Chiropractic is a Science, Philosophy, and an Art. The science is based on the relationship between the body's structure and function. It is the study of how the nervous system affects the body's system and organization.

The science of chiropractic is one of diagnostic evaluation and of clinical trials and research. The philosophy of chiropractic is based upon the body's innate intelligence, that is, the wisdom of the body to heal itself. In its infinite wisdom, the body seeks to maintain homeostasis, a balanced state.

It is capable of adapting to external and internal stresses, for example, shivering when we are cold, sweating when hot, and the release of adrenalin in a fear response. The art of chiropractic is the hands-on sensitivity that the doctor of chiropractic learns through time and experience. Through motion and static touch the chiropractor becomes skilled at the art of an adjustment, which involves a specific force, speed, and torque.

. In 1895, Daniel David Palmer, the father of chiropractic science, coined the term chiropractic -- a practice done by hand. He was a magnetic healer who was the first to establish the cause and effect relationship between spinal subluxations and dysfunction of the nervous system. He believed that when the interference of nervous transmissions was eliminated by adjusting the vertebrae, the body was returned to balance, and could heal itself.

With this discovery, chiropractic was born. When the bones of the body are properly aligned and are not fixated, there are clear signals of communication between the body and the brain, resulting in balance that leads to health. Chiropractic differs from the medical model in it's philosophy and approach.

Chiropractic views the body holistically. It is a natural approach that does not use drugs or surgery. It is not based on "curing" symptoms but rather on maintaining wellness and vitality .

What do chiropractors do? Chiropractors palpate (touch) the spine to detect vetebral subluxations (misaligment or partial dislocation of the vertebrae). A bone that has moved out of alignment and is fixated.

When a vertabra has move out of alignment and is fixated, there is a interference in the transmission of nerve signals to various organs, muscles, etc. and the result is a depletion of health. The body cannot adapt easily to stresses and healing is impaired.

Vertebral subluxations can often be painless, especially in the early onset stage. Even though they are painless, they can affect many of the body's vital systems. Damage cause by subluxations can be categorized as: 1.

Neuropathology, or nerve damage. When nerves become compressed or stretched, inflammation and irritation occurs. Pain often is a result and over time, there is a decrease in organ function.

2. Kinesiopathology , or joint damage. This occurs when there is a locking (fixation) of misaligned vertebral joints.

A result is a decrease in the joint's range of motion When the spine is misaligned, the discs between vertebrae becomes compressed over time. 3. Histopathology, or tissue damage.

A vertebral subluxation causes tension and pressure on the soft tissues in the surrounding areas. This commonly results in great tenderness to the touch. 4.

Myopathology, or muscle damage. Muscles become weakened over time and as a result will tighten and contract. This often will cause postural distortions.

5. Pathophysiology, or overall health damage. Subluxations can affect our immune system, causing abnormal hormonal responses, and decrease our adaptation to life's stresses.

Disease is the result of the inablity to adapt to stress. The body loses energy, and degeneration quickly follows. A person with subluxations may often experience fatigue and may even age rapidly.

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