1) What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is an alternative medical system. It takes a different approach from standard medicine in treating health problems. Chiropractic is a health care discipline that focuses and emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Many Chiropractic practitioners utilize a variety of treatment options to treat the cause of the problem. But the heart of Chiropractic care is to treat the relationship between joints, muscles and the body's nervous system. Chiropractic treatment involves using the hands to apply a specific force to adjust the joints of the body, particularly on the spine.

The Chiropractor takes a holistic approach to the needs of his or her patients, considers the physical, psychological and social factors with the goal of correcting spinal alignment and postural distortions, alleviating pain, improving bodily functions and mobility, and increase vitality so the body can perform its natural healing abilities.

2) What is the Spinal Scan about?

It is a very safe & accurate thermographic scanner that scans the full spine or segmental parts of the spine in approximately 15 seconds. The Tytron detects areas of asymmetry as well as indicate areas with greater temperature due to acute soft tissue damage. The Tytron scanner uses precision sensors, specialty lenses and a unique focusing system to give the doctor the most accurate and repeatable information available. You will be given a print out of your result on the first visit. More info here: http://titronics.com/content/section/1/3/

3) Can children or babies be treated by Chiropractic?

Yes. Children and adolescents constitute a large amount of patient visits for Chiropractors yearly. It is actually highly recommended by Chiropractors that a child or adolescent be screened for any spinal abnormalities to detect and prevent any possible long term spinal problems such as scoliosis... A study in the Journal of Verterbral Subluxation Research in October 2004 states that "vertebral subluxation (spinal misalignments) can occur early in life, even during the birth process". According to the study, the body then adapts to the misalignment of the spine and the abnormal functions become the norm, which leads to spinal distortions (bad posture, scoliosis), spinal degeneration, and a generalized state of unwellness in children.

Consequently, when misalignments in a child's spine can occur at a young age, it can subsequently interfere with the normal functions of the child's nervous system, which is protected by the spinal column. This is very important to detect early because our nervous system govern all functions in our body. (http://www.jvsr.com/news/detail.asp?ID=832)

A child or adolescent spine is continually growing and maturing up to the age of 16 to 18 years of age. One of the most common conditions is 'idiopathic scoliosis' in adolescents. Having a thorough check up of your child by a trained Chiropractor is imperative to the long-term health of your child.

4) How is chiropractic different from physiotherapy?

A chiropractic physician primary focus is the human spine. Additionally, a chiropractor's focus is the relationship between the joints, muscles and the nervous system. A chiropractor will adjust the joints using a high velocity and low amplitude force to restore any imbalances and/ or restrictions that exist in the spine and skeletal system. Although, a chiropractors main focus is the spine, we also have a very strong background in nutritional assessment. We primarily use a hands on and a holistic approach, but we also use treatment modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage etc. Chiropractic physicians earn a "D.C." or a Doctor of Chiropractic from accredited institutions in the United States.

A physiotherapist is one of the allied health professions whose primary focus is on the recovery of functions and do not adjust the spine. It may help restore movement or reduce pain. This may be done by a variety of techniques such as strengthening, stretching, modalities, joint mobilization, massage, neuromuscular facilitation, etc., please refer to a physiotherapist for more of an expansive definition of their scope of practice.

5) Is it painful?

The Chiropractic adjustment when applied by a skilled and seasoned practitioner should not be painful. However, at some instances when the patient is either acute or chronic the muscles and ligaments may prove to be guarded or sensitive to the touch, these are some exceptions. A thorough examination of your complaints and conditions can alleviate any concerns that you may have.

6) Can I get chiropractic treatment for rejuvenation or relaxation since I don't experience any pain?

Yes. This type of care is wellness or maintenance care. Many times, due to the demands of life, work, and play we don't allow our body to regenerate or rest. We simply just keep going and choose to ignore the so called 'minor aches or pains' that eventually get used to when our body's is under stress or fatigued. The main objective of Chiropractic is to align spine and restore balance in the musculoskeletal system.

A healthy spine and nervous system will allow the body to restore its natural healing abilities and allow it to deal with the various stressors more effectively. Remember; our own health is a responsibility not a privilege that WE all have.