What is chiropractic? Chiropractic care is based on the fact that the human body has innate self-regulating, self-healing mechanisms as controlled by the brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of the body. As the skull protects the brain, the articulating bones in the spine protect the communicating nerves from the spinal cord out to all the structures. If there is a malfunction of a bony segment causing impairment in the nervous system, it can lead to malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body as well as pain. Chiropractors call this a subluxation complex. Chiropractic is the art science and philosophy of locating these subluxations and reducing them so as to enhance the body's innate functioning systems.

How are chiropractors educated? Today's doctor of chiropractic is well educated. The chiropractor needs to complete similar pre-med requisites as required by most medical schools. Special attention is paid to diagnosis, anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray and specific spinal adjusting techniques. A doctor of chiropractic needs to first pass a national board examination and, if successful, continues on to take state board examinations in order to be granted the privilege to practice. After licensure, the chiropractic education continues with post-graduate requirements in order to renew the license and remain current on the latest scientific research.

How does chiropractic work? Chiropractic works by restoring your own innate ability to be healthy. All structures in the body are designed to resist disease and heal themselves. With improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system function. By removing any disruption of transmission of necessary nerve impulses, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as "back" problems.

Is chiropractic care safe? A study conducted by the government of New Zealand stated that chiropractic care is "remarkably safe." Chiropractic as a natural approach to increased health has been proven safe and effective. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record as it avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. The information gathered by Dr. Rosner through a thorough case history, examination and limited specific x-rays, if indicated, will reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the most effective course of treatment.

What is a chiropractic adjustment? A chiropractic adjustment is the developed skill of using a specific force in a precise direction applied to a vertebral segment that is fixated, "locked up" or simply not moving properly. The purpose of this safe natural procedure is to improve the integrity of the spine, thereby enhancing nervous system function and eventually health benefit. There are different adjusting methods within the chiropractic profession. Dr. Rosner uses a combination of Gonstead, Palmer and diversified techniques coupled with adjunctive physical therapy to help prepare and relax the spine for the corrective chiropractic manipulation.

What if I have a chiropractor that I have seen before? Dr. Rosner will make every attempt to contact your prior chiropractor for clues and insights into adjusting techniques that have been successful in the past. The more information that Dr. Rosner can gather from your condition, the better and more effective is the treatment. Make sure to bring all prior chiropractic information with you to facilitate contacting your previous treating doctor.

Do I have a pinched nerve? Researchers have suggested that only 10% to 15% of spinal problems are actually caused by direct pressure of a bone on a nerve. Most often, nerves are irritated by increased inflammation in the immediate area that may be caused by a loss of spinal curve or malfunctioning vertebral segments. Actual trauma to the spine as well as emotional tension and/or chemical toxins can affect the spinal cord and associated nerves exiting from the spinal cord.

Do I have a slipped disc? The term "slipped disc" actually is a misnomer. In all actuality, a disc cannot slip. The disc is a cushioning pad of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and is located between the vertebral segments. A gelatinous center is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue as the disc. This can be imagined as an apple turnover with chunks of apple inside. If there is an injury to the spine, the disc can tear, bulge, herniate or rupture. This is when the soft contents of the disc leaks out of the disc itself putting pressure on nerve roots and spinal cord. For over 100 years, many patients have been able to avoid unnecessary surgery as well as drug dependency. Chiropractic adjustments may help the injured segments to maintain existing range of motion and heal as effectively as possible without surgical intervention while promoting acceptable long-lasting results.

Can I adjust myself? Many times it is possible to twist and turn in a certain direction to create a popping sound in the spine. Often this type of manipulation does not completely correct the misaligned segment. Repeated self-adjusting can also create a chronic irritation as well as accelerated wear and tear on the affected spinal segments. Dr. Rosner seeks adjustments from his colleagues often in order to restore and maintain his own proper spinal function and integrity.

Do children need chiropractic care? Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's smaller anatomy. Significant spinal trauma can occur as early as birth and it is wise for parents to have their newborns checked by a chiropractor for vertebral subluxations. The everyday business of being a child can also create spinal problems that the parent should be sensitive to. It is not wise to label all childhood pains as "growing pains." Regular chiropractic checkups often can identify problems and correct them to hopefully avoid problems in the future. Dr. Rosner has adjusted many infants throughout the course of his career. Needless to say, these adjustments are extremely gentle and specific.

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