Chiropractic is a form of health care that believes that good health and well-being are the natural disposition of the body. 

An essential part of good health is the proper alignment of the spine.  In some cases pain is derived from the misalignment of the spine, also called subluxation. The chiropractic physician removes the cause of pain and allows the body to heal itself by correcting the subluxations of the spine.

Chiropractic is non-invasive and conservative in its approach to health. It does not utilize drugs or surgery, but rather enhances the body’s ability to heal itself.

What is subluxation?
A subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine move out of position and interrupt the proper function of the nerves running down the spine.

This irritation interferes with the communication of the brain and the rest of the body, thereby leading the dysfunction and disease.  Doctors of Chiropractic work to locate subluxations and correct them.

Correcting Subluxations
A chiropractic adjustment can come in many forms.  Most frequently, this correction is a gentle technique used to restore proper position to the vertebrae and alignment of the spine.

The chiropractor usually accomplishes the adjustment by hand or by a hand-held device while the patient is lying on a specially designed table. 

The doctor applies pressure to areas of the spine that are subluxated.  After the adjustment, the chiropractic physician confirms that the correction has been made and that the vertebrae now move correctly within the normal range of motion.  These techniques are learned through years of study.

Your Doctor's Qualifications
A Doctor of Chiropractic's training requires a minimum of six years of college and clinic internship before receiving a license. 

Areas of scientific study include anatomy, neurology, bacteriology, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, spinal biomechanics, orthopedics, X-ray, cardiology, nutrition, physiotherapy, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, and infectious diseases. 

Every chiropractic graduate must pass a 4-part national board examination and state licensure examinations in order to be licensed by the Iowa Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a division of the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Source:  (Iowa Chiropractic Society)