The common misconception many chiropractors say they face is the notion that they are simply “back crackers.” Instead, the focus of today’s chiropractic care is on whole-body wellness. Whether an individual is recovering from an injury or simply suffering from general stressors on the body—like lack of movement, often caused by sitting at a computer all day—the restoration of good spinal health can have a positive impact on the nervous system, which can cause the body to heal and perform more effectively.

“Looking at it with the broadest brush stroke, the body has an innate ability to heal itself as long as it is not being impeded in some way,” says Timothy Fargo, D.C., of Chiropractic Health and Wellness Center, PA in Edina.

While there are many methods chiropractors use to treat patients, the ultimate goal is health. “We want to educate people about wellness,” Fargo says, “whether that’s nutrition, flexibility, exercise and fitness, or simply a positive mental outlook. We want people to move well, eat well and think well.”

According to Fargo, chiropractic care is the “largest non-drug and non-surgical profession on the planet.” Interest has grown in recent years, he says, as rising rates of disease such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes continue to attract attention, leaving people to want to “treat their bodies correctly on the front end” rather than eventually dealing with the consequences of a serious illness.

Stress, which has increased as a result of the country’s current economic state, also can overwhelm the body and result in sleep problems, digestive issues, hormonal difficulties and high blood pressure.

“Let’s think about the body as being able to manage stress as if it were a five-gallon bucket. It can only handle so much and if you can’t drain it fast enough, it will overflow and affect your body in many ways,” Fargo says. “And no, while we don’t ‘crack backs,’ we do use the spine as a tool to free the nervous system from interference, which can reduce stress on the body and help it to be better functioning.”

There are many chiropractic care centers in Edina and all locations treat patients for a wide variety of conditions. Here are a few local clinics—and their specialties—that’ll help you get started.

AUTO INJURIES
Discover Chiropractic Center, PC
6550 York Avenue S., Suite 216
952.746.7533
edinawellness.com
Auto accident injuries such as whiplash can occur while traveling at speeds as slow as 5 miles per hour, but the effects can be long lasting. Symptoms may include neck pain, headache, low back pain, TMJ or jaw pain, and dizziness. In addition to offering general chiropractic care, William Hake, D.C., of Discover Chiropractic Center has been practicing for six years and frequently treats patients coping with the effects of auto injuries. The center is also going to be a part of a nationwide research study on fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition.

Okeson/Burke Chiropractic Group
Edina Chiropractic Center
7300 France Ave. S., Suite 100
952.835.0006
edinachiropracticcenter.com
Known as the Wilson Chiropractic Clinic for more than 40 years until Adam Burke, D.C., took over the practice in 2006, this clinic—which recently was joined by Erik Okeson, D.C.—is now looking toward the future with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and high-tech tools such as a decompression machine, which can treat patients suffering from herniated disks.
“We want our clinic to be the first place people come after they have been in an auto accident,” Burke says. “Sometimes it can be misleading for people if they aren’t in pain immediately following a collision, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t suffered an injury.” Burke wants the clinic to be known for its expertise in diagnosing and treating soft tissue problems, which can often occur after a crash.

FAMILY CARE
50th and France Chiropractic and Wellness
3948 W. 50th St., Suite 203
952.920.4528
edinachiropractic.com
This Edina clinic, in business since 1903, has the unique distinction of being the oldest chiropractic clinic in the United States. The 50th and France Chiropractic and Wellness offers general chiropractic care to patients of all ages, primarily using low-force techniques on those under the age of 6. Carrie Clark, D.C., specializes in treating pregnant women and children. The location also offers other services such as acupuncture and massage therapy.

Naas Chiropractic Clinic
7400 Metro Blvd.
952.830.0153
Edina native Jennifer Naas, D.C., says the focus at her clinic is on providing affordable chiropractic care for the whole family. “Everybody needs chiropractic care. We all need to take a proactive approach to caring for the spine and nervous system throughout our lives,” Naas says.  
Some patients truly start early. “We love to see babies as soon as possible after birth so we can evaluate their spines and identify any problems that may have arisen in utero,” she says. The clinic also treats many pregnant women and as is the case with newborns, Naas uses a much gentler approach in treatment. “The techniques are extremely low force or no force,” she says. Chiropractic care also has been found to be beneficial for young children suffering from colic or recurring ear infections, Naas adds.

NUTRITION
Moore Chiropractic Clinic
6550 York Ave. S., Suite 515
952.926.7515
moorechiropractic.org
In addition to general chiropractic care, Casey Moore, D.C., is a firm believer in the importance of good nutrition for overall health. So much so, that he frequently accompanies small groups of his patients to the grocery store. “I had a nutrition teacher in college who walked us through the grocery store, and I decided this was something I could incorporate into the services we offer at the clinic,” Moore says.
Since many of his patients are children and teens, Moore says the good nutrition message is especially important. “That’s the time when you start to build your bad habits, and you will keep eating that way until someone tells you differently,” he says.