Treating the whole body

The five most dangerous words in the English language are “maybe it will go away.”

That’s what Dr. Dennis Brittain believes.

He recently opened Brittain Chiropractic in Bear Paw Plaza, on the road into Fred Meyer off Kathleen Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

Chiropractic uses gentle techniques to correct misalignments that cause muscle tension, pain and impaired bodily functions. Dr. Brittain has treated more than 30,000 patients over the course of 35 years, with practices in Newport, Ore. and Austin, Texas, as well as medical missionary work in Mexico, Central and South America.

He specializes in sports injuries, from ankle sprains to shoulder injuries to migraines and beyond. He also treats patients for auto and work injuries.

“We treat the whole body,” he said.

Upon meeting a new patient, Dr. Brittain begins with thorough exams of Orthopedic, Neurological and Muscular function. Determined to understand the patient’s problem in depth before he attempts to treat it, he’s even prepared to do x-rays right in his office.

“To see is to know,” he said. “Not to see is to guess.”

Dr. Brittain doesn’t require long-term contracts for chiropractic care — he doesn’t believe in them. His patients “feel the difference” usually within a short amount of time, he said.

Dr. Brittain’s wife, Linda, is one of his biggest proponents — and not just because they’re married.

At 24 years old, she learned that she had a ruptured disc. But it hasn’t held her back. She said her husband’s chiropractic care has helped her retain motion and avoid needing surgery and prescription pain relief. Chiropractic has also allowed her to enjoy activities like sailing, fishing, hunting and diving.

“I’ve been able to do all kinds of wonderful things in life because I’ve had chiropractic care,” she said. “That’s what we’re about — getting you back to feeling good so you can enjoy your life.”

Dr. Brittain believes that everyone can benefit from chiropractic care — after all, everybody has a spine. He advises people to begin while young, “before you’re falling apart,” to help maintain motion and function throughout their lives.

“I’ve learned from my patients,” he said. “Stay active. Stay mobile. Get adjusted. It’s the healthiest thing you can do for longevity.”

He also suggests specific chiropractic care as a first treatment option for many problems, such as sprains/strains and other kinds of pain, rather than as a last resort.

“Everybody who has something bothering them for more than two weeks should see a chiropractor,” he said.

Dr. Brittain said he understands why some people are hesitant about chiropractic, especially if they haven’t had success with other practitioners. But he encourages them to let him help.

“I don’t want to just treat the symptoms,” he said. “I want to find the cause of the symptoms.”

A good chiropractor can restore quality of life, Dr. Brittain said.

“You don’t have to suffer needlessly,” he said. “The aches and pains that people think are normal are not normal. Those are your body’s warning signals.”

His wife, Linda, agreed. Chiropractic care has made it possible for her to do the things she loves. She encourages other people to experience that kind of healing.

“Life is an adventure,” she said. “You don’t want to miss out.”

Brittain Chiropractic is located at 600 W. Kathleen Ave. in Coeur d’Alene, in Bear Paw Plaza on the road into Fred Meyer. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 2 - 6 p.m. Tuesday. Phone: (208) 967-2208.

Info: www.gotchiro.net.