For thousands of years manipulating the spine and joints to relieve tension and stresses on the skeletal and nervous systems has been practiced by those who have studied medicine and wellness. The father of medicine, the Greek philosopher and medical pioneer, Hippocrates, published works on the importance of the practice and urged his students to become expert in its uses and applications.
The modern chiropractic profession began in 1895 when Daniel David Palmer restored the hearing of Harvey Lillard by manually adjusting his neck. Just two years later Dr. Palmer opened the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which continues to train doctors of chiropractic medicine to this day. Dr. Andreasen studied at Palmer and received is Doctoral degree there.
The chiropractic profession has gained recognition and scientific support as several universities and research institutions have validated the results and value of chiropractic care in reducing health care costs, improving recovery rates and increasing patient satisfaction. A large study conducted in Canada, the 1993 Manga Study, concluded that chiropractic care would save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in work disability payments and direct health care costs if all appropriate cases were referred to doctors of chiropractic. Several major studies conducted by the U.S. Government, the Rand Corporation and others, have likewise demonstrated the great value of chiropractic care.
There are 5 elements that contribute to the Vertebral Subluxation Complex:
- Bone Component-where the vertebra is out of position, not moving properly, or undergoing degeneration. This often leads to narrowing of the spaces between the bones through which the nerves pass, often resulting in irritation or “pinching” of the nerve.
- Nervous Component-is the disruption of the normal flow of energy along the nerve fibers, causing the messages traveling along the nerves to become distorted. The result is that all of the tissues that are fed by those nerves receive distorted signals from the brain and, consequently, are not able to function normally.
- Muscular Component-because nerves control muscles that hold vertebrae in place, muscles are an integral part of the VSC. A subluxation can irritate a nerve, which causes a muscle to spasm, which pulls the attached vertebrae further out of place, further irritating the nerve–creating a vicious cycle.
- Soft Tissue Component-the VSC also affects the surrounding tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues as the misaligned vertebrae tug and squeeze the connective tissue with remarkable force. In time, the soft tissues become stretched out or scarred, leaving the spine with a permanent instability or restriction.
- Chemical Component-is the change in the body’s chemistry from the VSC. These chemical changes, such as the release of chemicals called “kinins,” are often inflammatory, increasing inflammation in the affected area.
These changes become worse over time if they are not treated, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, muscle trigger points, bone spurs, loss of mobility and muscle weakness and spasm. To ensure good health it’s critical that your nervous system functions free of interference from subluxations. Chiropractors are the only health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex through chiropractic care.
Set an appointment today to visit us for an evaluation and course of care to get your health back on track. We look forward to meeting you soon and treating your condition so that you will begin to heal and become strong again. Call us today for an appointment at (480) 279-4441.
