Our Philosophy

Regarding Health Care

Disease and its role in health care
Although the strict definition of disease involves abnormal functioning of the body without specification of cause, modern medical thought typically places bacteria or viruses as the cause of disease; that is, disease and microorganism invasion are thought of as being synonymous.  This reasoning (germ theory) leads to the current medical approach of eradication of the “cause” (microorganisms) as a cure for the disease.

There are several problems with this line of thinking.  First, if germs were the cause of disease then all people exposed to the microorganisms would become diseased.  This is known to not be the case.  Even in severe epidemics many people who are exposed do not become ill.  Thus it is apparent that the immune system (as a reflection of overall health) is the critical element of staying healthy.  Virulence of a microorganism is simply a reflection of the efficiency of that organism to take advantage of an improperly functioning system.

Second, this approach to disease limits the doctor to eliminating the organism as the method of effecting a “cure.”  When abnormal microorganisms are present in a disease process, these germs are no more than another symptom of the true underlying problem, the suboptimal health of the individual.  Therefore, by reducing the numbers of the microorganism (through antibiotics, for example), symptoms (such as fever) that are directly related to the presence of the organisms are reduced yet the body is no better off in regards to the underlying problem and so illness is likely to repeat itself.

Third, there are many beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.  Most antibiotics are only mildly selective, that is they work on a large class of bacteria instead of on the one specific type of opportunistic bacteria.  Consequently, each use of antibiotics destroys not only the invading bacteria but also all bacteria of the same large class found in your body, some of which may be necessary for good health.

Please note that we are not against the use of antibiotics; in some cases the opportunistic microorganisms need to be placed in check so that the body’s energy and resources will be available for improving the weakened system.  We believe good cause should be established before use of such drugs is implemented.

Health care and its role in preventing disease
Health care is, unlike its usual societal representation, an approach to increasing the health of the individual.  True health is not just lack of symptoms, but rather a functioning of all bodily symptoms in an optimal and balanced manner.

Health can be measured in several ways: emotional, nutritional, physical, spiritual.  Each of these areas should be balanced for overall good health.  Nutritional health, for example, is dictated in part by beneficial things consumed (or not consumed) and by non-beneficial things consumed.  The body uses nutrients in certain ratios and expends effort to eliminate toxins.

Physical health is perhaps most importantly dictated by neurological function.  Essentially all functions of the body are activated, dictated or influenced by the neurological regulation and monitoring of human function.  Furthermore as we are “sided” persons (left and right dominant), the nervous system has developed with distinct sidedness.  To be sure these sides are in (incomplete) communication; when however one side is functioning at a different level than the other, both sides are affected as well as body function in general. 

 What to expect from us
The doctors of Arlington Chiropractic Neurology Center approach health care as coaches and trainers.  We are here to guide you in the best therapies, to make recommendations based on our knowledge of health, and to apply treatment according to your needs.  We examine patients on a neuromusculoskeletal basis with an emphasis on neurological function in order to assess your basic physical health.  From there we can usually provide therapies that are appropriate to strengthen your body to alleviate your complaints, to restore function, and to restore humanism.

We treat the person, not the disease.  Doctors do offer cures to disease processes, only offer guidance in an attempt to allow the human body to use its innate abilities to heal itself.  The best cure for any disease is prevention which entails active participation in exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, and a properly functioning nervous system.

What we expect from our patients
Health is achieved only through the desire and action of the individual.  One is entitled to good health only as much as one is responsible for one’s good health; in other words it’s up to you.

We expect from our patients cooperation in doing assigned home therapies, in honoring appointments made with us, and in keeping us informed of personal changes that may affect their progress.  Our experience shows that the people who make the effort are usually the ones that make the most progress.  Optimal health takes lifelong dedication and commitment, but the award is well worth the sacrifice.