Levine Chiropractic, PLLC

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?

In order to enjoy optimum physical and emotional well-being, our bodies need to be working properly, with a nerve supply that can relay messages from the brain (a nerve impulse) to every cell, tissue and organ-- and back again-- without interference or distortion, and with articular structures (joints) that move properly and fully within their normal limits.

Ironically it was the father of medicine, Hippocrates, who said "Look well to the spine for here you will find the requisite cause of disease". Can chiropractic spinal adjustments cure disease? NO! Any health care professional who says they can cure disease is not being honest. That is because healing comes from within. We merely act as facilitators.Our innate (or inborn) intelligence is an expression of the universal intelligence (or God if you prefer) that created us. The power that created the body is the power that heals the body and that power, that life force, is within each of us. We see examples of this all the time. One example of our innate healing power is evidenced when we cut ourselves. Our innate healing power stops the bleeding, closes the wound with a scab, fights off infection and when the repair is complete the scab falls away. Another example is cancer. Did you know that we have cells that become cancerous all the time? The innate healing ability of the body, when working properly, eliminates these cells before they begin to replicate. Amazing? Absolutely! Are there things that interfere with our ability to self regulate, to adapt and to heal? Of course there are. Environmental factors such as pollution, stress and chemical exposure for one thing. Some of the foods we consume can contribute to an internal environment that promotes ill health.

Another factor is when there is an interference in the communication link from the master control center (the brain) to the immune system and the self-healing process becomes impaired.

Chiropractors look for and address the vertebral subluxation

(sub-lux-ay-shun). This is a loss of normal motion of one or more vertebrae causing localized inflammation of the facet joints, abnormal muscle tone and fibrotic scar adhesions. All of which can cause stress, irritation,pressure or stretching to the delicate nerves exiting the spine. And, as demonstrated in university research, This can result in abnormal flow of nerve impulses(messages or commands) through those nerves.

Another consequence of abnormal spinal joint motion is the activation of special nerve fibers called nociceptors ( no-see-sep-tours). These nerve fibers signal the brain to orchestrate the release of the same chemicals and hormones the body uses during the "fight or flight"response. During the "fight or flight" response these chemicals and hormones are necessary for immediate survival. However when the body is continuously exposed to these chemicals and hormones, as is seen with vertebral subluxations, then malfunction begins to develop. Such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance leading to diabetes, chronic fatigue and the list goes on.

We also know that if joint structures become immobilized they begin to undergo degenerative processes (often referred to as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis). Maintaining normal joint motion is so important to long term spinal health. A good analogy is that loss of motion to the spine is just like what sugar does to your teeth!

Because the spine protects the spinal cord and nerve roots we must be sure the spine is kept properly aligned and functioning normally so that it will not contribute to an interference or irritation to the spinal nerves. We must be sure our spine and nervous system has the opportunity to be healthy as possible. This way the brain and nervous system can perform their duties of allowing all the cells, tissues and organ systems to function to their fullest genetic potential, thus providing us the opportunity to have a state of optimal physical, mental and social well being.

Health doesn't come from a bottle of pills. Headaches aren't the result of low levels of ibuprofen and ear infections aren't due to a blood deficiency of antibiotics.

We all want to be healthy. We exercise and try to eat right. We brush and floss our teeth regularly and see our dentist for preventive check-ups. Regular spinal health care should also be based on prevention and maintenance long before you "throw your back out".

By making chiropractic care a regular part of your life along with proper nutrition and regular consistent exercise, you give yourself the opportunity to function at your fullest potential. Anything less and you are cheating yourself and your loved ones.

REGULAR CHIROPRACTIC CARE:

promotes healing

enhances immune function

improves balance and coordination

improves flexibility and strength

maintains and improves joint function and joint health

improves posture

relieves stress and tension

adds years to your life and life to your years

HEALTH: A condition of wholeness in which ALL your body parts are FUNCTIONING in a coordinated manner 100% of the time.

--Websters Dictionary

"Inside your body is a wonderful pharmacy. You name it, the human body can make it....tranquilizers, sleeping pills, anti-cancer drugs; the right dose at the right time for the right organ with no side effects. And all the instructions you need come with the packaging which is your innate intelligence"

-Deepak Chopra, M.D.

"We couldn"t believe it at first. We"ve been able to put together a scientific explanation for how neck structure causes headaches- not all headaches, but a significant number of them. It"s true that chiropractors have been saying this for years"

-Peter Rothbart, M.D., President, North American Cervicogenic Headache Society