Chiropractors help people manage many common ailments related to the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, that is, the joints and muscles and the nervous system that controls them. This is termed as Musculoskeletal Care (MSK) in the scientific literature. Research evidence shows many common ailments related to the neuro-musculo-skeletal system respond well to chiropractic care.

There is good evidence in the medical research that spinal pain, such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, pain between the shoulder blades, can be managed by chiropractic. These are the most common complaints that we see in our practice. Other variations of these spinal issues that respond to chiropractic include:

• Complaints of numbness and tingling in the back or limbs
• Acute spinal injuries such as slipped disc, disc prolapse and disc bulge
• Headaches, including many migraine syndromes respond well to chiropractic care
• Pregnancy related back pain

Chronic, degenerative problems such as cervical and lumbar spondylosis, and lumbar stenosis also show good results with lower risk rates that many other interventions. Rheumatism, the aches and pains associated with old age, can be managed with chiropractic.

Chiropractors also address problems involving the upper and lower limbs: Shoulder injuries, Tennis and Golf elbow, wrist problems, hands, knees, ankles and foot pain.

There are also some clinical trials and numerous case reports that demonstrate chiropractic benefit with "Type O" or non-musculo-skeletal disorders. Many people undergoing chiropractic care for musculo-skeletal complaints also report other system benefits. Studies have shown that as many as 25-30% reported improvements in breathing problems, digestion, and circulation among others.

Discover the difference in your personal performance that many professional and elite amateur athletes have found with chiropractic.

Globally, many professional sports teams have chiropractors on their staff. Chiropractic has been included in the Polyclinic of major games around the world, such as the Olympic Games, World Games, Pan-American Games, All-Africa games, and has become a favorite among competitors as it has shown to treat injuries effectively, aid in injury prevention and enhance performance.

The Practitioners at Elder Chiropractic Clinic focus on the complex relationship between nerves, muscles, and joints of the body and how this relates to its overall function/performance. How the spine works (i.e., its biomechanics) can influence the nervous system and can alter the overall body behavior. Abnormal peripheral joint function (knees, shoulders, elbows, etc.) can alter nervous system action and reduce performance.

Specifics of examination and correction of body mechanics, including the spine and peripheral joints, is the domain of the chiropractor. By ensuring proper mechanics of the spine and peripheral joints, a chiropractor can influence a number of body functions: from reducing the coefficient of friction at the joint surface level; to balancing and restoring normal muscle tone through soft tissue techniques; to proprioceptive retraining.

We are skilled in assessing athletic injuries with an emphasis on correcting and preventing musculo-skeletal injuries and biomechanical imbalances. Our clinical experience gives us a unique approach to treating athletes. We treat sport enthusiasts of all ages and abilities from local beginners and first time participants to international world-class athletes. Our expertise covers all athletic injuries and also common aches and pains experienced with everyday life.

Our approach and goals remain consistent for each of our patients:

• Identify and correct the current problem.
• Teach the individual to manage their injury while it heals
• Determine a specific plan to prevent future occurrence

All treatments are personalized for the individual and their specific needs. Because many problems are complex in nature, with additional help needed from other sources, we work with other medical healthcare professionals in the area. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.