Chiropractic is a distinct health care practice performed by Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) that primarily seeks to correct functional and structural problems in the body (particularly the spine) that can lead to back, neck, head, arm, and leg pain and a host of other symptoms. Chiropractors are uniquely trained and equipped to address these problems that the chiropractic profession refers to as subluxation complexes, but are often referred to as spinal/segmental dysfunctions, fixations, or spinal misalignments. Chiropractic espouses a holistic and vitalistic view of health, and therefore emphasizes factors such as diet, physical activity, and managing stress in order to address the underlying cause of conditions and symptoms. Doctors of Chiropractic focus their attention primarily on the spine and nervous system, because the spine and nervous system make up the “master control” system of the entire body. Chiropractors may also correct functional problems in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet) when necessary for a return to full function and health. Some chiropractors will also incorporate other forms of care such as therapy techniques, massage, and wellness counseling/coaching.
Chiropractors most often help patients presenting with neck pain, back pain, headaches, arm and leg pain, as well as other joint pain because vertebral subluxations in the spine often cause these symptoms. However, because poor spinal function adversely impacts brain function, improving spinal function with chiropractic will frequently have positive effects beyond just pain relief that result in improvements for other conditions like poor sleep, mood disorders, chronic constipation, bed-wetting, colic, migraines, frequent infections, dizziness, etc. All of those problems and so many more have improved with chiropractic care in our center. No matter the symptoms or condition, the goal of chiropractic care remains the same; to correct the root causes of poor health and function. This includes vertebral subluxation complexes that are interfering with the brain’s ability to properly regulate and coordinate function throughout the rest of the body, as well as other challenges the body is facing like poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and other lifestyle factors.
Choosing a chiropractor is the first step toward understanding that your body is a self-healing organism. At Hoogeveen Chiropractic Wellness Center (HCWC), our doctors focus on the spine and nervous system—the body’s “master control” center. By identifying and correcting subluxation complexes (spinal misalignments or fixations), we remove interference that prevents your brain from properly regulating your health. This holistic approach doesn’t just mask symptoms; it addresses the structural and functional root causes of pain in the back, neck, head, and extremities.
While many patients begin care to find relief from pain, the benefits often extend much further. Because spinal health directly impacts brain function, chiropractic care frequently helps with systemic issues such as poor sleep, migraines, digestive troubles, and even pediatric concerns like colic or bed-wetting. Our goal is to restore your body to full function, which is why we integrate wellness counseling on diet, exercise, and stress management alongside our specialized adjustments and massage therapy services.
You can trust that you are in expert hands at our Bellevue clinic. Doctors of Chiropractic undergo a rigorous 7 to 8-year educational journey, involving over 4,600 classroom hours and a comprehensive four-part national board examination. Our team—including Dr. Adam, Dr. Brooke, Dr. Logan, and Dr. Sterling Rupp—brings over 40 years of combined experience to every patient. We are committed to continuing the legacy of compassionate, family-oriented care that Dr. Gregg established when he founded HCWC in 1999.
We invite you to join our community at our Fort Crook Road location and discover a more vitalistic way of living. Whether you are looking to recover from an injury or simply want to optimize your family’s overall wellness, we provide a caring, professional environment tailored to your unique needs. Explore our website and social media to learn more about how our clinical expertise and holistic philosophy can help you reclaim your health.
Despite chiropractic’s 120+ year history, confusion and misunderstanding about its safety is prevalent. The labeling of chiropractic as unsafe is completely unfounded and contradicted by the research literature. Once someone experiences chiropractic for themselves, they quickly see how unfounded these criticisms are.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be one of the safest health care options available. Chiropractors are certainly the safest physician you could visit. How can I make such bold statements? Malpractice insurance companies determine premiums based on the risk a provider poses.
What chiropractors pay for malpractice insurance in an entire year is less than or equal to what primary care medical doctors pay in one month.4
A recent study further proves chiropractic is not only safe, but much safer than traditional medical care. The researchers made their findings pretty clear by concluding “Among Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 to 99 years with an office visit for a neuromusculoskeletal problem, risk of injury to the head, neck, or trunk within seven days was 76% lower among subjects with a chiropractic office visit than among those who saw a primary care (medical) physician.”5 This is not intended to be a critique of medical care, but it reveals just how safe chiropractic is.
A proposed connection between chiropractic neck adjustments and injury to a blood vessel in the upper neck has occasionally been publicized in the media. Unfortunately, these stories are heavy on emotion and contain very little research and facts.
The fact is, much research has been done on the potential occurrence of this type of stroke and the neck adjustment. A recent study in the journal Spine found that the incidence of people having a stroke following a chiropractic visit was no different than those having a stroke following a medical doctor’s visit.1 Another study shows that those receiving neck adjustments from a chiropractor have the same risk of experiencing a stroke as the general population.2 Yet another study on neck adjustments shows us that the forces from a neck adjustment are less than the forces from you turning your own head as far as you can to one side or the other.6 Bottom line? You should be more concerned about injuring your neck from checking your blind spot or your pre-workout stretching than one of our highly-trained and licensed chiropractors using their advanced skills to restore healthy alignment and mobility to your neck joints.
Sources:
1. “Safety of Chiropractic Interventions: A Systematic Review.” Spine. 2009, Oct.
2. “CVA Monograph.” NCMIC Insurance Company. 2005.
3. CEVantive University. Chiropractic continuing education program.
4. “Medical Malpractice Insurance: Multiple Factors Have Contributed to Increased Premium Rates.” United States GAO report to Congress. June 2003.
5. Weldon, JM et al. “Risk of Traumatic Injury Associated With Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation…” Spine, 2015;40(4):p264–270.
6. Symons B et al. “Internal Forces on the VA During SMT” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:504-10.
Is it safe for children?
Chiropractic is extremely safe for children and adults alike. Please watch the video below and visit our chiropractic safety page for more details. Children heal faster than adults, and typically respond much quicker to chiropractic care than adults. So what may take your body weeks or months to get over, children may respond in days or weeks.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
While often associated with digestive distress, colic is essentially a symptom of underlying functional interference. From a chiropractic standpoint, persistent abdominal discomfort can be linked to subluxations in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. These misalignments create interference in the nervous system—the body’s “master control”—which is responsible for regulating the organs of the digestive and excretory systems. When the nerve signals between the brain and the gut are compromised, the body may experience the spasms and acute pain characteristic of colic.
Instead of merely addressing the localized pain, Doctors of Chiropractic focus on restoring the structural integrity of the spine to improve overall systemic function. Through precise adjustments, chiropractors aim to remove nerve interference, allowing the autonomic nervous system to better coordinate smooth muscle contractions and digestive processes. This holistic approach views the body as a self-healing organism; by correcting the root mechanical cause, the body is better equipped to resolve the inflammation and tension that lead to colicky symptoms.
The educational background of a Doctor of Chiropractic—comprising over 4,600 hours of specialized training—ensures a deep understanding of how spinal health impacts visceral organs. Research suggests that improving spinal mobility can have a direct positive effect on conditions that mimic or contribute to colic, such as digestive sluggishness or referred pain from the mid-back. By ensuring that the “master control” system is operating without obstruction, patients often find relief from internal distress that had previously been unresponsive to traditional dietary changes alone.
Choosing a chiropractic path for colic-related issues means prioritizing long-term wellness over temporary symptom suppression. This vitalistic philosophy integrates specialized adjustments with lifestyle counseling on stress management and nutrition to prevent future recurrences. Whether the issue stems from physical strain or chronic functional dysfunction, chiropractic care provides a professional, drug-free framework to restore the body to its full potential and optimal health.
Doctors of Chiropractic approach this issue by evaluating the structural integrity of the “master control” system. Through precise, gentle adjustments, they work to remove any nerve interference in the lower spine. By restoring proper alignment, the neurological pathways that coordinate bladder control are allowed to function optimally. This vitalistic approach focuses on enabling the body to regulate itself naturally, rather than relying on synthetic medications that often only mask the symptoms of an immature or stressed nervous system.
The rigorous education of a Doctor of Chiropractic, involving over 4,600 hours of study, places a heavy emphasis on the relationship between the spine and the autonomic nervous system. Because the nerves responsible for bladder function are housed within the protective casing of the vertebrae, even minor misalignments can lead to systemic issues like enuresis. Clinical experience often shows that once the mechanical pressure on these nerves is relieved, the body can successfully master the complex reflex required to stay dry through the night.
Restoring health through chiropractic care also involves looking at the patient’s lifestyle as a whole. This includes managing stress levels and physical activity, which can impact the tone of the nervous system. By addressing the root cause of the dysfunction, chiropractic care offers a professional and non-invasive path for families looking to support their body’s innate self-healing capabilities. It is a long-term strategy designed to restore full function and improve the quality of life for those struggling with this common yet stressful condition.
The relationship between chiropractic care and breastfeeding centers on the structural and neurological harmony required for a successful nursing bond. Breastfeeding is a complex physical process that demands precise coordination of the baby’s cranial nerves, jaw alignment, and neck mobility. If a newborn experiences subluxations or tension in the upper cervical spine—often resulting from the physical rigors of birth—it can limit their ability to turn their head comfortably in both directions or latch deeply and effectively.
Doctors of Chiropractic evaluate these structural issues by focusing on the “master control” system: the nervous system. When there is interference in the nerves that control the tongue, jaw, and swallowing reflexes, a baby may struggle with a painful latch, excessive air intake, or a preference for only one breast. Through extremely gentle, specialized adjustments, a chiropractor works to restore proper alignment, ensuring the infant can comfortably achieve the range of motion necessary for a functional and sustainable breastfeeding relationship.
For the mother, chiropractic care is equally vital in supporting the physical demands of breastfeeding. Maintaining a nursing posture for several hours a day can lead to significant strain in the thoracic spine and shoulders, potentially leading to back pain or tension headaches. By addressing the mother’s spinal health, chiropractic care helps ensure her nervous system is functioning optimally, which is essential for the hormonal regulation and physical endurance required during the postpartum period.
By viewing breastfeeding through a vitalistic and holistic lens, chiropractic care addresses the root mechanical causes of nursing difficulties rather than just the symptoms. This professional approach integrates structural support with wellness counseling, helping to remove the physical barriers to a successful breastfeeding journey. Ultimately, by ensuring both mother and baby are structurally aligned, chiropractic care fosters a more comfortable, efficient, and peaceful experience for the growing family.
Chiropractic techniques are far more than mere physical adjustments; they are specialized applications designed to restore the integrity of the body’s master control system. The spine serves as the primary conduit for neurological communication, and when structural misalignments known as subluxations occur, they create interference that hinders the brain’s ability to coordinate vital functions. These blockages can manifest as physical pain, reduced mobility, or systemic dysfunction, signaling that the body is struggling to maintain its natural internal balance.
To address these issues, a Doctor of Chiropractic utilizes a variety of highly controlled techniques to identify and correct specific areas of interference. Whether using manual diversified adjustments, instrument-assisted thrusts, or low-force table drops, the objective remains a vitalistic approach that honors the body’s innate intelligence. By applying precise force to the spine and extremities, these techniques effectively remove the root cause of neurological stress, allowing the nervous system to regain its ability to regulate, repair, and heal itself without the need for invasive interventions.
The mastery of these diverse techniques requires a rigorous educational foundation, as Doctors of Chiropractic undergo over 4,600 hours of intensive classroom and clinical training. This extensive schooling ensures a profound understanding of how spinal mechanics directly impact visceral health and the autonomic nervous system. Because of this specialized expertise, chiropractors can select the most appropriate method for each individual, ensuring that every adjustment is both safe and effective in restoring the delicate relationship between the spinal column and the organs it protects.
Ultimately, the application of chiropractic techniques is a foundational step toward a lifetime of optimal wellness. While the correction of spinal function is essential, achieving true health requires a comprehensive commitment to a balanced lifestyle, including proper nutrition, consistent physical activity, and effective stress management. By integrating regular chiropractic care with these healthy habits, individuals can ensure their master control system remains free of interference, empowering the body to function at its highest potential for years to come.
Chiropractic care is sought by individuals of all ages—from newborns to seniors—who recognize that a high-functioning master control system is essential for a vibrant life. While many initially seek care to address the root cause of symptoms like back pain or headaches, others adopt a vitalistic approach, using regular adjustments to ensure their nervous system remains free of subluxations. Whether it is an athlete looking to enhance performance or a professional seeking relief from postural stress, these patients share a common goal: optimizing the body’s innate ability to heal and function.
The ability to serve such a diverse population is rooted in the rigorous education of a Doctor of Chiropractic, which includes over 4,600 hours of specialized training. This expertise allows for the adaptation of techniques to meet the unique needs of every individual, ensuring a professional and non-invasive path to wellness. By prioritizing spinal health alongside proper nutrition and stress management, patients move beyond temporary symptom relief toward a long-term commitment to total functional health.
Determining how often to see a chiropractor depends on whether your goal is immediate relief or long-term functional optimization of your master control system. In the initial phase, more frequent visits are often necessary to stabilize the spine and address the root cause of chronic subluxations. This intensive period focuses on breaking old postural patterns and reducing the neurological interference that prevents the body from self-regulating.
Chiropractic was developed over 100 years ago in 1895 by a man named D.D. Palmer in Davenport, IA. He was a healer in the community who offered a different health care approach from traditional medicine. The medical profession at that time was offering treatments such as blood-letting, undergoing a great deal of change, and wasn’t always widely available, which resulted in an increase in alternative healers such as D.D. Palmer.
D.D. Palmer espoused the philosophy that the body had a natural healing ability. He espoused that the body could self-heal and self-regulate provided that the body was supplied with sufficient quantities of what it needed, was free of toxicity, and had no interference to the one system that coordinates everything in the body, the nervous system. From there he postulated that interferences to the nervous system could occur as a result of spinal misalignments called subluxations. He further reasoned that because the spine houses the spinal cord and protects the spinal nerves as they leave the spinal cord, these subluxations can have significant consequences. He then gave his first spinal adjustments, and was able to help a deaf man’s hearing and also a man who had heart problems. Chiropractic was born and the rest is…well, history.
Although the specific art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic is only a little over 100 years old, the art of looking to the spine to improve overall health dates back to Ancient China and Ancient Greece. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of modern medicine, wrote about spinal “manipulations” in his famous work Corpus Hippocrateum. He stated “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.” Socrates, quite possibly the greatest of the Ancient Greek philosophers, was quoted as saying “If you would seek health, look first to the spine.” The art of correcting the spine as a health care approach was carried on by the so called “bonesetters” who were known to perform spinal manipulation as well as reduce joint dislocations. These bonesetters were around from the time of Hippocrates until the development of professions like chiropractic and osteopathy.
