The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts:

1. The structure and condition of the body influences how the body functions and its ability to heal itself.
2. The mind/body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes.

Although chiropractic shares much with other health professions, its emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from modern medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic ("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience to natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can result in illness.

Chiropractic Philosophy includes:

• Emphasis on patient recuperative abilities rather than surgery
• Recognition that dynamics exist between lifestyle, environment and health
• Understanding the cause of illness in order to eliminate it, rather than simply treat symptoms
• Recognition of the centrality of the nervous system and its intimate relationship with the capacities of the human body
• Balancing benefits versus risks of clinical interventions
• Recognition of the primary importance of monitoring progress closely through appropriate diagnostic procedures
• A patient-centered, hands-on approach focused on influencing function through structure
• Focus on early intervention emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are wholly functional and reversible

Chiropractic philosophy blends an effective combination of conviction, critical thinking, open-mindedness and appreciation of the natural order of things. Chiropractic focuses on the establishment and maintenance of a relationship between patients and their environment, which is most conducive to functional well-being.

Chiropractic began in 1895 in Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a magnetic healer, discovered a vertebrae out of position in the back of his deaf janitor, Harvey Lillard. He repositioned (adjusted) the malpositioned vertebrae (subluxation) and Harvey's hearing was restored. Palmer then taught other medical doctors and osteopaths his discovery. They claimed it was superior to all other manual techniques of the time. Its unique feature was the spine's relationship to the nervous system. Palmer discovered a new theory of health balance. Dr. Palmer had an inquisitive mind and was a voracious reader, constantly updating his discovery. His son, BJ Palmer, perpetuated the development of the theories. The grandson, David Palmer, expanded the educational facilities of the school. His great-granddaughter is the current chairman of the board of the Palmer University.

Chiropractors have Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees granted from chiropractic colleges. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in some respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs and medical doctors do not correct the vertebral subluxation complex (spinal nerve stress).

Today, chiropractors have privileges in many hospitals. (Who needs healthy spines more than people facing life-threatening diseases?) The presence of D.C.s in hospitals is a welcome beginning – hopefully paving the way toward making drugless, natural methods of chiropractic care available to all hospital patients.

No. Chiropractors use the spine to access the nervous system. The nervous system controls and coordinates all other systems of the body. The first chiropractic adjustment was given to a patient who was deaf. His hearing was restored. The second patient suffered from angina (heart pain). It was resolved. Chiropractic care began as a form of practice for just about any condition a patient suffered. Chiropractors became known in later years as back doctors because of their approach. Back care is only one limited attitude to chiropractic. Research shows chiropractors help headaches, migraine, neck pain, stomach ulcers, infant colic, middle ear pain, premenstrual pain, improved immune function, improved brain function, better vision, ankles, hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, etc.

Chiropractic methods have been used over the last hundred years to help millions of people achieve better health naturally. While best known for its effectiveness in reducing back pain, chiropractic has also proven effective in a variety of health maladies. The following pain pattern and dysfunction outline will help you to see how the nerve system can affect many more health problems than commonly assumed. This is because nerves do not merely receive pain impulses, though that is one of their many functions; nerves also carry the impulses from the brain to the various organs, glands and systems of the body. When the spinal column becomes misaligned it can cause pressure on the delicate nerves and interfere with the normal transmission of nerve impulses coming from the brain and traveling out to the body parts.

Our priority is to find the cause of your problem. Our primary consideration is structural balance between all the body systems. Along with your adjustments, you may receive ultrasound therapy, electric muscle stimulation, infrared light/cold laser therapy and/or intersegmental traction. Massage therapy is also available at our office.

No. Chiropractic deals with the spinal column, nerve system, meninges and body structure. Massage therapists deal with muscle tension, circulation and body fluid drainage.

Chiropractors are doctors; Physiotherapists are therapists. Very few physiotherapists are in private practice or are members of the Manipulative Therapists Specialty. Chiropractors have a holistic approach to health care that prioritizes the irritation of the nervous system as a major cause of structural imbalance. Chiropractors balance your structure for improved performance. Physiotherapists often use machines, stretching, or exercises to relieve the pain. Studies show that there are two reasons your back pain will last longer. One is the length of time you have left it before seeking help. The other is if you have seen a physiotherapist. Exercise has been found to be useless for acute back pain.

Yes. Having your spinal nerve stress-corrected is important, no matter what other type of health care you are receiving. Today many D.C.s and M.D.s are working together in clinics and on joint research projects. M.D.s are quite likely to have patients who are under chiropractic care, in fact many see a D.C. themselves.

Certainly. As Norman Cousins says: "There are times when intervention in the form of medicine or surgery is absolutely necessary but there is never a time when the nourishment one puts into one's body or one's mind is not essential to health." Chiropractors would add spinal care to Mr. Cousins' observation.

In a majority of cases the answer is a resounding "Yes."

Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too-common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated operations.

Yes. Symptoms are not a good way to judge health. They sometimes surface only after years of body malfunction (like a tooth cavity).

You can come in at any age. Our youngest patient was only a few hours old. Spinal trauma is not unusual even with a normal birth. Gentle techniques are used for both the infant and the mother. Our oldest patient is 96, has less pain, and is much more alert after his adjustments. Different techniques are used to help different age groups.

Standard Medicare plans will pay for chiropractic treatment. Our doctors will do their best to help you efficiently and give you the best value for the money we can. People of all ages can receive chiropractic care. All patients are expected to pay for the care they receive.

You may call or email our office now and we will make a time with you that allows us to have the time needed to give you the best care. Usually the first visit will require about one hour with us.

Allow about one hour for your first visit with us. This visit will be planned at a time that is interruption-free, giving the doctor the opportunity to listen to you and find out if he/she can help you. X-ray service may take 20-30 minutes to complete. Time with the doctor for an explanation of findings may take 15-20 minutes. Treatment times usually vary from 5- to 15-minute visits.

No, you can call for an appointment anytime. Statistics show that if you want a referral from your medical doctor you will need to ask for it and not rely on an uninformed recommendation for chiropractic care. Most doctors know very little about what chiropractors do. However, we are trying our best to inform them of our service.

Usually no. The doctors will tell you what to do at the time they see you. It always helps to arrive a little early for you appointment to relax. If your schedule is busy, be sure to tell the receptionist so that we can give you every consideration. It also helps to wear loose clothing for ease of movement. Tell the doctor of all injuries that you have, even though they may be in places other than your back.

Specifically, the doctor will make you as comfortable as possible as the adjustment is made to your body. Chiropractic means "done by hand." This means the doctor will use his/her hands to move your bones, muscles and nerves the way they should be.

While it is impossible to predict exactly how long your condition will take to get better, our experience shows that most will respond favorably within four treatment sessions. Although complete recovery may take longer, if no discernable clinical improvement is obvious by the end of the initial four treatments, referral to another specialist is typically advised. Our office enjoys a high level of patient satisfaction because we offer each client choices and explain our procedures and fees in advance.

Actually, not all adjusting techniques produce the sound associated with "popping knuckles." Some create no sound at all; some, a little. Many techniques, however, do create the sound of a spinal "release." What causes it? The mystery may have been solved by a British research team that took X-ray movies of people "popping" their knuckles. The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated.

This topic is the subject of much professional debate. Some people have naturally cracking joints; others make no noise at all. Many people are in-between. The chiropractic adjustment is a concentrated form of exercise that is usually given to those joints that are stiff and restricted in their movement. Sometimes there is a calcium buildup on the joint surface called exostosis. That is like a rusty hinge and makes noise when it is moved. Some joints have developed adhesions where the tissue has grown together. This can make a cracking noise when moved. Some joints when stretched make a popping sound like a suction cup when released. One thing we do know is that while there may be some noise with the adjustment, usually there is no pain. The pain has usually occurred at the time of the injury. Research also shows the more movement a joint has the healthier it is. Stiff joints lead to osteoarthritis.

The desire to pop the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixated vertebra, which causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too much and "popping" a lot. The jammed part should be adjusted by a chiropractor so that the rest of the spinal column will balance and stop being so movable and noisy.

Yes. There are verified instances of blind people recovering eyesight after a fall, of individuals able to walk again after their wheelchair was thrown, and of amnesiacs who remember their past after receiving a trauma. These are examples of "accidental adjustments" in which a trauma accidentally realigned the spine. A visit to the chiropractor is a lot safer. Also, many types of therapy, including massage and various body work, can reduce musculoskeletal stress, sometimes permitting the spine to automatically realign, as will cathartic emotional release. Occasionally, even a good night's sleep can release spinal stress.

Standard Medicare policies cover chiropractic treatment. Most health plans also pay for treatments. Private health funds have various levels of reimbursement for chiropractic services. If you have specific questions about your policy, our experienced staff will be glad to assist you.

Most private health insurance companies do not require a referral. Third party and worker's compensation insurance companies have different requirements and may require this formality. Be sure to contact your company for the most up-to-date information.

Find a position that is comfortable and stay in it. Then call us immediately or have a friend call. We will give you the advice that will be most applicable in your circumstance.

Yes, always think about what you do before you do it. The most difficult thing people can do is think. This one action will prevent so many injuries. Next hint is if you don't feel confident in doing something, get some help. Remember, "pride comes before the fall." Last hint is not to make yourself tired. Fatigue causes most injuries. Never trust your back. Once an injury has occurred, studies show it will happen again.

Yes. Once your structural system is balanced, a specific exercise program is recommended to maintain the results and strengthen the balance.

YES!! The massage therapists at Massage Solutions (right next door to our office) offer a wide variety of services, including neuromuscular massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy, reflexology therapy, hot stone massage therapy, lymphatic massage therapy, pregnancy massage therapy, postnatal massage therapy, infant massage, and detoxifying foot baths.

See our clinic map on the Contact page to assist you in finding us at:

Fairburn Road Chiropractic

2080 Fairburn Road

Suite F

Douglasville, GA 30135

The clinic is open:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00am - Noon and 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Saturday,11:00am - 1:00pm