What Exactly is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.

One of the most important controlling systems in the body is the nervous system. Good health depends upon the brain being able to communicate with all parts of the body by a properly functioning nervous system. It is the spine that houses and provides protection for the spinal cord and nerves. When vertebrae in the spine are not positioned or functioning normally, it can affect the nervous system and interrupt vital communication. This condition is called a spinal subluxation and is the underlying cause of many health problems.

A common question frequently asked is, what conditions do chiropractors treat? It would be more helpful to ask, what conditions do spinal subluxations cause? By recalling that the nervous system controls the functions of the body, the traditional view of chiropractic for only back pain is quickly expanded upon. Whenever abnormal health conditions are present, it is important to make sure the nervous system is free from interference. The chiropractic profession is trained and specializes in detection and correction of spinal subluxations.

Chiropractors use many of the same standard procedures to diagnosis a patient's condition as other physicians including a case history, examination, laboratory analysis, and x-rays. In addition, they perform a careful structural analysis of the spine to detect nerve interference that may be causing or contributing to your lack of health. This area of spinal analysis is one of the major ways a chiropractor differs from all other physicians. 

The word chiropractic comes from the two Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action), which means "done by hand." This is a good description of one of the major treatments the chiropractor performs; the spinal adjustment. When a spinal bone is out of position or not functioning correctly, the chiropractor uses a specific manual adjustment performed with the hands to correct this problem. This is discussed further under the section about Gonstead.

Chiropractic has come a long way since its beginning in 1895. Today, there are over 50,000 licensed chiropractors practicing in the United States. Following undergraduate college education, a future chiropractor must complete four years of study at an accredited chiropractic college. After then completing a clinical internship, a prospective chiropractor must pass both national and state licensing examinations. A chiropractor has the initials DC after his or her name which stands for Doctor of Chiropractor. See the below chart to learn more about the education of a chiropractor.

So, is chiropractic for back pain, neck injuries, and headaches? Certainly. But never forget, no matter what disease or health problem you have, it might be directly or indirectly caused by nerve interference. So before you take medication for your menstrual cramps or heartburn, have your gall bladder removed, or reach for your inhaler because of asthma, make sure the cause is not a spinal subluxation.

There are many ingredients to being truly healthy: a good diet, exercise, avoiding stress, sufficient rest, and perhaps, even a positive attitude. But let's not forget one of the most important, "keeping your nervous system free from interference."

If your condition is caused by a spinal subluxation, 
no pill, powder or potion will correct it, only a specific chiropractic adjustment.

Nerve chart
 
Chart on education

Gonstead Method

Dr. Petchauer practices a type of chiropractic called "The Gonstead Technique." There are many different methods of chiropractic, but "Gonstead" stands alone in its unique approach in both analyzing and treating the spine. It was developed by Dr. C.S. Gonstead over the course of his 50 years of chiropractic practice. Using his mechanical engineering background and extensive hours spent studying cadaver spines; his method took chiropractic from a non-specific general manipulation of the spine to a very precise and specific means of correcting spinal problems. His skill brought him both national and international acclaim, and his practice in Wisconsin drew patients from all over the world. Dr. Gonstead's brilliant mind and lifelong experience of treating thousands of patients enabled him to refine his technique which is now taught and practiced by other chiropractors.

Often the question is asked, why do so few chiropractors practice the Gonstead method? To become an advanced practitioner of this type of chiropractic requires years of study and commitment. It involves attending numerous post-graduate classes that are held throughout the country. Unfortunately, not many chiropractors take on the challenge of mastering the Gonstead system. For a list of chiropractors specializing in the Gonstead method, see www.gonsteadseminar.com/referral.aspx

Gonstead chiropractic involves a logical and thorough method for analyzing the spine and nervous system. A visual exam observing how a person walks, stands, sits, and moves can reveal subtle abnormalities indicating musculoskeletal problems. A nervoscope, an instrument that measures abnormal heat patterns along the spine, is used not only to help locate a problem but to objectively monitor a patient's response to treatment. A spinal exam consists of both static and motion palpation. Static palpation detects muscle tightness and imbalances, areas of swelling or tenderness, and other soft tissue irregularities indicating a spine that is not properly functioning. Motion palpation involves putting each of the spinal vertebrae through a test to see if they can perform all of their normal ranges of motion. The loss of motion is the cardinal sign of a spinal problem, not only causing symptoms now, but spinal decay and disc degeneration in the future. An x-ray exam is vital; it allows the chiropractor to actually see the individual vertebrae. Not only do x-rays show abnormalities such as bone disease, malformations, arthritis, osteoporosis, and abnormal curves; they determine if spinal adjustments are the appropriate treatment. X-Rays are also vital because they are the blueprint of how the spinal bone needs to be moved or adjusted. Gonstead chiropractors use a special x-ray analysis procedure developed by Dr. Gonstead to assure the most specific and accurate spinal adjustment.

The above procedures give the Gonstead chiropractor the information he or she needs to perform an accurate spinal adjustment. All of the adjustments given are of the Gonstead type, which means they are never general manipulations. Adjustments are never forced or utilize torquing or twisting as is common in chiropractic techniques, but are biomechanically correct to assure safety and quick progress. All of the adjusting tables used are genuine Gonstead equipment. For more information on Gonstead chiropractic - see www.gonsteadseminar.com

Children and Chiropractic

For many decades, parents have been bringing their children to Gonstead chiropractors. Many spinal problems that adults experience actually begin as early as birth. The birthing process often stresses the infant's spine and causes misalignments that irritates the nervous system and produces abnormal health conditions. Colic, croup, sleeping problems, allergic reactions and chronic infections including ear aches can be traced to nerve interference from spinal problems.

As a child grows, many different events can adversely affect the spine. Merely learning to walk involves countless falls. As children learn to ride bikes, skate or climb trees, often spinal misalignments occur. Sports, accidents, and even hours of sitting in school can take a toll. These misalignments may or may not result in immediate pain or other symptoms. This trauma, whether small or large, can lead to more serious problems later in life.

Regular chiropractic checkups can identify spinal misalignments and malfunctions and allow them to be corrected early in life before they cause health problems later in life. Chiropractors frequently see adult patients where the initial spinal problems began in childhood.

Chiropractic adjusting techniques are modified to fit the size and age of the child. The adjustment utilizes a light finger-tip contact to remove the spinal misalignment. Since children's spines are more mobile than adults, and spinal problems usually have not had years to develop, often only a few spinal adjustments are needed.

Uncorrected spinal conditions in childhood become significant problems later in life. Give your child the best possible chance to grow up healthy; have their spine checked by a Gonstead chiropractor.