What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic science concerns itself with the relationship between the structure (primarily the spine) and the function (primarily coordinated by the nervous system) of the human body as that relationship affects the restoration and preservation of health.

The purpose of the professional education program is to qualify each student as a chiropractic health care provider. As a portal of entry to the health delivery system, the Doctor of Chiropractic must be well educated in examination procedures to provide care and to consult with or refer to other health care providers.

The Life curriculum places particular emphasis upon the relationship between structural and neurological aspects of the body as they relate to health and disease. Under faculty supervision, students engage in research that is designed to provide data about chiropractic phenomena, develop students' natural talents, and encourage them to become leaders in health care. Life University encourages all students to develop a service-oriented philosophy of Lasting Purpose.

What is a Vertebral Subluxation?

A vertebral subluxation is a complex of functional and/or pathological articular changes that compromises neural integrity and influences organ system function and general health.

The vertebral subluxation includes any alteration of the biomechanics and physiological dynamics of the contiguous spinal structures. These alterations cause neuronal, vascular, biochemical, and osseous disturbances. Vertebral subluxations may occur in the human body as a result of physical or emotional trauma, or from chemical toxicity.

Even the most uneventful natural childbirth may prove traumatic to the newborn infant causing vertebral subluxations. Adolescents and adults are often plagued with chronic vertebral subluxations, which result in disturbances of the nervous system, as well as, degenerative changes in spinal structures. Many senior citizens suffer from chronic spinal degeneration associated with vertebral subluxations.

How Does the Doctor of Chiropractic Manage Spinal Subluxations?

The Doctor of Chiropractic is a highly trained health care provider who utilizes specific scientific techniques and procedures to detect, analyze, and correct the vertebral subluxation. Once it is diagnosed, the chiropractor performs specific vertebral adjustments to reduce the subluxation and return the vertebrae to a more normal juxtaposition. This process removes neurological distress allowing the body to return to a balanced state of physiological functioning.

Experience a lifestyle that focuses on restoring normal body function by correction of structural dysfunction

The Doctor of Chiropractic is a health care provider who encourages a patient's active participation in the pursuit of health by emphasizing the importance of spinal hygiene, diet, rest, exercise, and positive mental attitude. These lifestyle factors help to prevent the occurrence of vertebral subluxations and reduce reoccurrence.

How Does the Doctor of Chiropractic Provide Patient Care?

The Doctor of Chiropractic begins care with an assessment of the patient's health history to uncover significant information about lifestyle habits and incidences of trauma and stress that could affect the body's structure and function. A physical examination is then conducted which focuses on the patient's structural spinal alignment as it relates to the body's functional integrity to ascertain signs of biomechanical and physiological dysfunction. This is accomplished through a synthesis of methods which may include spinal x-ray analysis, various instrumentations, such as infrared thermography devices combined with physical examination testing of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Disturbances in a person's nervous system can affect normal movement, gait, posture, and physiological function.

After the chiropractor has compiled the findings resulting in a chiropractic diagnosis, a report of findings and recommendations for care are presented to the patient. The chiropractor explains to the patient the relationship between the symptomatic picture and the presence of vertebral subluxations and other structural distortions.

The Doctor of Chiropractic's goal is to maximize the human potential through vertebral subluxation reduction and management, and patient education, thereby reducing the occurrence of disease and ill health. Doctors of Chiropractic are fully prepared and trained to communicate and work with all health care disciplines.

What Makes Us Unique?

No doubt there are fine chiropractors convenient to where you live, including graduates of Life University. Why come to Life Clinics?

Life is a teaching institution and has services and expertise unique in the profession. Life Clinics offer the most comprehensive chiropractic health care available at one place, and with more than 20 Doctors of Chiropractic, the body of knowledge and experience is great.

• Faculty doctors, assisted by qualified student interns, are often trained in sub-specialties, providing expertise not readily available outside of a teaching clinic.
• The Radiology Department has 2 full-time Chiropractic Radiologists available to interpret your X-rays.
• Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist on staff, specially trained to care for neuromusculoskeletal and associated visceral structures.
• Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury doctors work closely with faculty doctors to provide a range of services, including active care exercises.
• Specialists in Chiropractic Pediatrics offer the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques available from infancy through adolescence.

The goal of each doctor is to work with you on the anatomy and function of the body, the importance of the spine and nervous system to health, and to discuss with you all options that are available to address your present health situation and future health care needs. This knowledge empowers you, the patient, to make more informed health care decisions.