CHIROPRACTOR Chiropractic «KY ruh PRAK tihk» is a system of health care that emphasizes the relationship between structure and function in the body. Doctors of chiropractic believe that good health depends, in part, on the normal alignment of the body's parts, and that misalignments—called subluxations—can be a major factor in illness. Chiropractors consider proper alignment of the spine to be of critical importance because of its central role in nervous system's function. Proper nerve function is essential in restoring and maintaining good health. Chiropractic treatment often consists of manual manipulation of the spine or other body parts to restore proper alignment. Such manipulations are called adjustments. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can relieve pain and structural disorders in the joints and muscles and ease lower back pain. Techniques of physical therapy are often used to promote the effects of treatment PHYSICIAL THERAPY Physical therapy is used to help prevent, relieve, or correct conditions that interfere with a person's physical ability to function normally. Physical therapy is administered by health care professionals called physical therapists.  It is often used in treating muscle weaknesses and pain-related ailments. It is also important in fractures and other injuries, and other orthopedic conditions. With the aid of physical therapy, a person with disability may lead a constructive, creative, and pain-free life. Many kinds of equipment, exercises, and self-help devices are used to help the disabled person.  Heating pads, hydrotherapy, and paraffin baths are used to apply heat. Heat relieves pain, improves circulation, and relaxes muscles. Cold, when used soon after injury, lessens pain, hemorrhage, and swelling. Electric stimulation is used to treat and relax the inflamed muscles.  Ultrasound is used to treat inflammatory conditions of the joints, muscles, and nerves. Exercise helps to maintain and improve body function and posture. It increases muscle tone, strength, and endurance. Often mechanical devices, stationary bicycles, pulleys, weights, and dumbbells are used. Self-help devices, such as splints, braces, crutches, and wheelchairs, help disabled people perform daily activities. Physical therapists train people to use these devices and to develop confidence in accomplishing daily tasks. NEUROLOGIST Neurology «nu ROL uh jee» is the field of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system and muscles. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.  Neurologists are physicians who receive special training in neurology after completing medical school. Neurologists evaluate and treat patients who have experienced such symptoms as headaches, seizures, paralysis, or radiating pain with numbness and tingling. Huntington's disease, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease are all conditions that the neurologist can address.       ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of relieving pain and treating a variety of diseases by inserting needles into specific places on the body. Specialists called acupuncturists insert needles at points along these meridians or at painful points on the body. Insertion of the needles is said to restore balance between two principal forces of nature called yin and yang. Acupuncturists believe disease and pain occur as a result of imbalance between these two forces. Acupuncture is used alone or in combination with Western medicine or Chinese herbal preparations. It is most often used to relieve pain resulting from chronic illness and severe injury. Some common afflictions acupuncturists treat include headaches, sinusitis, chronic respiratory infections, digestive disturbances, and drug dependencies. INTERNAL MEDICINE Internal medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the internal body structures. A patient goes to an internist with a specific problem or for a checkup. In either case, the internist does a complete evaluation of the patient. If the patient has a problem, the internist begins the evaluation by asking the patient questions relating to the problem and to all the organ systems. The internist also asks questions about the patient's background, such as past medical problems, illnesses in the patient's family, and the patient's life style. Next, the internist gives the patient a thorough physical examination. Blood tests are conducted and X-rays and an electrocardiogram may be taken.  The internist interprets all this information in order to make a final evaluation and to decide on treatment. The internist may prescribe medications and also may decide that further procedures, such as surgery, are needed. PAIN MANAGEMENT  When pain resulting from injury or illness becomes unresponsive to conventional treatment, our Board Certified Pain Specialist can be very beneficial.  He is helpful in reducing chronic pain by the use of injections, such as epidurals with the combination of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care.  He can recommend the proper oral medication that can help you live a pain free life.  Allow us to remove the shackles and limitations that pain has on your life.       PODIATRY Podiatry is the branch of medicine concerned with the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions affecting the human foot, ankle, and related structures. Podiatry is also called podiatric medicine. Podiatrists provide medical and surgical treatment of problems of the foot and its related structures. They may prescribe medication and corrective shoes and also fit corrective devices. Podiatrists treat patients in their offices or in clinics, nursing homes, or hospitals.