The Tribune

By DR SUSAN DONALD

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is based upon the premise that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body.

Chiropractic comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning “effective treatment by hand.” Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body’s inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

These musculoskeletal areas which do not function properly are what chiropractic calls a vertebral subluxation. A subluxation interferes with normal nerve function which results in decreased ability for the brain to communicate properly with the body. This could eventually result is some sort of condition or symptom. When you suffer from a subluxation, your natural healing ability is lessened, your resistance is lowered and you can get sick.

The examination of the spine to evaluate structure and function is what makes chiropractic different from other health care procedures. Your spinal column is a series of movable bones which begin at the base of your skull and end in the center of your hips. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves extend down the spine from the brain and exit through a series of openings. The nerves leave the spine and form a complicated network which influences every living tissue in your body.

Accidents, falls, stress, tension, overexertion, and countless other factors can result in a displacement of derangements of the spinal column, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots. These irritations (subluxations) are often what cause malfunction in the human body. It is the chiropractors’ job to reduce the interference that is caused by the subluxation. This is done by adjusting the spine to return the normal function so the nervous system so your body can operate more efficiently and more comfortably. You cannot be truly healthy, reach your full potential or achieve your greatest healing ability if you have pressure on your nervous system.

• For questions and more information, contact Dr Susan Donald at 393-2774