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On many occasions, I've talked to people with nerve pain, who tell me how they have a compressed nerve, or a slipped disc and how they are on pain meds and the medical doctor wants to do some surgical procedure.  I've also talked to people who had "complications" after these surgeries - often causing neuropathy or nerve damage. 

 Yet, I know that chiropractic is an easy and safe way to relieve these problems.  I also know that through the years certain vested interests found it necessary to say bad things about chiropractic and get people to fear using a chiropractor (I'll leave it up to your to figure out who the vested  interests are).

So, here is some information about chiropractic to give those who don't use or understand this form of health care some information.

This is a quote from the American Chiropractic Association:  

"Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.  Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints*, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches."

Definition of neuromusculoskeletal:  Describing the interactions between nerves, muscles and the skeleton

You might notice the comment of its effects on general health.  Do you know that not all nerves are pain nerves and that a pinched nerve near the heart can cause problems?   The amount of problems created by nerve impulses being stopped by misalignment of the musculoskeletal system is endless.  It can effect any organ.  

Chiropractors are actually Doctors of Chiropractic.  They practice a drug-free, hands on approach to health care.   They have diagnostic skills and can recommend exercises as well as provide nutritional help. 

Chiropractors practice a procedure called "spinal manipulation" or "chiropractic adjustment".    The purpose is to restore joint mobility by manually adjusting joints that are restricted as a result of tissue injury from a single traumatic or repetitive stresses. 

When tissues are injured, they can undergo physical or chemical change that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function.   Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissue will restore mobility which alleviates the pain and muscle tightness and allow the tissue to heal. 

Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours.

Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider if chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.

Numerous studies have shown that chiropractic treatment is both safe and effective.