Chiropractic is founded on the principle that elimination of nerve interference will allow the body to perform at its optimum.  A chiropractor can identify any biomechanical abnormalities of the skeleton, and, through a series of chiropractic adjustments, restore the normal alignment and biomechanics of the skeleton.  In addition, chiropractic care reduces stress of the nervous system.  Thirty-one pairs of nerves exit the spinal cord that connects and controls the entire body.  Any interference with the transmission of nerve messages to a particular muscle or organ will result in it not functioning normally or at full capacity.  The chiropractor, by removing interference and stress from the nervous system, opens the path for the body to perform at its maximum potential.

Chiropractic specifically addresses a condition known as a vertebral subluxation.  A subluxation is the malposition of a vertebra with an adjacent vertebra that subsequently causes pressure on the nerve roots exiting from the spinal column.  When a subluxation occurs, nerve impulses are interfered with.  If enough pressure is exerted on a nerve, the nerve ceases to function altogether.  When a subluxation exists, the normal range of motion of the spinal joints is also lost, resulting in decreased freedom of movement.  Inflammation of the disc and facet joints can occur, causing additional pressure on the nerves.  The muscles attached to the affected vertebra can go into spasm, and may result in the development of trigger points.  Left untreated, a subluxation can lead to osteoarthritis and permanent disc damage.  Nerve pressure or impingement results in a decrease in function of the end organ controlled by the nerve.  If a nerve going to a muscle is impinged upon, weakness develops.  If a sensory nerve is impinged upon, numbness, tingling, or other altered sensation will occur.  When the nerves going to the heart, liver or kidney, are interfered with, no physical symptoms may be present, but nonetheless a decrease in function of the organ will be evident.  The good news is that chiropractic adjustments can correct vertebral subluxations, thus restoring neurological function.