Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts, and as a health care discipline it focuses on the premise that good health depends on a normally functioning nervous system. It’s derived from the Greek word meaning “done by hand”.

When the body’s structures such as cells, organs, tissues are functioning normally, a state of health and normal physiology exists. However when the body’s physiology is abnormal there is potential for a disease state to occur.

For more than a century doctors of chiropractic have advocated that an optimally functioning nervous system is the key to good health. The importance of the nervous system, and its influence on the body’s ability to adapt to its environment is becoming more and more relevant today. The philosophy of chiropractic is to promote an unobstructed flow of impulses from the brain through the spinal nerves, and onward to every cell in the body to help us achieve the balance, harmony, vitality necessary to enjoy a long, vibrant and healthy life.

Many chiropractors use a standard procedure of examination to diagnose a patient’s condition. Your doctor of chiropractic uses time honored methods of consultation, case history, physical examination, and when indicated x-rays or other modern imaging tests to arrive at a diagnosis. In addition the chiropractor will provide a careful chiropractic examination, with special emphasis on the spine, extremities, nervous and musculoskeletal system. The examination of your spine and muscular system to evaluate structure and function is what makes the chiropractic approach different from the other health care disciplines.

The primary treatment by your Chiropractor will be specific vertebral adjustments. Particular attention will be paid to the spine where a spinal subluxation (spinal misalignment caused by nerve interference) has been detected. The adjustment is usually given by hand and it’s administered as a high velocity low amplitude thrust. It consists of placing the patient on a precisely designed adjusting table, or chair, and then applying pressure, using specialised chiropractic techniques, to the areas of the spine that are out of proper alignment. The spinal adjustment is a predominant factor in providing chiropractic care for your condition. The adjustment however may not be the only procedure the chiropractor may employ in the course of care. There are other forms of physiological therapeutics which involve electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction, postural support pillows, custom made orthotics, exercise programming and weight management. Doctors of Chiropractic employ a wide variety of treatment methods and the specific procedure to be used will be determined following a careful evaluation of your physical examination, case history and other findings. As Chiropractic is a natural approach to health many people experience the benefits quickly. This gentle approach allows the body to self heal and self regulate and be healthy naturally.

Chiropractors diagnose and treat many different spinal disorders that cause musculoskeletal or nerve pain. A Chiropractor will perform a physical and neurological examination as part of the process to make an accurate diagnosis.

There is no definitive answer to that question as every situation is different. It is common for a patient to come into a chiropractors office after having spent weeks in pain. An estimate of time will be given to expect results. Doctors of Chiropractic teach that we should try to determine the underlying cause of the problem and attempt to correct it, rather than trying to remove the symptoms and have you think you’re well. How long it will take to actually get well depends on many factors, lifestyle choices, age, occupation, genetics, attitude will all contribute to the time required for you to improve.