About Chiropractic...     What is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is the science of locating malfunctioning spinal structures, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the philosophy that, when working properly, the body has the potential to heal itself.   How does Chiropractic work? Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism.  These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of the body. The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Vertebral meaning the bones of the spine; subluxation meaning less than a total dislocation; and complex meaning consisting of more than one party. Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the philosophy of all things natural.   How much education does a Chiropractor have? Today's Doctor of Chiropractic takes 3 years of undergraduate college education, and 4 years of post graduate college education. The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractic education never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest scientific research.   What is an Adjustment? There are hundreds of ways to adjust the spine. A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixed, locked up, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, nervous system function and health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually, the doctor's hands or specially designed instruments deliver a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches. Dr. Marr is partial to the Diversified and Gonstead methods of adjusting.   Are all patients adjusted the same way? Chiropractic care is tailored to each patient's age, condition and spinal problem.Dr. Marr evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Some patients who complain of headaches may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull.  Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem is in the neck.  Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients notice that their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on the one before.  While visits may seem similar, each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient's.   Can I Adjust Myself? You cannot effectively adjust yourself. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a ''popping'' sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another colleague to maintain proper spinal function.   Is Chiropractic Care Safe? Chiropractic care is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers and even common aspirin! In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care is ''remarkably safe''. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record.  It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.   Why Do Children Need Chiropractic Care? Chiropractic has been shown to be helpful with scoliosis and many other so-called normal childhood health problems. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child's spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as growing pains can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.   Am I Too Old For Chiropractic Care? Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help improve mobility and maintain vitality. More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance and appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. The adjusting technique used by Dr. Marr will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more obvious.   How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care? Periodic chiropractic checkups, like brushing and flossing, getting regular exercise, and eating wholesome foods is part of a healthy lifestyle. Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These longstanding problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine. Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive visits is helpful in the maintenance of good health. Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of crisis management is usually more costly and time-consuming, our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.