Chiropractic is both an art and a science. It is a science in that it is based on the assessment (diagnosis) of the structure and function of the body. It is an art created by the care giver to provide integrative therapy to restore optimal functioning to the human frame.

Chiropractic is the use of the hands to restore structure and function of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. The word chiropractic comes from Greek; chiro (hand), and practic (done by), so the word chiropractic literally means done by hand. It is a natural, gentle approach to health care. The act of placing the hands on an ailing structure to correct the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system is one of the most powerful forms of healing available.

Chiropractic started over 100 years ago in Davenport, Iowa, by a man named D. D. Palmer, who called himself a magnetic healer. His philosophy was natural healing. Doctors of chiropractic believe in facilitating the body’s own regenerative power so that the body can heal itself. The wonder of your body is that it already contains the most powerful pharmacies inside of it. Chiropractors are just helpers to assist the body to heal itself.

Doctors of chiropractic use manipulations, or adjustments, of the vertebrae to restore function to the body. A manipulation, or adjustment, involves the hands-on contact with the vertebrae that has lost its proper position with the other structures around it. Gentle motion is then applied to restore the vertebrae to its proper position. Doctors may also use pain relief techniques, such as heat packs, cold packs, electrical stimulation, massage, exercise, and nutritional counseling to help the body heal. The job of the doctor is to help the body heal itself by restoring motion and taking stress off of the nervous system. It is the stress on its nervous system which creates the perception of pain.

When many people think of a chiropractor, they usually think of back pain. But the truth is that chiropractic is not just for low back or neck pain. It can be used to help diabetes, circulation problems, foot and hand problems, as well as sleep disturbance, and even depression, obesity, and even headaches.

Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system. It is a known fact that the endocrine and the nervous systems are closely related and work with each other. Chiropractors can help diabetes by helping the nervous system, which controls the release of the hormones, to work better. It also can improve the functioning of the person overall, so that they will be able to get out and exercise and take better care of themselves.

Those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome can also find relieve through chiropractic care. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive, micro-trauma problem that is caused by an impingement of one of the nerves that lead down to the hand. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands when a person has carpal tunnel syndrome. Doctors of chiropractic can help this hand disorder by restoring the normal function of the cervical spine, which is where the nerves come from that go to the hand, and by making sure that the joints of the hand are moving properly. They can also perform stretching of the soft tissues that cover the nerve to help relieve some of the tension that is in the carpal tunnel.

Headaches can be treated with chiropractic care from several different routes. The problem when a person has a headache is that they either have too much, or not enough, blood to the brain. Either one of these problems can cause a headache. So, the doctor must first determine what type of headache the person is having, and then that will decide the type of treatment that they will have. The end goal of a chiropractor is to return normal nervous control to the muscles surrounding the neck and the head. It is the nerves that tell the muscles what to do, and then when the muscles go into a sustained contraction, they are blocking good blood flow to the brain. Many times it can be a disturbance in the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system, that is causing the headache. A doctor of chiropractic adjusts and mobilizes the joint in this area to free up any kind of subluxation in the level where the sympathetic nervous system is located.

Of course, each person needs to consult individually with a doctor of chiropractic if they have any questions regarding their health. Each person is a unique individual, and the way that any type of ailment affects them is also an individual matter that needs to be evaluated by a professional. The best advice is to go ask a professional for help. Five dangerous words are, "maybe it will go away". If it has not gone away by now, it most likely won’t go away without help.

The doctor will take a thorough history and examine you. Then you will be given an adjustment if it is indicated, and perhaps even some physical modalities. You will probably lie down on a table and the doctor will palpate or feel your back to find where the misalignment is. An adjustment is just like stretching, only it is a little faster. It is not dangerous to get an adjustment and it does not hurt. Best of all, there are no side-effects like you would see with drugs and surgeries. Chiropractors are not opposed to drugs and surgeries, but believe that they should be used as a last choice after all other methods have been tried.

A doctor of chiropractic studies an average of seven years before receiving the title of Doctor of Chiropractic. He or she has extensive knowledge to help you. So, if you or someone you know is suffering from arthritis, headaches, stress, backaches, or any other conditions, consult your doctor of chiropractic. You are in good hands with your chiropractor.