What is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is a health care system with a unique philosophy that originated in the U.S.A. back in the late 1800's. The roots of this approach to health actually extend far "back" into history; every ancient culture did bodywork of some sort and recognized to importance of the spine in maintaining mobility and activity. But the philosophy, that the body has innate intelligence, which is controlled by the nervous system is unique to Chiropractic. It is Innate Intelligence that keeps one healthy and free from disease, provided one has access to adequate food, water and shelter and avoids injury. Dis-ease in the body is largely a result of distortion or interference which can accumulate in the body due to injury and/or the mental or emotional stress of daily life. The distortions and interference affects and impairs the state of the nervous system, resulting in vulnerability to further injury, germs etc., until it is corrected. And it can be corrected by a good Chiropractor! This the guiding principle behind the approaches most Doctors of Chiropractic utilize even today. What do Chiropractors do for/to you? Chiropractors are primary health care providers. That means they are "portal of entry" Doctors in the health care system and can diagnose any disease or condition you may have. To make a diagnosis, the DC will need to perform a history and exam, which may or may not include X-rays or other diagnostic imaging and lab tests before rendering treatment. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosis and treatment of spinal distortions and fixations called  vertebral subluxations.   If your Chiropractor determines your condition requires the attention of specialists from other health care disciplines, S/he will recommend or refer you to the appropriate provider. Most DC's develop specialties of their own and will sometimes refer you to another DC who can best assist you with the problem you may have. In terms of treatment, Chiropractors employ any of a number of methods to assess the condition of your nervous system, muscles, organs and spine. This can be done quickly by a skilled practitioner, and   should be done before each treatment. Once the assessment is made, the doctor will work on soft tissues as necessary and adjust the spine or other joints in areas indicated for your condition. This is done either by hand or some DC's allow machines to perform the work and/or train assistants to perform the soft tissue work for them. They will only adjust the joints. Their are several types of adjustments: some are gentle, low force and others are sharp, quick movements that "crack" or "pop" the joint as it is repositioned. The sound, which usually occurs with an adjustment, is actually made by gases moving in the joint space at the moment of adjustment and is of little concern or relevance.  It should be pointed out that the clinical practice of Chiropractic is an art, so the finesse, style and ability of each practitioner will vary. My back/neck doesn't hurt. Why would I need/want to go to a Chiropractor? Most people have subluxations and they don't even know it!  Signaling pain is only part of the nervous systems job.  See the philosophy page to get the big  idea. How am I different from a typical Chiropractor? In several ways. First, I will spend real time with you to get to know you and get a sense of what your concerns are and to determine whether or not I can help you.  Second, I combine a diverse set of skills in a unique way. I do not know of another practitioner who combines all the therapies and information in the same way  as I do. Finally, exploring the links to the other healing modalities I have mentioned should answer that question. If you have more questions, send me an email.  If you want to set up an appointment, call 651-308-0234