Chi-ro-prac-tic (noun) - a medical system based on the theory that disease and disorders are caused by a misalignment of the bones, especially in the spine, that obstructs proper nerve functions.

This misalignment of the bones is called a subluxation. In the simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more vertebrae move out of position and create pressure on, an impingement or irritates a spinal nerve root at the point where it leaves the spinal cord. These nerves are part of your peripheral nervous system which help control and coordinate all the functions of your body.

Vertebral Subluxations in and of themselves are not the only cause and effect for nerve impingements. Nerve impingements are most often caused by muscles. Nerves follow predetermined pathways throughout the body which at times can be vastly vulnerable to muscle compression.  Typical “healthy muscles” will pose no threat to proper nerve function. However, when muscles and tendons become injured the normal tone of a muscle increases. It is this increased tone in the muscle (a.k.a. hyper tonicity) that can apply compression to nerves thus altering proper nerve function and overall mobility.

Vertebral Subluxations resulting in nerve impingement generally are a result of two causes. One of which is physical trauma such as accidents resulting in a fall or a motor vehicle accident. The other cause and affect to subluxate a vertebrae is the muscle tendon complex. Bones (vertebrae) don’t move bones (vertebrae). Muscles and tendons move bones. Therefore, the pathological muscle tendon complex that either originates or inserts on a vertebrae will inadvertently subluxate a vertebrae to the side of the hyper tonic muscle. Proper treatment protocol is not only to treat the subluxation, but rather aggressively treat the muscle tendon complex that is responsible for the subluxation.

Symmetrical and uncompromising muscle tone is paramount in order to effectively maintain homeostasis within the body. Muscle hyper tonicity is responsible for an unparalleled array of pathological dysfunctions. Pathological disease processes that can arise from muscle hyper tonicity and hypo mobility can include headaches, herniated disc, osteoarthritis, bone spurs, rotator cuff syndromes, numbness and tingling of the extremities, disc degeneration, and constipation to list a few.

While this basic definition of the Chiropractic adjustment to correct subluxations has become generally accepted, it fails to describe the full range of treatment practices and philosophies which are currently available.

Your body contains intricate arrangements of muscles, ligaments, bones, and nerves which function in unison to create fluid natural motion.  Common sense dictates that if one of these components is damaged, your ability to move the injured area will be impeded. A skeletal adjustment can provide temporary relief for many of the injuries commonly associated with chiropractic treatment. What most chiropractic patients (and chiropractors) fail to understand is that unless the underlying causes for an injury are properly diagnosed and treated, the injury and associated pain will recur.

The current trend in chiropractics is towards a heavier reliance on machine diagnostics and treatments.  In some cases this approach can yield positive short term benefits; however, it relies on regular repetition of treatment to maintain these results.

I rely heavily on diagnostics with an emphasis on physical manual therapy. This “hands on” approach involves all necessary components: muscles, ligaments, bones, and nerves. Once I have diagnosed the problem, I explain to my patients the specific nature of the injury so they have a working knowledge of the root cause of the injury. In addition, I consult with my patients to develop a simple therapy routine which prevents recurrence of the injury. Patient participation is an integral part of successful treatment.

I have built my practice using a common sense approach to wellness. Relying on my training and years of expertise, I offer my patients long lasting results with a base of knowledge which enables them to maintain their physical wellbeing.