Chiropractic is a drug-fee, surgery-free, healthcare practice that utilizes natural therapies to alleviate acute pain and problems created through misalignments, or vertebral subluxations, within the neck and spine. It is currently the second largest healthcare system in the United States and a leader in the alternative health movement.

Chiropractic is based upon the philosophy that the body has the ability to heal itself naturally through unrestricted communication between the brain, the spinal cord and nervous system, and all areas of the body. When the flow of this crucial communication is blocked, the body cannot work in balance and symptoms of pain, distress and "dis-ease" are created. Complaints most commonly addressed through chiropractic care include, but are not limited to, back pain, neck pain, painful joints, whiplash, pinched nerves and headaches.

Chiropractors apply extensive skills in examination, diagnosis and treatment to achieve three key objectives in patient care:

1. eliminate or reduce pain,
2. rehabilitate the injured area and
3. provide exercise and lifestyle counseling to keep the patient healthy.

A variety of therapies are used to best serve the relief, rehabilitative and health maintenance needs of the patient. Treatments and therapies include, but are not limited to, chiropractic adjustment, cold therapy, heat therapies, and exercise, nutritional and lifestyle counseling.

Typing. Reaching. Bending. Even the tiniest actions and involuntary reactions can cause a misalignment in the spine and cause pain that disrupts your life at work, at home and at play.

If you've suffered an injury, were in an accident, or are simply in pain, Chiropractic can help.

Chiropractic's non-invasive treatments and therapies are effective in:

• Detecting spinal stress
• Relieving neck, back, leg and foot pain
• Reducing headaches
• Alleviating numbness and tingling
• Increasing limited range of motion and mobility
• Reducing risk of injury/re-injury
• Improving balance and coordination

Your first visit to Preferred Chiropractic is a time for us to get to know you and for you to get to know our staff and the services we provide. Please plan to be with us for an hour and be sure to wear something comfortable that will allow you to move freely during your exam.

We'll start your appointment by asking you to complete a brief health history that will help us better understand your complaint, health status and any concerns you may have about chiropractic care. We'll also ask you to let us know of any medications you're currently taking. In turn, our attentive staff will give you a tour of the office and share information about our policies.

After the paperwork, you'll meet with the doctor for a confidential consultation about your health. The doctor will review your health history with you and ask more specific questions to determine if chiropractic care is right for you. During this consultation you are encouraged to ask any questions you may have about your condition, our office or chiropractic care in general - we want you to have all the information you need to feel comfortable with our role in your health care.

If the doctor believes your condition will benefit from chiropractic treatment, you will have your initial exam. This chiropractic exam includes standard physical, orthopedic and neurological tests, and screenings for conditions that require referral to other healthcare providers. If necessary, X-rays or other diagnostic tests may also be offered. Following the exam, the doctor will recommend an appropriate course of care. If no additional tests or referrals are required, your first treatment may be performed after review of your personalized program.

If you have pain in your neck, back or joints, if you've suffered a sports or work-related injury, or have been in an accident, chiropractic may be right for you. However, an exam by a licensed chiropractor is the only way to know whether or not chiropractic care can be of benefit to your particular complaint and health condition.

Every patient presents a unique combination of pains, health history and state of wellness that requires personal attention and a personalized treatment plan. Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) thoroughly evaluate each patient and utilize a variety of therapies and procedures to customize a program of care best suited to the individual's health needs and goals.

The number of chiropractic treatments needed will vary by condition and stage of care. Initial treatments are designed to relieve pain and are usually more frequent. As in any healthcare practice, the severity of the ailment and the rehabilitation requirements will prolong treatment. Following consultation and a complete chiropractic exam, your doctor will outline a program for your condition and explain what therapies may be used, in what combinations, and for how long. Programs may range from a few visits to regular check-ups for preventive care.

Chiropractors are concerned with the underlying cause of pain and disorders, not just symptoms. They want to see your full health picture, so when appropriate they use X-rays to supplement physical exams and get an inside view of the spinal structure. X-rays visually map the spine and alignments, helping your doctor to more accurately evaluate your health and recommend the most appropriate course of care.

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the majority of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans. However, it is always wise is to check with your employer, or insurer, or refer to your policy to learn what chiropractic benefits are specifically covered by your plan. If you are unsure of your coverage, do not hesitate to call us. Our staff will verify and explain your benefits before treatment, at no charge.

Doctors of Chiropractic endure rigorous training and testing similar to traditional medical programs. The chiropractic curriculum typically takes 4-5 years to complete and requires no less than 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. Upon graduation, candidates are required to pass a demanding four-part National Board Examination. Doctors then apply to a governmental licensing board and fulfill additional testing requirements. And it doesn't stop there!

Many doctors opt to pursue additional degrees, or diplomates, to enhance their knowledge and ability to provide specialized care in areas such as sports injuries, radiology, orthopedics, nutrition and neurology. At a minimum, Chiropractors must satisfy board-mandated continuing education requirements and keep their license in good standing to be eligible for renewal.

When performed by a licensed practitioner, chiropractic treatment is safe and effective. Courses of chiropractic therapy are drug-free and non-invasive, which minimizes the risk inherent in any form of healthcare.

From aerobics to wrestling, sports and exercise activity jars the body and can misalign the spine and supporting structures. If spinal alignment is compromised, so is the performance of the body: range of motion, balance and endurance can all suffer. To help get you back in peak form, Chiropractors use gentle manipulations to restore spinal alignment and physical therapies to help the supportive tissues heal. This combination gives the body the best opportunity to return to structural balance, restore proper function and get you back to your chosen field of play as quickly as possible.

Absolutely! If a muscle or joint is injured, the body naturally compensates and attempts to maintain balance and motion through the use of other muscles and joints. The new combination is not as efficient and over time can wear on the body creating a new pain or injury. For example, pain in the hip could come from a blow to the hip itself or from lower back or knee problems sustained in an earlier injury. A chiropractor is trained to diagnose the root cause of your symptoms and provide non-invasive, drug-free treatments and therapies to restore the natural balance and performance mechanics of the body.

Whether your game is a one-sided activity like golf or tennis or a bone crunching full-contact sport like football or rugby, your spine can become misaligned during play. Whether the problem is caused by repetitive motion or a collision, your form and performance will be less than peak. Your doctor can help improve your form by evaluating your spinal health and by keeping minor injuries from becoming major setbacks. Chiropractors are extensively trained in the mechanics of the body and chiropractic care plans focus on restoring and maintaining the overall structural balance for optimal performance.

If your sport-related twist or sprain results in swelling, apply RICE, avoid HARM and call your physician for further instruction. Questions regarding all other injury symptoms should be immediately directed to your doctor.

APPLY:
R = Rest
I = Ice
C = Compression
E = Elevation to help drain fluid from the injured area

AVOID:
H = Heat
A = Alcohol
R = Running or continued physical activity following injury
M = Massage immediately following injury