Side Effects

What are side effects? They are something unexpected that happen along the way, or on the side. They may be good or bad, generally undesirable, but take place just the same. If you are running a race, unexpected hazards may cause you to lose. On the other hand, something may happen that gives you new courage making things turn out in a helpful way, and you are glad as a result.

In the healing arts the side effects are generally negative. You are treated for some particular disorder and the reaction takes a turn for the worse. For instance, tranquilizers are prescribed to ease pain or to quiet the nerves. Then the headache pain, skin irritation, or a rash develops; thus adverse symptoms take place generally puzzling the doctor and giving the patient no end of the trouble. In fact, the most common methodology is to prescribe another drug and telling the patient, "come back next week if this doesn't work, and I'll give you a something else." Now THAT'S is real confidence builder for the patient ... NOT!

Why do side effects occur? Various answers may be given, such as allergy, but the most logical answer is abundantly clear. All drugs have a most definite reaction when applied to the body, with some adverse, some mild. These reactions are called side effects and the treatment varies according to the nature of the patient, environment, working conditions, and other factors.

To quote Eli Lilly of Lilly Pharmaceuticals: "A drug is not a drug, unless it has side effects."

The Chiropractic, or natural, approach is different. Realizing that the life or nerve energy of the body transmitted by the system of nerves, directs and controls all bodily function and activity. We give special attention to the nervous system and its reaction in general. Thus, chiropractors do not treat the disease itself nor its side effects. Instead we make radiographic (x-ray) pictures of the spine and other tests to determine where the nerve interference occurs, after which skillful spinal adjustments are made to clear the basic cause by removing the nerve interference and setting free the life energy. Thus, the healing takes place from within outward and the side effects in most cases subside and clear up.

Oftentimes falls, accidents, strains, and mishaps displace one or more vertebrae to a degree so the nerves are "pinched" and dis-ease occurs and side effects result with various symptoms. We are educated and skilled in locating and correcting this spinal cause of the health problem, making possible a more healthy life without side effects.

"Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects."