What Is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is a Greek term meaning “treatment by hand”. It is a branch of health care specializing in the correction of biomechanical disorders of the spinal column and peripheral joint system. Chiropractors have long recognized the importance of a wellness focus (considering the role of the mind, body & spirit) when dealing with health care. Chiropractic care is not an alternative to traditional medical care but a complement to it.

It takes a healthy body to have fun in sports.

It is the aim of chiropractic care to work together with other healthprofessionals in a multi-disciplinary fashion to the benefit of the patient. Chiropractic care is considered drugless and conservative.

The explanation of chiropractic care as putting bones back into place to remove nerve interference is no longer valid or acceptable. The description of chiropractic care is now one of:

• Correcting biomechanical dysfunction in the joints (joint restriction / dysfunction) and soft tissues with spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapies (trigger points, massage, stretches).

• Utilizing physical therapy modalities (electrical current, ice, heat) to promote healing, reduce inflammation and to relax splinting of muscle.

• Giving rehabilitative exercises (flexibility, strength, endurance), to assist in injury recovery and prevent re-occurrence of injuries and symptoms.

• Educating patients on the nature of the injury, posture, exercise, lifestyle, and prevention.

If your examination revealed areas of your spine that are malfunctioning, this can often result in nervous system compromise, impairment to the muscles that support the spine, damage to soft tissues of the spine, and sets in motion a degenerative process. Researchers refer to this five-part problem as the Vertebral

Subluxation Complex

Spinal Kinesiopathology is abnormal motion or position of spinal bones. Physical trauma such as improper lifting, car accidents, repetitive motions, and poor sleeping habits can cause spinal problems. Without proper alignment your spine can experience uneven wear and tear. Each spinal joint must move properly for optimum health.

Histopathology is abnormal soft tissue function. Discs, ligaments, and other soft tissues can malfunction, too. These important soft tissues have a poor blood supply, so proper healing often requires continued care even after the relief of obvious symptoms. Swelling and inflammation increases the damage to soft tissues.

Neuropathophysiology is abnormal nervous system function. Improper motion or position of spinal bones can irritate delicate nerves. This can impair the function of the tissues, organs, and systems controlled by these nerves. Nerves can become overexcited and hyperactive or choked and compressed. This can be experienced as numbness, tingling, or pain shooting down an arm or leg.

Myopathology is abnormal muscle function. Muscles supporting the spine can weaken and atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. Unfortunately, scar tissue and adhesions penetrate these malfunctioning muscles, changing their elasticity. Muscles that support the spine can be damaged with scar tissue, and over-developed muscles on one side of your spine can cause individual spinal bones to twist and lose proper function. Fibrosis makes is difficult to retrain the muscle to support the spine properly.

Pathophysiology is abnormal function of the spine and body. The body responds with bone spurs and spinal decay, fusing malfunctioning spinal joints. Degenerative changes can be seen in other organs and tissues which have been deprived of normal nerve control.