There are many aspects to the science of chiropractic. Among them is treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, care for the joints in the body, and care for the health of the spine through chiropractic adjusting.  Although chiropractic has become known for success with back and neck pain, chiropractic was developed as a means to improve overall health by optimizing the function of the nervous system.  Your nerves are involved with every function in the body, and therefore every aspect of health.  Your nerves control things like digestion, heart, kidney and bowel function along with muscle control, just to name a few.  Research has shown an increase in immune function following chiropractic adjustments.¹

The chiropractic adjustment itself is a method used to restore proper function of a joint and the surrounding connective tissue.  By restoring the normal motion of a spinal joint, the nerves in that area are free of pressure, impingement or interference. Chiropractic adjustments are safe, well-researched tools for helping restore health.

Chiropractic physicians have a vast education that surprises many people. Following a four year undergraduate degree program, chiropractic students undergo four years of additional academic training. The following graph illustrates the comparison between the chiropractic education and the allopathic (medical) education.

Chiropractic deals with the structure and function of the body using natural methods rather than drugs, surgery or emergency medicine.  In general, chiropractors are trained how to help the body achieve and maintain optimal health in natural ways rather than waiting until pathology develops and treating it with medications. Chiropractors are well-equipped to act as primary care physicians who can treat a variety of conditions as well as recognize the need for referral to an allopathic doctor if the need should arise. A chiropractic physician who practices in this manner, such as Dr. Hallawell, is a wonderful choice for individuals and families who would prefer a natural route to addressing health problems.

Graph data from the Association of American Medical Colleges 1993-1994 Curriculum Directory & Bulletins of the American and Canadian schools accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education.

1. Brennan, et al. The National College of Chiropractic