Vol: 1(1), Pg. 47-55, 1998

Guyton, A.C., M.D., Physiology of the Human Body, Normal Function and Mechanism of Disease. 6th Ed., W.B. Saunders, Co., 1984.

Specht, D.L., DeBoer, K.F., Anatomical Leg Length Inequality, Scoliosis and Lordotic Curve in Unselected Clinic Patients, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 14, #6, 1991.

Kapandji, I.A., The Psysiology of the Joints, Vol.3, Churchill Livingston, 1982.

Test Yourself at Home

Headaches, back pain, numbness, tingling, and other health problems can often be traced to the spine.

Many things can cause the moving bones of the spine to lose their normal motion or position. This can irritate or choke the sensitive nerves that branch off the spinal cord to service the organs and tissues of your body. Many spinal problems can cause postural changes. Take a few moments to check a loved one. If you discover problems, encourage them to seek a professional chiropractic examination.

Do you know someone who should investigate Chiropractic?

Try these simple tests. If you detect a possible problem, schedule a Chiropractic examination. Spinal problems rarely get better on their own, and often get worse with time.

Test 1

chiropractic Have adults or children being tested stand on a hard, flat surface. Have them close their eyes and "march in place" 2 or 3 steps and then stop.

With their eyes still closed, have them nod their head 2 or 3 times, as if they were looking at the floor and then the ceiling, stopping where they feel comfortable.

With their eyes still closed, examine their posture. From the front, all 9 test points should line up. If they are not in alignment, schedule a chiropractic examination today.

Still with their eyes closed, test their posture from the side. There are 4 points that should line up. Again, if these points are not in alignment, seek a thorough chiropractic examination.

Test 2

A low shoulder is a common postural deviation that may be an indication of a spinal malfunction with possible nervous system involvement.

Test 3

A common indicator of spinal stress is a head that is leaning too far forward. This puts wear and tear on the spine, leading to degenerative changes.

Test 4

Frequently, uneven shoe wear indicates some type of spinal imbalance. Examine a pair of shoes for unusual signs of wear.

Test 5

Often unequal pant leg length or an uneven skirt hemline can indicate a low hip or some other spinal problem.

Test 6

Have the adult or child being tested wear hard soled shoes and lie face down on a bed with their feet over the edge. Their legs should be kept together with their arms resting at each side.

During the test, the head must be facing straight down. This may be uncomfortable, but should be maintained for the duration of the test. Grasp both of the feet and apply equal pressure between the heel and the arch with your thumbs. Check to see if one leg appears shorter.

Test 7

With the adult or child in the position as described in Test 6, test further by bending the legs up at the knees and compare again. A contracted or short leg in either position is a common reaction to many types of spinal problems.