Most of us can remember being told as children to “sit up straight”. Our grandmothers may have told us that good posture was important, but they never really gave us a reason. Today, we know that Grandma was right and understand why.

The spinal column not only provides our bodies with support and mobility, it houses the spinal cord, part of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS is comprised of the brain and spinal cord and is such an important part of our bodies, it is the only organ system that is complete encased in bone. The CNS is the command center of almost every aspect and function of our bodies.

Messages from the brain are relayed to and from the rest of the body through the spinal cord. At each level of the spinal column, a pair of spinal nerves branch off and move out to every organ of the body. When the spinal nerve roots exit the spine, they begin what is called the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). If the CNS is the Command Center and Information Super Highway, the PNS are all of the smaller highways and country roads that connect us to every specific location.

Chiropractor Anderson, SC

Common Problems and Solutions

One of the main focuses of a Doctor of Chiropractic is to help their patients have a healthy and properly functioning spine. Doctors of chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to help determine the nature and cause of their patient’s problem. If a patient is found to have health issues that require the attention of other medical specialties, they will readily refer to the appropriate health care provider.

Common Problems

  • Headaches
  • Neck, Shoulder, Arm, Elbow, Back, Hip and Knee pain
  • Hand numbness / Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Sinusitis / Allergies
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Painful Menstruation
  • Childhood ear infections
  • Colic
Although chiropractic physicians help people with nutrition, exercise, and ergonomic advice, their main focus is on the Subluxation Complex. This is the term given when spinal segments become fixated or “stuck”, negatively impacting nearby joints, discs, muscles and nerves. These Subluxations are not only responsible for local and referred pain, but are known to cause problems in other organ systems as well. Identifying and correcting the Subluxation Complex can bring relief to people suffering from a variety of symptoms and prevent further spinal degeneration.

The most common therapeutic procedure used to correct the Subluxation Complex is the “chiropractic adjustment”, also known as “spinal manipulation”. These adjustments are performed by hand and with the aid of instruments. Chiropractic adjustments are not painful and most patients enjoy them, looking forward to their treatments. Postural faults and muscle imbalances are commonly found in association with the subluxation and are addressed through patient education and training.