How to use chiropractic care effectively

This represents one of the most frequently asked questions in my 22 years of practice. Before answering the question, let's define a few words for your better understanding. Chiropractic is both a noun and an adjective. To the best of my knowledge the word chiropractory does not exist. Chiropractic is the science and art of maintaining the proper anatomical position and mobility of the spine for the purpose of proper nerve function. When a spinal segment moves out of place, this is called a spinal subluxation. This is a fancy word with a simple meaning, but it is VERY important to your health.

    If you were to look at the anatomy of your spine, you would find out that the majority of nerve information that comes from the brain must travel through the spine prior to finding its way to the organs and muscles of the body. Each spinal segment has nerves that specifically go to specific organs. These nerves are essential for proper functioning of these organs. For example, the lower back nerves go very specifically to the lower back, legs, sex organs, bladder, small and large intestines to name a few.

    Many times a patient will ask me how I knew where his problem was. Usually, the first hint came during the consultation when the patient told me his symptoms. How do I use chiropractic care?


There are a number of ways in which you should use chiropractic treatment.

   Acute care: This treatment is designed to help you reduce or get rid of your pain. This stage typically requires multiple treatments each week. Physical therapy may be used in addition to chiropractic adjustments to help give you the best opportunity for pain relief.


This stage can last from a few days to a few weeks in most cases.

   Corrective care: Some patients want more than just pain relief. Once the pain is reduced or has gone away, there is usually still spinal subluxations (misalignments) that exist. Remember, as your spine begins to change, it is normal for your pain to start to go away. This happens as soon as the pain level is lower than your THRESHOLD LEVEL OF PAIN. If we were to take an xray of your spine at this stage, you would still see a structural problem even though your pain was reduced. Treatment during this stage also includes exercises and rehab to help correct and strengthen the affected areas. This stage can last from a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition.

    Supportive care: Once the condition is stabilized, many patients want to keep it that way. Frequency of care can, be from once a week to once every two or three months, depending on the individual s health goal and condition. Please refer to the common misconceptions page of my website for further insight into this topic.