What truly differentiates chiropractors from other healthcare professionals is the fact that chiropractors are the only professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat what are called spinal subluxations. The word ‘subluxation’ comes from the Latin words meaning ‘to dislocate’ (luxare) and ‘somewhat or slightly’ (sub). So the term ‘vertebral subluxation’ literally means a slight dislocation (misalignment) of the bones in the spine. Although this term was adequate in the 1800s when much was still misunderstood about the human body, today the word ‘subluxation’ has changed in meaning to capture the complex of neurological, structural and functional changes that occur when a bone is ‘out of place.’ For this reason chiropractors usually refer to subluxations of the spine as the “Vertebral Subluxation Complex”, or “VSC” for short.
Chiropractors have known the dangers of vertebral subluxation complexes ever since the birth of the profession. More recent scientific research is demonstrating the tremendous detrimental impact that subluxations have on the tissues of the body. In order to be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system function free of interference from subluxations. Chiropractors are the only health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of VSC’s.
The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both. Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release of gas that sounds like a ‘crack.’ The sound sometimes shocks people the first couple times they get adjusted, but the sensation is relieving. There are times when the audible ‘cracking’ does not occur.
Chiropractic is so much more than simply a means of relieving pain. Ultimately, the goal of the chiropractic is to restore the body to its natural state of optimal health. In order to accomplish this, we use a variety of methods, including adjustments, massage, trigger point therapy, nutrition, exercise rehabilitation, as well as counseling on lifestyle issues. Since the body has a remarkable ability to heal itself and to maintain its own health, the primary focus is simply to remove those things which interfere with the body’s normal healing ability.