Chiropractic is a natural method of health care with the proven ability to relieve back pain, increase vitality, and promote well-being. It is the art, science and philosophy which recognizes the importance of the relationship between the musculoskeletal structures and the nervous system, and which by spinal adjustment, manipulation or other physical means, promoting the integrity of this relationship and uses the recuperative powers of the body in the restoration and maintenance of health. Since its inception more than 100 years ago, doctors of chiropractic have successfully helped millions of individuals recover from spine-related health problems. As a result, the chiropractic method has earned its place, as the largest drugless and non-surgical health care profession in the United States.

Chiropractic places emphasis on maintaining the structural integrity of the body, in particular the spine. Chiropractors believe any alteration to normal spine function and mobility affects the transmission of nerve impulses along the spinal cord and spinal nerves, in turn affecting the parts of the body served by the nerves. If the disturbed nerves serve one of the internal organs, that organ could develop a disorder. If the disturbed nerves serve muscles and soft tissues, pain could result. To correct spinal problems, chiropractors perform a gentle and specific form of manipulation known as an 'adjustment'. This is usually done by hand or with the aid of a special instrument. The purpose of an adjustment is to relieve pressure on sensitive nerves and correct abnormal structural relationships, allowing healing to occur and pain to subside.

Chiropractors rely on their special training, knowledge of anatomy as well as manual skill and dexterity to assess joint movement and detect increases in muscle tone and other tissues around joints. In most cases, x-rays are used to reveal pathological spinal changes not always evident from physical examination. X-rays provide the chiropractor with extra information, aiding in the selection of the best treatment.

Chiropractic treatment is based on the principal that mechanical dysfunction is best corrected by mechanical means. The main dysfunction a chiropractor treats is known as the "subluxation". The spinal subluxation is a general term used to describe a mechanical disorder of a joint within its normal range of motion and can apply to movement or position. Subluxations are corrected by chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustment aims to restore the normal functions to the joints being adjusted. Adjustments correct any misalignments of the bones and correct mobility, or lack there of, between the joint surfaces. If abnormal joint function continues without correction, it may eventually pro- duce permanent structural damage. Different adjustment techniques are used for different areas of the spine and techniques are varied to suit the individual patient's problem.