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Chiropractic Philosophy ("We've been Fans of the Mind-Body Connection for longer than Andrew Weil") 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; and 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 has distinguished it from modern Allopathic medicine. Chiropractic philosophy has always emphasized a holistic ("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on Balance of these three. Dr Kennedy uses Energy Medicine tools that are researched, safe and effective. Widespread Use of Chiropractic Care The increasing interest in alternative forms of care has caught the attention of several health associations and government agencies. A 1993 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that "The estimated number of visits made in 1990 to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of visits to all primary care medical nationwide," and chiropractic was among the most frequently used non-medical therapies. A followup report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that the use of non-medical treatments had increased significantly since the 1990 survey, with "overall prevalence of use increased by 25%, total visits by an estimated 47%, and expenditures on services provided by practitioners of alternative therapies by an estimated 45%." Of the survey respondents, one in nine (11%) had used chiropractic care within the previous year. Healthy Tips for a Healthy Spine The following tips can help you take better care of your spine: 1) Make sure you have a firm mattress that keeps the spine aligned and supports the spine's natural curve. The best sleeping positions are on your back or side. 2) When standing for extended periods, rest one foot on a small stool to maintain spinal curvature and relieve pressure. The knees should be bent when bending forward. Low-heeled shoes may help by maintaining spinal curvatures and cushioning your weight. 3) Use chairs that promote good posture and support your back. Placing a lumbar support in the lower portion of your back may help support your spine's natural curve. Readjust the seat of your car so that your knees are level with your hips. 4) When bending forward, bend at the knees and hips, but keep your back straight. This will help to keep your spine's curvature in proper alignment. When lifting, keep your spine straight while using your legs to do most of the work. Hold the objects being lifted close to your body to keep the weight on your spine to a minimum. The ABCs of "Subluxations" Vertebral subluxations* (or "fixations" as we choose to call them) are displacements of the spinal bones (vertebrae) that can cause stress to your spinal cord and nervous system. "Fixations" may be caused by poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise, injuries, auto accidents, sports, slips or falls, and in some cases, the birthing process itself. Chiropractic adjustments are very helpful in correcting subluxations and restoring optimal health. *At our clinic, we prefer to use the term "spinal fixation" instead of subluxation...it more accurately describes the lack of motion at the spinal joint that we work to correct. It is usually directly linked to imbalance in the deep muscles directly next to and connected to the individual spinal joints. Kennedy Chiropractic prides itself in having at least 3 different ways to release a spinal fixation: some are more gentle than others; they all work, and you can be sure there is one that fits your needs and personal preference. "Is it OK to "crack" my own neck or back?" Probably not in most cases. When the spine is stiff and needs help in being release to move smoothly, a specific joint is most likely the problem. Let's take the neck for example. Most people can develop a fixation at mid-neck level (say Cervical vertebrae #3-4 for example) from many causes. If you turn your neck and give it a push with your hands, you will probably adjust the level above or the level below...but not the MOST STUCK level that needs it. Your neck will feel "relaxed" for a little while, but the effect won't last, and you can make the level above C3-4 too loose by doing this "self-adjustment" too often. At our office, the Doctor will only adjust you if you need it, and only where you need it....you won't get a 5 or 10 minute "rack-em-crack-em" type treatment here. By being specific and careful, Dr. Kennedy has been able to get patients off a high-frequency treatment plan and onto a more rehabilitative care plan where they need less and less care...not more and more.