Diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Chiropractors are medical professionals who diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use traditional diagnostic testing methods (such as x-rays, MRI, and lab work) along with specific chiropractic techniques that involve hands-on manipulation of the articulations (joints) of the body. Chiropractors also offer nutrition and healthy lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors elect not to prescribe medications, and they do not perform surgery; however, many chiropractors work closely with medical doctors and will refer a patient when necessary.

Chiropractic has come a long way since its beginnings. Today, there are over 50,000 licensed chiropractors practicing in the United States. Because of its success in treating back and neck problems and as a result of recent research and changing attitudes, chiropractic has become more accepted and is now considered by many to be a part of mainstream Western medicine. In fact, many hospitals now have chiropractors on staff, and are currently being incorporated into the U.S. military health system. Chiropractors are also recognized by the court system as expert witnesses in their field.

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2000 states, "Patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians. Satisfaction scores were higher for chiropractic patients. A higher proportion of chiropractic patients (56 percent vs. 13 percent) reported that their low-back pain was better or much better, whereas nearly one-third of medical patients reported their low-back pain was worse or much worse."

In addition to spinal manipulation, the following treatment modalities are offered:

• Physiotherapy
• Spinal traction

• Nutrition counseling
• Lifestyle counseling

• Therapeutic rehabilitation exercises

A widely used form of traditional Chinese medicine which restores internal balance, or flow, of Chi.

Acupuncture is a widely used form of traditional Chinese medicine which involves the insertion of fine sterile needles into specific points to restore internal balance, or flow, of Chi (energy); it is this internal imbalance which leads to illness. Each acupuncture point has a defined therapeutic action, and a range of acupuncture points are commonly used.

A study published in the Science Daily found acupuncture treatment for tension headaches cut rates for suffers by almost 50%. A clinical trial posted in The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found 98% of patients treated with acupuncture experienced no headaches or only occasional, mild headaches in the 6 months following care.

All of us experience stress, and these feelings are a healthy response to situations in our lives that may feel beyond our control. When we are healthy and the stress is short lived, we can typically recover without effecting our health. However, when the stress is extreme or long-lasting, our emotional health and ultimately, our physical health suffers. I tailor an individualized and focused treatment to the specific imbalances of each patient. This approach allows the body to heal itself naturally and aims to resolve the problems from the root of the cause, for lasting relief.

A study at the University of California in San Diego showed that high levels of stress can impair a woman's fertility by as much as 93%. Another study in Germany showed that the addition of two acupuncture treatments increased the success rate of IVF from 26% to 43%. Acupuncture can help with all stages in fertility from conception to delivery by:

• Relieving stress
• Increasing uternal blood flow

• Regulating the menses
• Improving sperm count

• Reducing probability of miscarriage

Endorsed by the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health, acupuncture has also been declared an effective treatment for the following commonly treated disorders:

• Musculoskeletal pain
• Menopause

• Headache
• Fertility

• Weight loss

Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of an array of musculoskeletal injuries.

Using chiropractic spinal manipulation, acupuncture, therapeutic rehabilitative exercises, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle counseling, Dr. Amy Cortis tailors a focused treatment plan while resolving the problem from the root cause.

Below are examples of conditions that are treated.

• Neck pain
• Back pain

• Tennis elbow
• Rotator cuff syndrome

• Ankle and wrist sprains
• Knee pain

Finding passion through alternative medicine.

At any early age, Amy Cortis was a nationally ranked gymnast competing in both domestic and international venues. It was during these times of elevated stress and physical demand that she found her inspiration in alternative medicine. Graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, she continued her studies at the National University of Health Sciences with a Doctorate of Chiropractic, a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Certification in Acupuncture & Meridian Therapy. Dr. Cortis completed her clinical internship at the Salvation Army where she saw first hand how the positive results of her treatment affected her patients. By using both chiropractic and acupuncture, she tailors an individualized and focused treatment to the specific needs of each patient. This approach aims to resolve the problems from the root cause, which allows the body to heal itself naturally for lasting relief.

Dr. Cortis has worked in the Chicago area for over 10 years. First as Associate Doctor of Chiropractic at the Back & Neck Pain Clinic in two office locations: Franklin Park and River Forest, Illinois. She was also a member of the Gottlieb / West Towns Physicians Hospital Organization. Dr. Cortis now fulfills her vision with her own practice located in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, Illinois.

Recent articles written by Dr. Amy J. Cortis for Factio Magazine:

• Top 5 Tips and Tricks for Not Gaining Weight Around the Holidays

• How Does Acupuncture Work and the Benefits and the Use of Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Get in touch with Dr. Amy Cortis.