Chiropractic is concerned with the relationship of the spinal column and the musculoskeletal structures of the body to the nervous system.  The reason that proper alignment of the spinal column is essential for optimum health is because the spinal column acts a switchboard for the nervous system.  When there is nerve interference caused by misalignments in the spine, pain can occur and the body's defenses can be diminished.  By adjusting and realigning the spinal joints, normal nerve function can be restored.

The spinal column is made up of twenty-four bones called vertebrae that surround and protect the spinal cord.  Between each vertebra, pairs of spinal nerves exit and extend to every part of the body, including muscles, bones, organs and glands.  The nervous system itself is comprised of three overlapping systems:

• The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord
• The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and glandular function
• The peripheral nervous system, which connects the central nervous system to all the body tissues and voluntary muscles

Health relies upon the balance and equilibrium of these three interrelated nerve systems, which can be easily disrupted by spinal injury, misalignment, stress, or illness.  When vertebrae get out of alignment, pressure is placed on the nerves in that area.  As a result, the nerves cannot carry out their proper function and this can lead to dysfunction.  The chiropractic adjustment is used to correct vertebral misalignments, and in doing so helps to maintain the overall health of the nervous system and in preventing repetitive wear and tear on joints and ligaments of the musculoskeletal system.  By maintaining proper positioning of joints, the accumulation of scar tissue formation following serious injury can be reduced, thus preventing later weakness or stiffness of the affected joints.  Chiropractic has also been effective in treating various disturbances of the body, including peripheral joint injuries (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles), sprains/strains, arthritis, tendonitis, etc.

The primary feature of chiropractic treatment is the chiropractic adjustment.  During an examination, if localized areas of dysfunction are apparent, treatment is begun specifically to increase joint motion.  The most common type of adjustment is a maneuver in which the joint is gently and precisely stretched to just beyond its normal range of motions.  An audible and painless click is often heard, which is explained by the release of gases from the joint fluid.  Depending on the patient, sometimes a light force or non-force technique is used to correct spinal dysfunction in which no "popping" sounds are heard.  Additionally, a variety of adjunctive natural health care therapies may be used. hair extensions uk