Nelson Chiropractic Health Center

No. The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual care program. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. There are numerous techniques or types of spinal adjustments. At Hands On Health we tailor the type of adjustments given to suit each individual.

In a word, no. Spinal adjustments restore the normal, healthy motion and position that each spinal segment requires. Because spinal adjustments, delivered by a trained chiropractic doctor, do not injure or weaken the muscular and ligamentous structures of the spine they do not cause any weakening or "loosening" of the spine. In order for the spine to be strong and able to withstand the various forces and stresses of daily life the spinal bones must be in normal alignment and have their normal amount of movement. Spinal adjustments do just that.

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in the specific direction, to a specific spinal bone, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound, like the sound that often accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint "manipulation" is usually counterproductive, often making an all ready unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. This is also true for well-meaning friends or family members who are "chiropractor wanna-be's". Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! Chiropractors themselves seek out the services of their colleagues to maintain their spinal health.

As soon as you develop "spinal nerve stress." Since spinal nerve stress is often painless, it is best to have your spine checked regularly, just as you would have your teeth checked for "painless" cavities.

In the words of the "Report Of The Commission Of Inquiry" of the New Zealand Government, Chiropractic care is remarkably safe. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.

Despite some misunderstanding by some in the medical community the actual scientific research into the subject reveals that the incidents of stroke from a chiropractic neck adjustment is extremely rare ( According to a recent, 2001, paper published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association, 1 in 5.8 million neck adjustments may be related to altered blood flow through the vertebral arteries of the neck.) Neck manipulation has been somewhat more correlated with stroke. Some in the medical profession as well as many physiotherapists perform these manipulations, most in the chiropractic profession do not.

Since significant spinal trauma can occur during the birth process many parents have their newborns checked for spinal nerve stress (subluxations.) Later, learning to walk, or ride a bicycle, and many other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as "growing pains" can often be traced to spinal problems. Naturally, Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem much healthier than other children. Chiropractic for children can help to avoid many other health complaints seen later in adulthood.

Most certainly. While there are various types of arthritis, the most common type occurring in the spine is called osteoarthritis. With few exceptions people with degenerative osteoarthritis find chiropractic adjustments a great help in relieving their symptoms and improving their overall body movement.

Most surgical cases begin with spinal subluxations which chiropractic can often correct. If a condition is detected soon enough, generally, back surgery would rarely be needed.

Yes. We have cared for numerous patients who have had various types of spinal surgeries with good results. It's an unfortunate fact that half of those who have spinal surgery discover a return of their original problems months or years later. This all too-common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic can often help avoid repeated operations.

In the majority of cases, yes. In fact, a broken bone forms a callus or bone scar when it heals that is stronger than the rest of the bone. People who have had broken bones in particular need chiropractic check-ups because accidents usually cause spinal subluxations.

Most people that have their first heart attack had no idea they had a problem before. In the same way symptoms or the lack thereof are not a good way to judge one's health. Pain and other symptoms often show up only after years of body malfunction. Most people maintain their automobiles much better than they do their own bodies. Chiropractic is a preventative proactive type of health care.

Simply put, ongoing chiropractic check-ups and adjustments help to ensure that you can enjoy your life to the fullest extent in a body that feels and works at its possible best!