Chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Although its main focus is the relationship between the skeleton (particularly the spine) and the nervous system that runs through it, chiropractic is concerned with the care of the entire body. Chiropractors use various diagnostic methods, including-rays, to discover the state of your health, paying particular attention to your spine and bone structure. Spinal manipulation and other manual adjustments are their primary methods of helping your body heal itself.

The word chiropractic comes from a combination of the Greek words "chiro" and "praktikis", meaning "done by hand". "Treatment by hand" was an accepted form of therapy in ancient Greece. Hippocrates, who is regarded as the founder of medical inquiry, made the first recorded references to spinal manipulation. Nineteen hundred niney-five marked the 100th anniversary of the evolution of modern chiropractic. In recognition of this milestone, centennial celebrations were held across Canada and throughout the world. Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of the centennial of the profession, and to honour its Canadian Found, Dr. Daniel David Palmer.

The Chiropractors Act of British Columbia defines "chiropractic" as the branch of the healing arts that is concerned with the restoration and maintenance of health through adjustment by hand, or the use of devices directly related to the adjustment, of the articulations of the human body and that is involved primarily with the relationship of the spinal column to the nervous system. A Chiropractor is a person whose method of treatment of the human body for disease and the cause of diseases is confined solely to chiropractic.

Chiropractic is based on the self-regulating capacity of your body to heal itself. The important functions of the body are controlled by the brain, the spinal cord and all the nerves of the body. The skull protects the brain and the spinal segments protect the spinal cord which extends from the base of the brain to the lower lumbar region. Impairment of the nervous system at any level can cause malfunction of the tissues and organ systems of the body. This impairment is referred to as a Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Vertebral refers to the spine. Subluxation means less than a joint dislocation. Complex refers to the interrelationship of bony and soft tissue components - nerves, ligaments, muscle and vascular system.

Chiropractic is the science of locating the offending spinal structures and the art of reducing their detrimental effects. Inclusive to these is the philosophy that structure and function are interrelated and our bodies naturally attempt to return to a state of health if offending agents or relationships are reduced or eliminated.

Canadian Chiropractors are doctors. As students of chiropractic, they study for a minimum of seven years at university and Chiropractic College. Fields of study include anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, radiology (x-ray) and spinal adjustment techniques. Students must also complete an internship program, which provides further supervised training and the clinical “hands-on” skills required to practice chiropractic.

Upon receiving their Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, students must then pass a series of rigorous National License Exams, as well as British Columbia's Provincial Licensing Exams in order to practice in BC. In order to maintain their licenses, BC Chiropractors are required to participate yearly in approved continuing education programs.

Chiropractic helps to remove postural imbalances and structural misalignments that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Our spines change and develop problems just like our teeth, eyes and heart. Left unchecked for a long time, these changes may lead to pain, stiffness or other more serious problems.

The nervous system is a key part of your body. It is the communication system between your brain and all of your body's muscles, organs and tissues. For your body to remain healthy, your nervous system must function well. For your nervous system to function well, it must be free of interference. The spine is the most common site of nervous interference because nerves travel from the spinal cord through openings on either side of the spine to get to all of your cells and organs.

Each of us is born with the ability to heal and recover from illness. Our bruises heal, cuts mend and common colds are overcome. Your nervous system regulates this inborn healing ability.

Think of your brain as a central command post sending and receiving information through telephone wires (your nerves) which branch out to connect all areas of a city (your body). A short circuit in a wire cuts off communication just like misalignments in your spine can put pressure on the nerves. This pressure interferes with your nervous system, affects your ability to self-heal and may prolong injury or illness. The customized care you receive from your chiropractor may help to improve your posture, muscle balance and mobility. It can also restore the integrity of your nervous system and get rid of pain quickly, so you can get back to feeling good...today.

From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to electricians, infants to seniors, chiropractic care has been the answer to optimum health. Many people see a Doctor of Chiropractic for back, neck or joint problems, while others may seek relief from the discomfort caused by headaches, high blood pressure, asthma or other conditions. Still others find that regular visits to their chiropractor keep them in peak condition.

Regularly a dentist checks our teeth, an optometrist checks our eyes and a doctor checks our blood pressure and heart. Yet, we take the spine - a crucial component of our body - for granted. Call your family doctor of Chiropractic today because regular checkups of your spine can help you maintain better health.

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and effective. Scientific evidence proving that the chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years, many controlled and independent research studies have shown again and again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the spine*. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems.

* The extent to which a person can benefit from care varies depending on their problem and how long it has existed.