Chiropractic is a natural approach to healthcare that treats the causes of physical problems, not just the symptoms.  Our doctors use "manipulation" or "adjustments" to restore normal function to misaligned vertebra or joints.  We give health advice and provide a variety of additional treatment options to help our patients with health restoration.

Increasing spinal range of motion can positively influence lives in many ways. For some, an increased range of motion means being able to bend down to pickup the grandchildren. For others, it translates into an extra 30 yards of distance out of their driver on the golf course.

Chiropractic care has a long history of helping individuals like you reach these and other goals through increases in spinal range of motion. Best of all, increases in spinal range of motion can take place immediately following chiropractic treatments. This is one of the reasons why many top professional sporting teams have team chiropractors treat the athletes prior to and during sporting events.

Chiropractic decreases the frequency and severity of back, neck and head pain
The treatments utilized by chiropractors have been consistently shown to be one of the most effective and safest forms of care to treat the majority of back, neck and head pain complaints. This is because most causes of back, neck and head disorders are related to abnormalities of the soft tissue components within the spine - something doctors of chiropractic are specifically trained to identify and treat.

Chiropractic increases balance and coordination
As we age, balance and coordination become increasingly impaired. Studies have shown that the receptors located in the joints of the upper cervical spine are largely responsible for providing the brain with essential information important for balance and coordination. Research has also shown that injury to these "neck" receptors is a significant cause of balance and coordination problems in humans.

Studies have shown that chiropractic care can help restore balance and coordination by stimulating the joint receptors (mechanoreceptors) in the cervical spine. This stimulation is thought to restore or normalize joint receptor functioning which leads to improvements in balance and coordination.

Chiropractic can decrease fall injuries, as well as other injuries
Fall injuries are extremely prevalent in the elderly population and are one of the most detrimental events that can occur to the older individual. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are responsible for 90% of the 850,000 bone fractures which occur annually among Americans past the age of 65.

Chiropractors reduce the risk of falls by (1) utilizing specific chiropractic adjustment techniques in the cervical spine to normalize cervical joint receptors which provide the brain with important balance and coordination information, (2) utilizing stretching and exercise programs to increase strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and coordination, and (3) utilizing diet and nutritional counseling to improve nutritional status, increase energy levels, and increase sense of well-being.

The above benefits also minimize other types of injuries as well as improve the outcome for injuries already sustained.

Chiropractic increases joint nutrition and decreases spinal joint arthritis
Spinal discs and spinal facet joints, similar to other joints, receive their nutrition and eliminate their wastes through joint movement. Without sufficient movement, adhesions and scar tissue will soon develop in the joints.

Chiropractic care involves restoring and optimizing spinal and extra-spinal joint motion which brings vital nutrients into the joint and flushes toxic waste products out. This helps keep the joints healthy and minimizes the degenerative joint changes which lead to arthritis.

Chiropractic decreases joint and tissue degeneration through optimizing biomechanics
Similar to an out-of-aligned wheel on an automobile, a misaligned spine with abnormal biomechanics will wear out prematurely. As all moving parts will eventually wear down over time, it's important to get the maximum "mileage" out of your spine, especially since it's the only one you'll ever get.

Chiropractic care is focused on optimizing spinal biomechanics which reduces spinal stress and, as a result, decreases spinal degeneration and other arthritic changes.

Chiropractic increases health and well-being
When you're free from nagging pain, stiff joints and can do the things you enjoy (golf, gardening, playing with the grandchildren, etc.) life is far more enjoyable. Feeling good, staying healthy and doing the things that make us happy are what keeps us looking forward to each new day.

Regular chiropractic care in those over the age of 40 is aimed at increasing the quality of life, and not just the elimination of pain and correction of soft tissue abnormalities. Don't cheat yourself from living life to its fullest... call today and let us get you started on a personalized health plan.

The first thing our chiropractors will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The doctors will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

An examination will be performed in accordance with our chiropractors’ clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to our doctors of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

An "adjustment," as used relating to chiropractic, means the specific manipulation of vertebrae which have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. Doctors of chiropractic spend years learning motion palpation (the art of examining by movement or touch) and other forms of spinal examining procedures, so that they can administer specific and appropriate spinal adjustments.

Once the doctor has identified the problem, he/she will begin care by way of these adjustments or "manipulations." Particular attention will be paid to that area of your spine where a spinal derangement or "subluxation" has been detected. The adjustment is usually given by hand or "activator" type instruments, and consists of applying pressure to the areas of the spine that are out of alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion.

Doctors of chiropractic use many sophisticated and varied techniques, and the specific procedure to be used will be determined and explained completely to you following a careful evaluation of your radiographs and physical findings.

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds. Adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of 1 million to 1.

Most patients notice significant improvement when starting care. However, in a small percentage of patients, they may notice a little discomfort as their spine is adapting to the changes being made. One of the main reasons for the consultation and examination is to clearly define the cause of your health conditions. If you have misaligned vertebrae, then chiropractic can help. If that's not what you have, we will suggest a referral to the proper health care professional. Our concern is that you get the proper care so your health will improve.

Yes! -Every year, more and more people, of all ages are turning to chiropractors to improve their health and performance, not just injured workers or athletes. Chiropractic is the fastest growing and the second largest primary care profession.  Chiropractic services are in high demand as we look for better ways to be healthy, other than relying on surgery of drugs.

IImproved nerve communications between your brain and your body can help everyone. So, if you have subluxation, you could be a good candidate for chiropractic care. Modified adjusting approaches can help children, the elderly or those with special needs.

Since chiropractic care depends on the healing abilities of each patient, results can vary from patient to patient. Everyone responds differently. Most notice positive changes in a few short days or weeks. Permanent correction and stabilization may take weeks to months.

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover that the healing process can take months, sometimes years. Every patient recovers at his own pace. Factors which can affect the healing process include your age, your overall health condition, muscle tone, diet and even your attitude. When will I get my first adjustment?

It depends upon your complaint and how long it may take to study your examination findings. This is a clinical decision and varies from patient to patient.

Each person and each case, is different, The length of your care depends on the problem you have and its severity. We can provide a much better estimate after an examination and consultation. For most patients pain relief occurs within the first few weeks.

Patient results vary depending upon many factors.  How long have you had you problem? Did you keep all of your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Are you in otherwise good health? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to justify completing our recommendations.

After a patient's initial examination, a program of care is established. This may run anywhere from 6-12 months, depending on the patient's condition.  This is similar to putting braces on crooked teeth. After this time, most patients choose to maintain a check-up program to keep their spine healthy, free from pain and to prevent a relapse.  Most patients think of this as wellness or preventative care similar to dental check-ups. Of course, how much care you chose to receive is always up to you.

Our policy is set up to utilize direct payment from insurance companies. This is done as a service to our patients and there is no charge for this service. However, it is important that you (the PATIENT) understand that health and accident insurance policies are an arrangement between you and your insurance company. You are responsible for all service charges incurred in our office. We expect payment in full when the services are rendered until your insurance coverage has been verified. You may also feel free to contact your insurance company and see if your policy covers chiropractic services. Download the chiropractic insurance policy form our download page to verify your insurance.

Each of us has the freedom to place a different value on our health. Ultimately, good health is about personal responsibility. While an insurance company or other third party may be helpful, be careful. Don't allow a profit-motivated company to make decisions about what you do with your health. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

Insurance companies make two mistakes by limiting or denying coverage.  First, they ignore current research showing the superiority of chiropractic care in many cases.  Plus, they overlook the lower cost and higher patient satisfaction enjoyed with chiropractic care. We offer ways to make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

Actually chiropractic care is much more affordable and effective than many other types of care. Physical therapy is at least twice as expensive per visit, and spinal surgery can be over $50,000.  Our office is unique in that we offer cash discounts to patients that make care very affordable, and most everyone can bring in their entire family for care.  Many insurance companies also help to offset the cost of your care. See our payment options page to find out more.

X-rays and other types of images can be helpful. Pictures of your spine, especially after trauma, can confirm our other findings and make your care more precise. We can tell if we need them after completing our other examinations.

To see is to know, not to see is to guess, and we won't guess about your health!

Finding the right doctor of chiropractic is similar to finding the right dentist or medical doctor. Consideration must be given to technique, expertise, specialty and various subjective issues such as personality, communication skills and health care philosophy.

The best way to find the chiropractor that's right for you is to spend a little time. First locate a chiropractor near you. Then, review the information they provide through their websites, local advertising, etc. You also may want to check with friends, neighbors and co-workers who may recommend one doctor of chiropractic over another.

Finally, ask for an appointment. Let the doctor know of your needs and your long-term health goals. Let the doctor examine you and share his/her findings. Don¹t be afraid to ask questions. In numerous studies, doctors of chiropractic have been shown to be among the most patient-centered health care providers.

Usually, within the first few visits you'll know if this is the chiropractor for you.

No. Chiropractic doctors don't dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, ask for directions on how to use ice to control any painful symptoms. Ice, when properly applied, can have an analgesic effect without the side effects associated with pain medications.

Massage is a term describing a variety of techniques using the hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus to stimulate or soothe soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes.

Massage works by kneading and stroking muscles to relax them, and uses friction to stimulate soft tissues.  This therapy can increase blood and lymph circulation while breaking up scar tissue between muscle fibers..

Therapeutic massage and its effects vary with each individual. Clothing is usually removed from the area treated and the patient should be relaxed and comfortable. A lubricating oil or powder is used to reduce friction during the circular stroking and compression of soft tissue.

Massage is useful in many conditions in which body relaxation, the reduction of swelling, and muscle mobilization is desired.  Massage can be helpful in overcoming the swelling and pooling of fluids at the site of recent injury or trauma.

Chiropractic care is extremely important for the maturing and elderly adult because of the dramatic changes that occur in the spine with increasing age. As we age, spinal discs, facet joints, ligaments, muscles and other spinal tissues become weaker, less hydrated, more fibrotic, and less able to withstand normal stresses. As a result, spinal pain from spinal degeneration (arthritis) becomes more prominent, tissue injury from relatively benign events occurs, and the time to heal from injuries increases.

Chiropractic procedures take into consideration the nature of the aging spine and the many abnormalities present to provide a strategically effective, safe and noninvasive treatment plan. Through the use of gentle adjustment and mobilization techniques, physical therapies, and incorporation of stretching and exercise programs spinal pain is reduced, spinal stresses are decreased, flexibility and mobility are improved, and degeneration is minimized.

Treatment techniques must focus on the underlying problem and involve participation of the patient in order to be truly effective and long lasting. Treatments which solely focus on pain and other "symptoms" only, are far less effective, and are often dangerous since the conditions causing the symptoms remain untreated and uncorrected.

Routine chiropractic care has a number of benefits which are especially important for maturing adults:

• spinal and extremity pain relief
• decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
• increased mobility and range of motion
• increased balance and coordination
• increased sense of well being
• increased energy
• enhanced tissue healing
• decreased tissue inflammation
• increased joint health
• decreased arthritis and arthritic joint pain
• minimized spinal stress and subsequent degeneration
• minimized risk of fall injuries

A recent study evaluated the health status of 414 elderly individuals (average age of 80 years) and compared those individuals under chiropractic care with those not under chiropractic care. The researchers found a number of significant findings which included:

87% of those who used chiropractic care rated their health as good or excellent compared with only 68% in the non-chiropractic group
13% of those who used chiropractic care rated their health as fair or poor compared with 32% in the non-chiropractic group
44% of those who used chiropractic care reported having arthritis compared with 66% in the non-chiropractic care group
those who used chiropractic care were more likely to do strenuous levels of exercise
at 3 years follow-up, less than 5% of those who used chiropractic care used a nursing home while a staggering 48% of those who did not use chiropractic care did use a nursing home
at 3 years follow-up, only 26% of those who used chiropractic care were hospitalized compared with 48% of those in the non-chiropractic group
Coulter, PhD et al. Chiropractic and Care for the Elderly. Top Clin Chiro 1996; 3(2):46-55.

An "adjustment," as used relating to chiropractic, means the specific manipulation of vertebrae which have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. Our doctors of chiropractic spend years learning motion palpation (the art of examining by movement or touch) and other forms of spinal examining procedures, so that they can administer specific and appropriate spinal adjustments.

Once the doctors have identified the problem, they will begin care by way of these adjustments or "manipulations." Particular attention will be paid to that area of your spine where a spinal derangement or "subluxation" has been detected. The adjustment is usually given by hand or "activator" type instruments, and consists of applying pressure to the areas of the spine that are out of alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion.

Our doctors of chiropractic use many sophisticated and varied techniques, and the specific procedure to be used will be determined and explained completely to you following a careful evaluation of your radiographs and physical findings.

Some patients may experience a slight soreness when first starting care.  This is similar to starting a new exercise program. Most patients, however, enjoy their adjustments and look forward to them.

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient (you) may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds. Adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of 1 million to 1.

Yes, to receive the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution.  A doctor of chiropractic receives education on par with medical doctors or dentists.

Before they can practice doctors of chiropractic must pass the National Boards, as well as the licensing exam for the state in which they wish to practice. Most states require the doctors to attend continuing educational programs for annual re-licensure.

Chiropractic works with your body's internal electricity - the nervous system. Health is a way of life. You were designed to be healthy. Your body really wants to be healthy. So why fight it?

Day and night, television and advertisers tell us we can rub, inject or swallow our way to good health. We’ve learned to believe that the answer to all of our health problems is in a little bottle of pills. The truth is that the potential for good health is already within each one of us.  Chiropractic releases that hidden potential without the use of drugs.

Yes! Those pains you've been hiding with pills, injections and creams are really trying to tell you something.  Pain is not the problem. Pain is your body's alarm system.  It alerts you when something is interfering with your health. By ignoring the cause of the pain, you could be inviting severe consequences. Possible long term effects include spinal joint degeneration, nerve damage or organ problems that may not become evident for a long time.

An adjustment often makes a noise. The cracking noise is a gas that escapes from a joint when it is moved quickly. An adjustment takes the joint just past its normal end range of motion for a fraction of a second and, in that time the buildup of nitrogen gas is usually released. There is nothing that cracks or breaks. If there is no popping noise, it means there was no sound from escaping gas.

The principle of chiropractic was discovered on September 18, 1895 by Dr. Daniel Palmer of Davenport, Iowa. Palmer was carrying on a shouted conversation with the deaf building janitor. Harvey Lillard. Lillard was telling Palmer that 17 years earlier, while working in a cramped, stooped position, something had popped in his neck and his hearing loss had become progressively worse.

Dr. Palmer, a curious man, examined Lillard's back and found a painful, misaligned vertebra. Suspecting a connection between this vertebra and the hearing problem, he repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust Lillard's hearing improved immediately. With continuing daily care, Lillard was able to hear well within a week.

It is unfortunate that the majority of the population believes that the only thing that chiropractors are good at is treating sore backs.  Chiropractic has been shown to be extremely effective in helping people with sore backs, but that is a small fraction of what it is we actually do. The avenue of approach that we take to effect a change on your body is via your spine. MD's prescribe medication that is usually taken orally, but we don't call them "mouth" doctors.  A doctor of chiropractic is actually a "nerve" doctor. The nervous system controls every tissue, gland and organ in your body.  By allowing this system to function at its optimum, patients enjoy better overall health and well being.  We have helped hundreds of patients with conditions such as: asthma, allergies, ear infections, bladder infections, PMS, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, chronic pain, sinus infections, childhood scoliosis and many others.

Many people, as well as the medical profession, believe that the reason people get sick is that they were exposed to a germ (bacterium or virus).  This theory fails to explain why do some people get sick and others don't when exposed to the same "bug". In reality, people get sick because their resistance (immune function) is low.  Then when exposed to the germ, it attacks those week tissues and you get sick. Germs no more cause disease than cars cause automobile accidents. The viruses and bacteria we call germs are everywhere.  They're in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. They can only result in disease when our bodies provide a hospitable environment for them to reproduce. Long term chiropractic patients usually enjoy better over all health and just don't seem to get sick as much. In the future, doctors will do more to promote better "health", than just treat patients in crisis.

Also, drugs (prescription and over the counter) in our culture are big business.  They spend billions on advertising alone. This tends to brainwash many people into thinking when they have a "symptom" they must take a drug to get rid of the symptoms.  Then we wonder why we have such a drug problem in our society. In fact the third leading cause of death is now "iatrogenic disease", which stands for doctor induced. Actually, the best doctor is the one inside every patient.  Your body innately knows how best to run and take care of itself. In chiropractic we don't put anything in to your body, and we don't take anything out.  We allow your body to heal from the inside, naturally and conservatively.

Many times I am asked, "Gee doc, I didn't do anything, and so how did this happen to me". There are basically 5 causes of spinal subluxation (misalignments). Sometimes it starts at the birth process itself. Many times the delivery is assisted by forceps or vacuum extraction, this has been shown to cause tearing of the nerve fibers, and can set up a spinal problem. In childhood, kids bump and fall all the time. Not every fall causes a subluxation, but it leads to a higher incidence of potential spinal trauma.  Just like every candy bar doesn't cause a cavity, but it will increase the likelihood of one developing. 

The next cause is a macro trauma.  Such as a car accident or lifting injury.  This will knock spinal bones out of alignment and cause subluxation.  Cumulative micro trauma is probably the most common cause of subluxation. Things such as improper sleeping, poor posture, and, occupational hazards will cause subluxation. The last cause is emotional tension and stress, this will cause muscles to tighten and pull the bones out of alignment. So buy the time most patients make it to my office, it is usually a combination of all these factors.  Just like where did you get that cavity? Was it because you ate candy, didn't brush or visit your dentist?  It is unfortunate that pain is the last thing to show up, and usually the first to go.  So if we just base your good health on your symptoms, we really sell you short, and you don't get the care that you need.  We encourage everyone to receive a regular spinal check-up; just like you would practice preventative dentistry you will feel better and be healthier because of it.