I took a look at the web site that Wolfgang posted. I'm afraid I have to say that this is old stuff to me. The usual hatchet job.

My father was a chiropractor and I could go on and on about this subject. Among other things, my father's knowledge of physiology was prodigious. And he knew more about the nervous system than many neurologists.

I had polio at the age of two, and where the orthopedic physicians and surgeons wanted to

1) put me in a wheelchair instead of fitting me with braces and teaching me to walk with crutches. Dad was absolutely adamant and eventually got his way. Thanks to him, I was able to lead a normal life, including doing such things as singing professionally for a couple of decades (walked on stage with crutches, like Itzak Perlman does, with someone carrying my guitar out for me). I had to use crutches all my life, but I didn't wind up needing to use a wheelchair until I took a bad fall and broke my "good" leg when I was 59.

2) perform all kinds of operations such as muscle transplants, spinal fusion (I have a post-polio scoliosis), and other joint fusions, which Dad would not allow. These operations were eventually discontinued because they didn't succeed and, more often than not, left the patient in worse shape and in chronic pain. He kept the scoliosis under control with regular chiropractic adjustments. My Dad is gone now, but I was fortunate enough to find a very good young chiropractor that I go to regularly (my health insurance covers 80%).

Dad once said to me, "They call it the 'practice' of medicine. Well, I'm not going to let them 'practice' on you!" For this, I am eternally grateful!

The reason that a chiropractor often wants you to come in for a series of adjustments is that a subluxated vertebra doesn't always stay adjusted, especially if it's been out for awhile. Your back muscles adjust to the vertebra being out of position (often cramping and giving you considerable pain), and when repositioned correctly by a chiropractor, your muscles also have to readjust. The vertebra in question can slip out again. It sometimes takes a few sessions to adjust it, and the surrounding muscles, to where it will stay in place. The longer it's been out, the more adjustments it's liable to need.

"Fresh pineapple, fresh greens and salmon. . . ." Sounds good to me, Peg. Sounds real good! I love it when what I like anyway turns out to be good for me.

Don Firth