· The Science : Since its beginning, chiropractic has been based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. While the brain is protected by the skull, the spinal cord is more vulnerable, covered by 24 moving vertebrae. When these bones lose their normal motion or position, they can irritate the nervous system. This disrupts the function of the tissues or organs these nerves control, and is called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas of spinal malfunction, the art of correcting them, and the philosophy of things natural. A continuing schedule of regular chiropractic checkups can help detect, correct, and maintain optimum spinal and nervous system function. Find out how chiropractic care, combined with proper diet, exercise, and other aspects of good health and personal hygiene can enhance your well-being and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for a care program designed for your age, condition, and lifestyle. · The Art : After a thorough examination and a review of your health history, your chiropractic doctor will recommend a specific care program. If yours is a chiropractic case, this will include specific spinal adjustments. The word adjustment describes hundreds of ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore spinal bones to a more normal position and motion. When spinal function is improved, nervous system function (health) can improve too. After years of training, chiropractic doctors become experts at using just the right amount of force in the right direction. This may require a quick movement or in other instances a slow and constant pressure. Chiropractic is truly an art. · The Philosophy : Besides the science and art, chiropractic has a philosophical aspect. Chiropractic doctors recognize that regardless of the type of doctor you consult, doctors don't heal, only the body can heal itself. So your chiropractic doctor's main purpose is to reduce interference to your inborn healing ability. · REFERENCES · Barge, F. H., Life Without Fear, Bawden Brothers Printing, Inc., 1990. Chapman-Smith, D., The Chiropractic Report, Vol. 2, No. 3, March, 1988. Gray, Henry, Gray's Anatomy; Anatomy of the Human Body, 30th edition, Lea and Febiger, edited by Charles Mayo Gross, M.D., Philadelphia, 1985. Haldeman, S., D.C., M.D., Modern Development in the Principles and Practice of Chiropractic, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1980. Kirk, R., D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Nila, V., D.C., States' Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 2nd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1985. Leach, R., The Chiropractic Theories; A Synopsis of Scientific Research, 2nd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1986. Lewitt, K., MUDr., Doc., Dsc., Manipulative Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Motor System, Butterworth, 1987. Maynard, J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing Company, 1991 Netter, Ciba Collections: The Nervous System, Volume 1, Part 1, Anatomy and Physiology, 1986. Tickel, W., D.C., Down Right! Up Right!, M and D Printing, 1987. Walton, L., M.D., Essentials of Neurology, 6th edition, W. B. Saunders, 1989. © 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.