EDUCATION
At Ellis Chiropractic, our education page serves as valuable resource for those seeking to understand aspects of chiropractic care and overall wellness. We also provide insights into injury prevention and management, empowering you with knowledge to enhance your health and well-being. Explore our informative articles and discover how to take proactive steps towards a pain-free lifestyle.
All About Chiropractic
Welcome to All About Chiropractic—your trusted source for comprehensive information on chiropractic care. Whether you're exploring what chiropractic professionals do, the types of health issues they address, or staying updated on the newest research and educational insights in the field, you'll find a broad range of resources here—from start to finish.
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If you can’t find exactly what you need, take a moment to browse other areas of our site. Still have questions? We’re always happy to help—just reach out to our office at any time.
Auto Injuries
Did you know that nearly one in three people injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) choose chiropractic care for their recovery? According to the Insurance Research Council, chiropractic care is a leading choice for those seeking effective treatment after an auto accident.
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With over 12 million MVAs involving more than 20 million vehicles each year, as reported by the National Safety Council, soft tissue injuries—especially those affecting the spine—are incredibly common. Sprains, strains, and whiplash injuries often result from the sudden impact of a collision.
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Chiropractic care is uniquely effective in treating these types of injuries. By focusing on the spine, joints, and surrounding soft tissues, chiropractic helps reduce pain, restore mobility, and promote faster healing—without relying on medication or invasive procedures.
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Research consistently shows high patient satisfaction with chiropractic treatment following auto injuries. In one notable study of 190 individuals with whiplash injuries, 100% of those who received chiropractic care reported satisfaction with their treatment outcomes (Balla & Iansek, 1988).
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If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, chiropractic care offers a safe, natural, and highly effective path to recovery—helping you get back to feeling your best.
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A chiropractic adjustment is a safe, natural, and noninvasive technique used to restore proper function, improve alignment, and support overall health and healing.
Delivering a precise adjustment is a highly refined skill that requires years of education, training, and hands-on experience. Doctors of Chiropractic are specifically trained to perform these adjustments safely and effectively.
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It’s important to know that spinal adjustments performed by untrained individuals can be less effective—and potentially harmful. When delivered by a licensed chiropractor, however, adjustments are a powerful tool in helping your body function at its best.
Adjustments
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What Is A Spinal Adjustment?
A spinal adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a gentle and precise technique used by chiropractors to restore proper movement and alignment to the spine.
Using skilled hands or a specialized instrument, your chiropractor applies a controlled force to one or more misaligned or restricted vertebrae, often referred to as subluxations. This adjustment helps relieve pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve function in both the spine and nervous system.
Adjustments may also be applied to the pelvic area to help restore balance and motion in the sacroiliac joints, which play a key role in overall posture and mobility.
Understanding Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are designed to correct vertebral subluxations—misalignments in the spine that can interfere with normal function. By restoring proper alignment, adjustments help to:
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Relieve pain and inflammation
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Reduce muscle tension and spasms
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Improve spinal movement and biomechanics
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Most importantly, reduce nerve irritation and interference, which supports the body’s ability to heal and function at its best
Correcting subluxations through chiropractic care not only improves comfort and mobility but also contributes to your overall health and well-being.
The Power of Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjusting helps correct vertebral subluxations. Correcting subluxations reduces pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasm and tension, normalizes spinal biomechanics and more importantly, can remove nerve irritation and interference which can improve overall health and wellness of the individual. Chiropractic adjustments are the only way to eliminate vertebral subluxations and only the chiropractor is trained to detect subluxations and deliver the chiropractic spinal adjustment to correct subluxations.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Headaches are a common health concern affecting millions of people. The impact of headaches is not just physical—it also presents a significant social and economic burden.
Most headaches are linked to just a few common sources. Headaches can stem from irritation or injury to various pain-sensitive tissues such as muscles, blood vessels, skin, nerves, or even the structures in the neck and upper back.
The most common types of headaches include:
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Cervicogenic – originating from dysfunctions in the neck
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Muscle Tension – caused by tightness or spasms in the neck and upper back muscles
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Post-Traumatic – resulting from head or neck injuries like whiplash
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Drug-Induced – from overuse of pain medications
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Migraines
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Cluster Headaches
Many headaches have a spinal, muscular, or lifestyle-related component, making chiropractic care a natural and effective treatment option. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat the root causes of headaches, helping thousands of people each day find safe, drug-free, long-term relief.
Many patients seek care specifically for headaches—and many experience significant improvements in both frequency and severity.
Want to learn more about the different types of headaches, treatment options, or prevention tips? Explore the additional resources available through our website, or contact us directly—we’re here to help.
Understanding Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common health concerns worldwide. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain, often interfering with daily activities and quality of life.
According to recent research, low back pain is the leading cause of disability related to workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims.
Many people assume that back pain will simply go away on its own. However, studies have shown that most low back conditions require proper treatment and rehabilitation to fully resolve and prevent recurrence. Without appropriate care, even minor issues can develop into chronic problems over time.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors are uniquely qualified to treat low back pain. Unlike general medical practitioners, chiropractors receive extensive training in spinal anatomy, biomechanics, and conservative treatment methods, specifically focused on conditions affecting the spine and nervous system.
Through techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and individualized rehabilitation programs, chiropractors address the underlying causes of pain, rather than simply masking symptoms with medication. This approach not only promotes faster healing, but also helps restore function and reduce the likelihood of future injury.
Ergonomics: Preventing Injury Before It Starts
Ergonomics is the science of designing tools, tasks, and environments to better fit the physical needs of the human body. The goal of ergonomic design is to reduce strain, minimize fatigue, and lower the risk of injury—especially from repetitive or prolonged activities such as sitting, typing, or lifting.
Proper ergonomics includes:
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Adjusting chair height, monitor level, and desk setup
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Using supportive seating and proper posture
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Taking frequent breaks and changing positions regularly
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Learning safe lifting techniques and movement patterns
However, it’s important to note that even a well-designed workspace can’t prevent injury if the body is overworked or subjected to repetitive stress beyond its capacity. The body has natural limits—and pushing past those limits without rest or care can lead to tissue damage and chronic pain.
That’s why combining ergonomic awareness with regular chiropractic care can be one of the most effective strategies for preventing and managing low back pain.
Conditions Treated​
Common Musculoskeletal Conditions Treated with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a natural, noninvasive approach to managing a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues. Whether you're dealing with spine-related discomfort or pain in your arms, legs, or joints, chiropractic treatment focuses on identifying the root cause and restoring proper alignment and function. Below are some of the most common conditions chiropractors treat—along with a brief explanation of each:
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Low Back Pain and Stiffness
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Often caused by muscle strain, spinal misalignment, or disc issues. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and therapeutic techniques to relieve pressure, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility.
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Neck and Upper Back Pain
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Can result from poor posture, tension, injury, or joint dysfunction. Chiropractic care helps realign the cervical spine and improve flexibility and muscle balance.
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Mid-Back Pain and Stiffness
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Often associated with poor posture, muscle tightness, or spinal joint restrictions. Adjustments and soft tissue therapy can alleviate tension and improve thoracic mobility.
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Headaches and Migraines
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Many headaches stem from tension or misalignment in the neck and upper back (cervicogenic headaches). Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the frequency and intensity of both tension and migraine headaches.
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Leg Pain, Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling
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These symptoms may be due to nerve compression in the lower spine (such as sciatica). Chiropractic care focuses on relieving nerve irritation through spinal adjustments and supportive therapies.
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Arm Pain, Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling
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Often related to nerve impingement in the neck or upper back. Chiropractors assess the source and work to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
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Extremity Joint Pain and Dysfunction (Shoulders, Hips, Knees, Ankles)
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Chiropractors treat joint pain from overuse, injury, or misalignment by improving joint mechanics and reducing inflammation through adjustments and rehabilitation exercises.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, often from repetitive motion. Chiropractic care may include wrist mobilization, ergonomic advice, and soft tissue therapy to relieve pressure and improve nerve function.
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Repetitive Strain Injuries (e.g., Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow)
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These injuries stem from overuse of tendons and muscles. Chiropractic treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, improving joint alignment, and preventing further strain.
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More Information Coming Soon!
Injuries Commonly Treated with Chiropractic Care
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Chiropractors are highly trained to assess and treat a wide variety of injuries. Each type of injury presents unique challenges, and chiropractic care is designed to address not just the symptoms—but also the underlying cause to promote long-term healing and wellness.
For example:
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Auto injuries often involve delayed symptoms that may not appear until weeks or even months after the accident. Chiropractors are trained to recognize these patterns and provide early intervention to prevent chronic issues.
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Workplace injuries require a broader view—chiropractors not only treat the injury but also evaluate workstation ergonomics, body mechanics, and posture to help prevent recurrence.
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Sports injuries are frequently related to biomechanical imbalances or muscle dysfunction. Chiropractors routinely assess these factors to support optimal recovery and performance.
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In all cases, chiropractic care focuses on treating the whole person and restoring balance in the body—not just relieving pain.
Types of Injuries Commonly Treated:
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Automobile Accident & Whiplash Injuries
Careful assessment and treatment of soft tissue damage, spinal misalignment, and nerve irritation caused by sudden impact forces. -
Workplace & Lifting Injuries
Management of strains, sprains, repetitive motion injuries, and ergonomic stressors associated with job duties. -
Sports & Athletic Injuries
Treatment for overuse injuries, joint dysfunction, and muscle imbalances to support healing and prevent re-injury. -
Slip & Fall Injuries
Chiropractic care helps reduce inflammation, improve alignment, and restore mobility following accidental falls. -
Chronic Injuries
Ongoing issues like repetitive strain or past unresolved injuries can be effectively managed to reduce pain and restore function.
Education
The education and training required to become a Doctor of Chiropractic is both rigorous and comprehensive. Chiropractic students undergo extensive instruction in human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the intricate workings of the body. They develop a deep understanding of how health is achieved, maintained, and restored.
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Special emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and management of spinal conditions and their impact on the nervous system and overall well-being. Chiropractors are uniquely trained to recognize how spinal health influences the body as a whole—allowing them to provide effective, holistic care that supports long-term wellness.​​​
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can Chiropractic Help Me?
Chiropractic care has helped millions of people worldwide with a wide range of health concerns—not just back and neck pain. Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, which plays a central role in regulating every function of the body. When spinal alignment and biomechanics are optimized, pressure and irritation on the nervous system can be relieved, allowing the body to function and heal more effectively.
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If you're wondering whether chiropractic can help you, there's a good chance it can. Chiropractic care offers a safe, natural, and effective approach to better health.
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Are Chiropractic Treatments Safe and Do They Hurt?
Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe, noninvasive, and natural approach to health for individuals of all ages—from infants to seniors. Research consistently confirms that chiropractic care is among the safest forms of healthcare, with significantly lower risks compared to many traditional medical treatments.
Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. In fact, most patients find them relieving and even look forward to their sessions. While individuals experiencing moderate to severe pain may feel slight discomfort during treatment, adjustments are always performed with precision, care, and a gentle approach to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common concern for many patients. This is largely due to the neck's complex structure—composed of delicate, pain-sensitive tissues that are easily affected by everyday stress and strain.
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Common contributors to neck pain include past injuries that haven’t healed properly, poor posture, prolonged sitting, and a lack of regular spinal maintenance. These issues can lead to misalignments and muscle tension that cause ongoing discomfort.
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Chiropractic care offers a highly effective, natural solution. Rather than simply masking symptoms with medication, chiropractic adjustments aim to correct the underlying causes of neck pain. Treatment is safe, gentle, and noninvasive—helping restore proper alignment, reduce tension, and promote long-term relief without side effects.
Work Injuries
If you have been injured on the job please contact our office for a free consultation to determine if we are able to treat your injuries.
Chiropractic Treatments
While the spinal adjustment remains the cornerstone of chiropractic care, chiropractors also utilize a variety of complementary therapies to enhance treatment outcomes. These additional techniques help provide safe, effective, and comprehensive relief for neuromusculoskeletal conditions. By combining spinal adjustments with supportive therapies, chiropractors aim to optimize healing, improve function, and promote long-term wellness.
The Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment
The spinal adjustment is the foundation of chiropractic care and remains the primary therapeutic technique used by doctors of chiropractic. It has proven to be highly effective in treating a wide range of soft tissue conditions as well as various other health concerns. Chiropractors are the only healthcare professionals specifically trained to perform chiropractic spinal adjustments.
A spinal adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, involves the application of a precise, controlled force to a misaligned or restricted vertebra—commonly referred to as a vertebral subluxation. The goal is to restore normal motion, alignment, and function to the affected area. Adjustments are typically quick, gentle, and noninvasive. Most patients find them comfortable and often experience immediate relief and an improved sense of well-being.
Years of education and clinical training are required to master the art and science of spinal adjusting. Research has consistently shown spinal adjustments to be one of the most effective treatments for conditions such as back pain, due to their ability to correct structural, biomechanical, and neurological imbalances in the spine—many of which contribute to both spinal and non-spinal health issues.
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ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES
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Physical Modalities
There are some physical modalities which in certain cases can provide additional pain relief and accelerated healing. Our offices utilizes muscle stimulation, interferential stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, and therapeutic exercises.