The Goals of Chiropractic

1. To meet the patient's immediate needs, often the relief of pain.
2. To address the cause of the symptoms by restoring normal ranges of movement and function to the joints, muscles and other structures of the musculoskeletal system.
3. By restoring function this allows the nervous system to function without interference and better regulate the various body systems and general health.

If you understand these three goals of chiropractic health care, and that a chiropractor is concerned with more than the relief of pain and other symptoms, you will understand why:

• The chiropractor is not treating back pain, neck pain, headache, asthma, hypertension, menstrual cramps, or ulcers but is rather correcting joint dysfunction and muscular imbalance. The basis of care is not in treating the condition, but to correct the mechanical dysfunction in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Clinical experience and research confirm that such dysfunction can contribute to or mimic many disorders that appear to be unconnected to the spine and the neuromusculoskeletal system as a whole.
• Chiropractors encourage periodic spinal examinations and Wellness Care. Their professional goal is normal function of the neuromusculoskeletal system for the prevention of pain and ill-health. Some patients will choose this level of preventive care, others will not, in the same way that patients choose their level of dental care and their level of concern about a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and exercise.