Chiropractic is a hands-on, drug-free health care system developed over 100 years ago. Chiropractic physicians use various modalities to treat ailments that a patient may have. One modality that we use is known as Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT) or as an “adjustment”. An adjustment is preformed by using a short, gentle thrust to induce motion upon a fixated joint. These fixations are commonly caused by poor posture, faulty occupational ergonomics, past injuries, and age progression. Depending on your individual case, x-ray’s, electro-stimulation, and soft-tissue mobilization may also be used.
RESEARCH:
As reported in 1994 from the federal government’s Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Chiropractic care is considered the safest, drug-free initial form of treatment for low back pain. A British Medical Journal study concluded that chiropractic care was more beneficial than physical therapy for the treatment of low back pain 1,2. Research also has shown that chiropractic care may be effective in the drug-free treatment of headaches and menstrual pain3.
MY EXPERIENCE:
I've treated a wide variety of patients ranging from minor aches and pains to trauma victims of accidents. For patients with daily aches and pains, pain is not normal. I've heard too often that "patient X" has had neck or back pain for the last 10 years, but thought that was normal as most of his coworkers also have pain. Pain is your body's way of telling you that there is a problem. Often caused by faulty work ergonomics, poor posture, or misalignment from past injuries, these patients are often suprised that there are options other than taking an "advil" at the end of the day. I work with these patients, not just with physical modalities, but by educating them on proper posture, work ergonomics, and reestablishing muscular balance within their body.
Chronic pain and traumatic patients can also be treated conservatively. Our first goal is to stabilize the condition to avoid progression of the problem. Chronic pain typically affects more area's than just the problem area. I've often seen "patient X" walk into our office complaining of hip pain and neck pain. "Patient X" would disclose that he had lower back pain for the last 10 years and his neck/hip pain began gradually over the years. Often, this patient's pain is related to the chronic lower back pain which, inturn, changed the way the patient walked, sat, slept, etc. over the past 10 years. Obviously getting the patient out of pain is objective #1 but reestablishing muscular balance and biomechanics is just as important in the bigger picture. Trauma can often lead to chronic pain conditions if not treated and managed properly.
Are there cases that are beyond the scope of what we can help? Of course. Those patients will be evaluated and referred appropriately to a network of doctors that we work with.
I encourage you to explore what is possible without drugs or surgery. You may be suprised.
References:
1.Meade TW. Low back pain of mechanical origin: randomized comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment. British Medical Journal 1990;300:1431-7.
2.Meade TW. Randomized comparison of Chiropractic and hospital outpatient management for low back pain: results from extended follow up. British Medical Journal 1995;311:349-51
3.Kokjohn. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1992;15:279 | 
