What is Chiropractic? Chiropractors are licensed doctors who specialize in the Spinal Adjustment and in the location and correction of Spinal Subluxations. They are trained in musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment relating to pinched nerves due to mechanical imbalances of the human frame. Chiropractors have many years of study in the muscular, spinal and nervous systems, and their relationship to normal body functions. This training makes them highly qualified to care for numerous chronic and severe conditions. As doctors of chiropractic, we are educated to determine when a condition requires a non-medical or a medical solution and are responsible to refer patients to the appropriate healthcare provider and develop and coordinate a complete recovery plan when necessary. Today's healthcare system recognizes the need to integrate modern chiropractic care into mainstream treatment options. It has become common for chiropractors to receive referrals from medical institutions and private practitioners. With their specific knowledge, experience and training, chiropractors are able to successfully treat many health conditions without the use of drugs and/or surgery. The non-medical, non-surgical approach of chiropractic is especially important because of the widespread misuse of and addiction to prescription and over the counter drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.), often with serious side effects. The margin of error on both the physician's and the patient's side is potentially too dangerous to be considered lightly. Often, the side affect of a drug is diagnosed as another illness and yet another medication is prescribed to treat that. Such drug and physician induced illnesses are known as Iatrogenic Diseases. Unfortunately most people are not aware of these dangers, which is why chiropractors try to educate the public of the alternatives. Today, more and more people are recognizing the need for chiropractic care first, before drugs or surgery. In fact, licensing standards for the practice of chiropractic exists in the United States, Canada, Australia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, South Africa, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. There are chiropractic colleges in the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Denmark, France, Japan and South Africa. In most states, Medicare, Worker's Compensation, No-Fault, Personal Injury and many health insurance policies now include coverage for non-invasive chiropractic care. As we move beyond the new millenium, more and more people are choosing chiropractic care as a first option to medicine and surgery. In most cases the non-medical alternative is far more cost-effective and safer than standard allopathic care. The chiropractic care at Advanced Spine and Sports Medicine is based upon the integrity and alignment of the spine and proper functioning of the nervous system. The care that our chiropractors deliver helps many types of back disorders, neck and back pain, and pain from various joints throughout the body. Conditions requiring chiropractic treatment can be caused by herniated discs, sprains and strains, injuries and accidents, sports injuries, and/or stress. Using a gentle form of spinal alignment and joint mobilization throughout the body, we're able to regain a patient's mobility and reduce their pain quickly and effeciently. Once treated, patients not only receive relief from their pain symptoms, but almost always detect a reduction in their daily stress, and get the benefits of an overall feeling of well being.