Chiropractic concerns itself with the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (primarily coordinated by the nervous system) of the human body and how that relationship affects the restoration and preservation of health.

Chiropractic employs neither drugs nor surgery. It is concerned with the entire environment of the body and is based on a properly functioning nervous system, which begins with the brain and courses through the spinal cord encased within the spinal column. No part of the body escapes the dominance of the nervous system. Spinal biomechanical dysfunction-improper function of the spine due to slight misalignments called subluxations-can cause a state of poor health in an area far removed from the spine and spinal cord itself and can reduce the ability of the body to adapt to an ever-changing environment. The slightest malfunction of the spine may alter the regular transmission of nerve impulses, preventing that portion of the body from responding with its full inherent capacity.

A chiropractic spinal adjustment (the application of a precise force to the specific part of the spinal segment) corrects the vertebral subluxation, permitting normal nerve transmission, innate recuperative capability and effective health and adaptation of the person.

Upper cervical care is a rapidly growing form of chiropractic that focuses on the intimate relationship between the first two bones in the neck, called the upper cervical spine, and a vital portion of the nervous system, known as the brain stem. This relationship is absolutely essential to the body's ability to preserve and restore health. The brain stem is the control center that extends from the brain down through an opening in the base of your skull, making it vulnerable to injuries or irritation around the upper neck. The brain stem works very much like a telephone cable with thousands of individual wires or nerve fibers sending signals back and forth between the brain and spinal cord to every cell, organ and system in the body. Every nerve impulse between the brain and the body must pass through the brain stem.

The top two vertebrae, the Atlas and Axis, are especially vulnerable to injury or misalignment because they are the most mobile segments of the spine. Misalignment here can produce nerve irritation to the brain stem which, in turn, can affect nearly all vital functions and systems in the body. If neglected, an upper cervical misalignment can lead to irreversible spinal degeneration, chronic ill health, and a shorter life expectancy.

Upper cervical misalignments can be caused by falls, auto accidents, sports, on-the-job injuries, concussions, physical or emotional stress, poor posture, and even birth trauma.

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.

 

The practice and procedures which may be employed by Doctors of Chiropractic are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited chiropractic colleges and include, but are not limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly of the spinal column. Included is the treatment of intersegmental aberrations for alleviation of related functional disorders.

 

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or incisive surgery. Due regard shall be given to the fact that state laws, as well as the nation's antitrust laws, may allow Doctors of Chiropractic to utilize ancillary health care procedures commonly referred to as being in the common domain.(Source: American Chiropractic Society)