What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a global body treatment. Chiropractic is used to ensure optimum communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. Chiropractic care focuses on working with the nervous system so the body’s self-healing abilities are working efficiently and effectively once more. This is achieved by restoring the alignment (and, in turn, proper biomechanical function) in the spine and the extremities.
Spinal misalignments (subluxations) can produce neurological distortions (interference) which will reduce your body’s ability to function properly, maintain itself, and heal itself naturally. Chiropractors adjust (correct) subluxations.
Chiropractic care has been found to help reduce symptoms for the following conditions: allergies, ankle pain, asthma, bed-wetting, breech, constipation, elbow pain, foot pain, headaches, knee pain, low back pain, migraines, neck pain, wrist pain, and many more!
What is an adjustment?
“The process of a spinal alignment is like rebooting a computer. The signals that these adjustments send to the brain, via the nervous system, reset muscle behavior patterns. By stimulating the nervous system we can improve the function of the whole body.”
Haavik-Taylor & Murphy, 2007
What type of adjusting does Dr. Chesten Cantrell perform?
Dr. Chesten Cantrell’s primary method of adjusting is gentle and based on Activator technique. An Activator instrument is used that provides a gentle impulse force to the spine with the goal of restoring motion to the targeted vertebral joint. It is a very gentle style of adjusting. There is no rotation of the body while the adjustment is performed.
For those who prefer a higher force technique, Dr. Cantrell uses Thompson technique style of adjusting that involves a drop-table.
Dr. Cantrell modifies her adjusting style based on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Why do I need chiropractic if my body is self-healing?
The body is not self-sustaining. Self-sustaining means you are able to continue in a healthy state without outside assistance. The fact of the matter is your body does require assistance to remain healthy. If you did not eat, drink, sleep, or receive touch, you would not be able to survive. Because you are not self-sustaining, spinal misalignments (subluxations) occur. It is all about making sure the positive input going into your body is greater than the negative input.
What is a Subluxation?
“A complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ function and general health.”
Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP)
“A neurological imbalance or distortion in the body associated with adverse physiological responses and/or structural changes, which may become persistent or progressive.”
Council on Chiropractic Practice
What causes Subluxations?
Subluxations can occur due to stress, illness, poor body movement, trauma, poor posture, and unknown causes.
Who can benefit from chiropractic care?
Everyone! Pediatrics, adolescents, adults, & geriatrics can all benefit from chiropractic care!
Once I go to a chiropractor, do I have to go for the rest of my life?
No, you don’t have to go to a chiropractor for the rest of your life.
There are those who go to a chiropractor only when “flare-ups” (such as pain) occur and stop going once their complaints/symptoms have resolved.
However, you will find your overall health is better when you receive continuous chiropractic care (even if it’s once a month or once every couple of months) even during times when you aren’t experiencing pain or discomfort. There are patients who report better overall quality of life, sleep, and digestion (among other benefits) from receiving chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is complementary healthcare