About Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a healing science that places emphasis on maintaining the structural integrity and balance of the body. It is a natural form of healthcare that relies on a normally functioning nervous system to control and coordinate all the functions of the human body. It is the science of locating and correcting, through chiropractic adjustments, nerve interference, which can cause dysfunction within the body. Chiropractors have found that if there is pressure along the spine, it causes dysfunction and eventually pain, and other symptoms, frequently affecting muscles, joints, blood vessels, organs, and glands.The goal of chiropractic is to allow your body to heal itself and to function optimally, without the use of drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic is based on the premise that in order to maintain health; you must treat the cause not only the symptoms. We consider all aspects of the patient’s life: family history; work; lifestyle; environment; exercise programs; and the patient’s physical and emotional well being.

How can chiropractic help me?

Chiropractic restores joint movement; relieving pain, reducing susceptibility to injury, and helping to prevent degenerative diseases such as arthritis and disc disease.

What do chiropractors "treat"?

Chiropractors address subluxations, or misalignments of your spine rather than "treat" any specific disease or condition. Chiropractors are spine specialists who are trained to identify spinal misalignments, correct them through specific chiropractic adjustments, allowing the nervous system to function without interference. See Our Philosophy page for more information on how we care about you.

Why is proper functioning of the nervous system so important?

The brain sends signals via the nervous system to various organs, muscles, and tissues to control and coordinate their proper function. When there is any type of nerve interference, dysfunction results. Without correction, disease processes occur. For instance, when an accident occurs on a highway, traffic is backed up for miles and people can’t get to their destination quickly and without irritation. Think of the nervous system as an electrical pathway transporting signals to and from the brain for proper functioning. If an accident occurs, disaster happens. Adjusting the vertebrae restores normal function, removing the irritation to the nerve, allowing the nervous system to return to its natural state of well being.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

The intent of a chiropractic adjustment is to restore proper motion to the spine removing irritation to the associated nerves. There are several adjusting techniques that doctors of chiropractic can utilize in performing safe, specific adjustments. The chiropractic adjustment differs from spinal manipulation performed by physical therapists and osteopaths due to its specificity. Chiropractors remove subluxations not merely manipulate of the spine. Chiropractic is an art and science that takes extensive training and practice to master.

Is chiropractic safe?

YES! Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. See About Dr. Schram for his extensive resume. You may be assured that your chiropractor is more than a recognized health care professional. The core curriculum chiropractors alone receive includes over 4,500 hours of study in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biology, chemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, nutrition, diagnosis, and many hours of training in an internship program—very similar to a medical school curriculum.

Is an adjustment painful?

Although each patient reacts differently, rarely is the procedure painful. Many patients report that they feel a sense of relief and relaxation following an adjustment. It can cause a variety of reactions from temporary soreness to a sense of euphoria and well-being. There are many conditions that may be helped by chiropractic.