It is different because it does not use the outside-in approach of fixing a body with drugs or surgery. Chiropractic focuses on correction and restoration of health through more natural means. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that the spine and nervous system are directly linked to health. The brain is protected by the skull and the spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Nerve impulses flow from the brain, down the spinal cord, and to every organ and tissue in the body.
Nerve impulses respond back to the brain to confirm that the body is functioning properly.
If there are problems with the function of these movable spinal bones a variety of symptoms and pain syndromes can arise. A chiropractor looks to the spine and possible neurological involvement to determine the cause of the patients symptoms. If necessary chiropractors also will refer patients to other health care professionals. A chiropractor corrects the mechanical problems in the spine and thereby alleviates the interference with the nervous system. When these mechanical problems are corrected the patients body is able to heal itself, without drugs or surgery.