The Science and Art of Chiropractic

Vertebral Subluxation:

When a spinal segment (or segments) is mechanically “stressed”, whether by a single event (say a "slip and fall", lift, or rather as a result long standing strain (“wear and tear”), regardless of the insult to the spine, altered spinal function frequently leads to "nerve interference". Consider that the organs and tissues which depend upon those affected nerves are deprived of their functional integrity (vitality/ strength/ circulation etc). The effects of Subluxation occur in phases and stages.

In essence, Subluxation diminishes nerve integrity.

Chiropractic is the Art and Science of treating subluxations by restoring and enhancing spinal function and correcting the effects of subluxations.

A healthy spinal column (24 vertebrae working in unison) is designed so that each vertebral segment moves without restriction. But in addition, the human spine (vertebral column) is also engineered to bear weight. And so at the outset, we have a problem. We have a compromise and we have limitations. When those limitations are breached, we have a problem.


The Problem:

While the Spinal Column is required to protect and support our human frame-work, requiring a certain amount of rigidity, in order that we remain functional to our environment, maintaining our Spinal Flexibility is no less a requirement.

Muscle bracing, spinal rigidity and spinal strength run counter to our need for “flexibility”. How can we both be strong and rigid but be flexible at the same time?

The answer is that our nervous system with extremely sophisticated circuitry constantly monitors and measures and coordinates spinal muscle tension, so that the spinal column is “braced” to be strong and supporting.

And so what we have is a “compromise”. To have the strength that we have, we had to give up some flexibility. To have the flexibility that we have, we had to give up some strength. Optimum spines have extraordinary strength and flexibility. Just notice professional athletes such as seasoned yoga practitioners, football players, dancers, ice skaters, name the sport.

My point: the spine has limitations and when those limitations are surpassed, subluxations occur. Chiropractic is about many things. One central interest of chiropractic is to correct subluxations.

“Chiropractic Manipulation” involves aligning vertebra and specifically restoring spinal movement. This is applied in a graded manner taken into account the patient’s condition, age, preferences, limits and comfort.

Since muscles are involved in the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, muscle care is usually incorporated in the treatment session (Myofascial Release) in the region of complaint.

Since joints and discs compress over time, Manual Traction or Spinal Decompression is applied to maintain and restore disc vitality.

Since Inflammation and congestion infiltrates injured tissue, Therapeutic Heat and Cold and other modalities are applied to maximize circulation to enhance healing time.

CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT INVOLVES TREATING SUBLUXATION BY:

      Restoring Movement of the Constricted Joints (Manipulation)

      Releasing Muscular Constriction (Myofascial Release)

      Decompression Crowded Joint and Disc Spaces (Manual Traction)

      Managing Inflammation to Encourage Healing (Cryotherapy)



The extent and frequency of treatment varies from patient to patient.
Based upon your individual state, and history of injury, degree of
injury, age and so on, treatment plans are formulated.