Chiropractors eliminate or reduce spinal biomechanical imbalances which are referred to as Subluxations. This is done through specific chiropractic adjustment to spinal joints. These adjustments can be done gently by hand or with an adjusting instrument. The adjustments restore normal spinal motion, normal spinal balance and normal nerve transmission. With the restoration of motion, balance and nerve transmission the body can begin to heal itself. Muscles relax and pain subsides. Normal organ function returns.

Often times the use of therapies such as spinal exercises, stretching, electric stimulation, distraction, ice, heat, ultrasound and massage are used in conjunction with Chiropractic adjustments. These therapies facilitate and enhance the spine’s ability to receive and maintain the Chiropractic adjustments.

Subluxations: Subluxations are misalignments or fixations of spinal vertebrae causing spinal biomechanical imbalances leading to adverse muscle reaction, tissue degeneration, nerve interference, pain and ill health

Spinal subluxations are misalignments or fixations of spinal vertebrae (the bones that make up your back) causing spinal postural/ biomechanical imbalances that lead to adverse muscle reaction, tissue damage, nerve irritation, pain and ill health.

If left untreated the spine and surrounding tissues such as discs, muscles, nerves and joints begin to adapt to the subluxation. The body eventually will accommodate to the changes by compensating in other spinal areas and in turn cause other subluxations and associated conditions. The longer this goes on the more difficult it becomes to reverse the process. Eventually degeneration of the spinal tissues sets in making resolve of the condition even more complex.

Spinal degeneration occurs to all spines as we go through life. Falls, traumas, accidents, injuries, repetitive activities, be it work, sport or hobby related take a toll on our spines as we age. For some there is even a genetic predisposition for spinal degeneration.

Phase 1 degeneration
The first stage of spinal degeneration is when there is a minor loss of normal spinal balance and spinal curves. The surrounding tissues such as nerves, discs, joints and muscles are under continual low level stress. During this phase rarely is significant pain noted. Often times it is just a sense of less joint mobility, tightness or muscle tension. With proper care at this time there is a good chance to return the spine to normal functioning.

Phase 2 degeneration
In this phase the spinal discs begin to narrow and the bones begin to deform (often referred to as Arthritis). The spinal canals where the nerves transfer out of the spine begin to narrow. Muscles accommodate by tensing and tightening. The spinal nerves become more prone to irritation. Significant aches and pains are common along with fatigue. As phase two progresses the symptoms become more severe and last longer. In this phase improvement is possible. Though the spine may never be normal again relief of pain and symptoms is common and through proper management the degeneration process may be halted or slowed.

Phase 3 degeneration
In this phase there is significant damage to the spine. Discs can become obliterated or herniated causing spinal stenosis. Muscles become rigid and spasm. Joints are immobile leading to loss of spinal movement. Nerves are in constant state of irritation. Symptoms are constant and severe. Proper care in this phase can help reduce the symptoms and allow the individual to be more functional but complete resolve of pain and symptoms is not common. With out proper care in this phase the degeneration will continue, pain and symptoms will worsen. Eventually surgical intervention may be necessary.