Many of the pain-sensing nerves of the spine are in the facet joints, or the two interlocking "fingers" at the back of each spinal bone.  The normally smooth surfaces on which these joints glide can become rough, irritated, and inflamed when a spinal bone is out of position, causing lower back discomfort.

While the intervertebral disc is a common culprit in spine-related health problems, its function is widely misunderstood.  The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones.  The soft, jelly-like center is contained by layers of fibrous tissues.  Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine.  When healthy, discs allow for normal turning and bending.  Unfortunately, discs can bulge, herniate or rupture, resulting in other problems.  Chiropractic care does not make disc herniation disappear, but it can usually eliminate its symptoms.

A frequently overlooked cause of headaches is the malfunction of spinal bones in the neck and upper back.  When bones of the spine stray from their normal position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected.  When spinal nerves and related tissues are stretched or irritated, they can produce throbbing headaches.  Aspirin and medications may cover up these warning signs, but do not correct the underlying structural cause.

This period of rapid development, hormonal changes, stretching connective ligaments, and shifting of weight-bearing structures often causes many pregnant women to experience low back pain.  Chiropractic care can be quite helpful in easing this pain.  The benefits of chiropractic care may also be noticed during delivery.  Many chiropractic patients report that their deliveries were faster and more comfortable than deliveries previous to chiropractic care.   Modifications to the table or adjusting techniques are made during each stage of pregnancy.  Pamper yourself and your baby with regular chiropractic checkups.

The sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves in the body. They are about the size of your thumb in diameter, and run down the back of each leg.  When the sciatic nerve is irritated by a spinal misalignment or inflammation of surrounding tissues, pain is referred down the leg.  This is referred to as sciatica, and can be corrected through chiropractic care.

Spinal injuries can restrict range of motion, reduce strength, slow reflexes, shorten endurance and decrease performance. Chiropractic care for this type of injury has become increasingly popular.  Professional sports teams, Olympic trainers, and competitive athletes are employing chiropractic doctors - because they demand results.  Besides helping to relieve pain, chiropractic care can also help reduce inflammation.  Muscles, tendons, and ligaments depend upon proper joint movement for peak performance.  Injuries to these tissues can reduce range of motion, affect delicate nerves, decrease blood supply, and take you out of the game.  Normalizing spinal function helps speed the healing of these soft tissues and reduce the deconditioning effect of being on the sidelines.