What is Chiropractic?


What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the science of locating subluxations and reducing their impact to the nervous system and area structures. A subluxation is a slight dislocation. When it is found in the spine it is called a vertebral subluxation complex. The skull protects the brain and the vertebral column protects the communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the spine has a subluxation, then nerve irritation can occur. This disrupts the transmission of controlling nerve impulses which impairs normal healthy functioning tissue.

By removing the nerve irritation with a chiropractic adjustment, you can achieve a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as "back" problems.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked up," or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion.

Sometimes a noise can be heard. Gasses build up in a joint when it doesn't move for a while, which will increase the joint pressure. The noise is just a change in this joint pressure. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved overall health.


Chiropractic care is a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.

What type of education do chiropractic doctors get?


After undergraduate studies, today's chiropractic doctor completes an additional four-year curriculum of over 4,500 college classroom hours of health sciences. There is a special emphasis on:
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Neurology
  • Biomechanics
  • X-ray
  • Spinal adjusting techniques

... and related subjects.

Upon graduating, a Doctor of Chiropractic must also pass a National Board Examination. There are State Board Examinations, as well. There are also post-graduate instructions required for license renewals and to stay informed of the latest scientific research.

How long will I need Chiropractic Care?

Since significant spinal trauma can even occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for subluxations. Children undergo many activities that affect the spine. If not treated properly, the spine can develop areas of weakness that create chronic problems later in life.

Chiropractic care is catered for all ages.

Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health. We recommend regular adjustments to fix problem areas before they become painful or symptomatic.

Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of "crisis management" is usually more costly and time-consuming, our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goal. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

What conditions can be helped with chiropractic care?

Because the nervous system controls all organs and tissues, chiropractic adjustments can help many conditions by removing the nerve pressure caused from a vertebral subluxation. Some of the most common conditions we treat are:

  • Low back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Numbness/Tingling in the arms and/or legs
  • Tension

  • Mid-back pain
  • Stomach dysfunction
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Sports injuries

    • ... and various other conditions.

    For additional information, please visit our Request Information page.