Chiropractor adjusting to new technology
By Chris Simon

Alcona Chiropractic and Natural Health Centre doctor Mark Kohut holds part of the the Insight Subluxation Station, a computer system used to detect spinal dysfunction, last week. Kohut is one of the only local chiropractors that uses the state-of-the-art technology. The machine has also been used by NASA.

Mark Kohut hopes some new technology will help his budding business succeed.

The Alcona chiropractor recently started using the Insight Subluxation Station, a computer system used to detect spinal dysfunction by measuring physiological activity. The technology is one of the newest available pieces of diagnostic equipment, and very few local chiropractors are currently using it, said Kohut.

"Basically, it's one of the newer technologies in the chiropractic field," he said. "It's basically a diagnostic scanner that you role up and down the spine. It will help us diagnose things more closely. You get a nice visual result, and you can set some nice objective goals for the patient."

The station, has been used by NASA in the United States to study astronauts before and after their missions, features two different painless and non-invasive tests that help characterize abnormal activity around the spine.

Kohut says unusual movements and positions in the spinal vertebrae disrupt communication with the central nervous system, and can cause decreased health potential and function. Thus, this device will allow for earlier and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

"We're hitting things early, before they get to the point where you're actually feeling it," he said. "What we're trying to do is maintain the health of the spine and the muscles around the spine. One of the key to that is to allow the nerves to function better."

Most people often wait until they are in pain, before seeking medical attention. However, there could be several health problems developing in the spine, before pain is felt, said Kohut.

For more information on the system, contact the Alcona Chiropractic and Natural Health Centre at 431-0505.