Did your momma ever warn you about needing an attitude adjustment growing up? If so, you remember how that worked, right? Seriously though, adjusting your attitude does make a huge difference in your mind set. But do you know how ‘adjusting' your physical body can make you healthier? Well, that's what a spinal adjustment does.

"Chiropractic care involves adjustments of the spine," said Dr. George Keogh, owner of Proctor Chiropractic in Tacoma. "It restores the body to its natural state and allows it to work at its highest level through caring for the neuromuscular system."

Because the spine has 150 miles of nerves that connect the body and regulate movement, pain, sensitivity and organ function, a healthy spine means a healthy nervous system - and a healthier you. Chiropractic care corrects subluxations (misalignments resulting in abnormal movement patterns of the vertebrae). It alleviates muscle spasms and nerve irritability, increases range of motion and improves immune system functioning.  

"I had a Servicemember come in with chronic back pain," said Keogh, "and within a couple of visits he was able to touch his toes - something he hadn't done in 10 years."

Chiropractic care works for headaches, blurred vision, carpal tunnel syndrome and frozen shoulder, to name a new. It doesn't cure problems; rather, it helps the body to help itself heal.

"Because of the work Soldiers do, they often experience chronic pain," he said. "It can be fascia or soft-tissue problems, but left untreated, the body compensates in less than desirable ways and creates further problems. These weaknesses put troops at risk in a combat environment."

Keogh specializes in sports medicine at Proctor Chiropractic, which also functions as a full service wellness center and offers adjustments (spine and extremities) as well as cold laser treatments, rehabilitation, nutrition, exercise, soft tissue massage, lifestyle counseling, and detoxification options.

"Chiropractic care restores balance, coordination, endurance, flexibility and strength," Keogh said. "For our military and athletic clientele, we offer sports-specific exercises to increase power, agility and speed, as well."

Through his 14 years of practice, Keogh's objective has remained the same: to teach people how to take care of themselves so they don't need chiropractic care on a long-term basis.

"The key to a healthy back is good posture," he said. "We help you understand you and your body so you stay healthy and know these basics. It's ideal to get regular adjustments, but not necessary."

 [Proctor Chiropractic: 2520 North Proctor St., Tacoma, (253) 756-7500, www.proctorchiropractic.com].