What is Chiropractic Care? ( Neurology 101)
Doctors of chiropractic are specialists in neurology. We access the nervous system through the joints of the body, especially those of the spine.
Joints send information to the brain regarding posture, movement, and speed. When motion in a particular joint is limited or has gone wrong, a warning message is sent to the brain in the form of a pain sensation. A chiropractic adjustment restores normal motion to the joint. This prevents further damage to the joint tissue and silences pain nerve endings, naturally. It does this without the use of medications, which can damage important organs like the stomach, liver or kidneys. And, because of its broad effect within the central nervous system, chiropractic care can actually help those organs function better!
Why do people and animals need Chiropractic? 
All of the functions of the body are controlled by the brain sending and receiving messages through the nervous system. When the vertebrae protecting the spinal cord are misaligned (subluxations), they pinch the brainstem and nerves, blocking the messages, resulting in a breakdown of body functions. This may manifest itself as mechanical distortion, symptoms or organ dysfunction. The chiropractic adjustment removes the subluxation and allows the nerves to communicate the message or impulse the brain is sending to each organ, muscle, and tissue within the body.
What results can be expected?
- Improved immune system
- Improved joint function
- Decreased need for medication
- Decreased risk of arthritis
- Optimal rest and metabolism
- Optimal physical endurance
Symptoms from a malfunctioning nervous system can range from the almost undetectable, such as the inability of your athlete to achieve a better time in trials, to being as obvious as paralysis of the legs.
Why does my pet need to see a chiropractor?
Animals have nervous systems just like humans, they can benefit from chiropractic care just as humans do. Certified animal chiropractors see weakness, pain and dysfunction relieved every day through chiropractic interventions. Animals with chiropractic conditions frequently respond dramatically to adjustments provided by a qualified doctor. Animals want to feel better, and when they do, it shows!
According to the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), chiropractic care may be appropriate in the treatment of…
- Neck, back, leg and tail pain
- Muscle spasms, nerve problems
- Disc problems, joint problems, limping
- Injuries from slips, falls and accidents
- Jaw or TMJ problems, difficulty chewing
- Event or sports injuries
- Post-surgical care (especially after anesthetic)
- Post-surgery rehabilitation care (ACL surgeries)
- Bowel, bladder or gastro-intestinal disorders
- Maintenance of joints and spinal health
As chiropractic adjustment are used to remove pressure (from nerves, the spinal cord and the brainstem) caused by misaligned or misshaped/degenerated vertebrae, bones of the joints, protruding or ‘slipped’ discs- it makes sense that if we remove the cause of the pressure, normal nerve function can be restored, thereby allowing the body’s functions to also return to normal.
We will use the information from our Neurological/Chiropractic/Orthopedic examination of your animal, along with information from your veterinarian’s x-rays/lab/test results to determine if your animal has pressure on the nervous system, and the location of these misalignments.