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Align Chiropractic of Towner Heath & Wellness. Serving North Central North Dakota since 2013.

Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, but it is always best to call ahead if you can.

Dr. Erica Jorde D.C.

Dr. Jorde received her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwester Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. She receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota.

Upon graduation, Erica returned to her home town of Towner, ND to begin her practice with the Sandhills Community Health Center. Sandhills Community Health left Towner in the Fall of 2012. Rather than leave the community without health options, Dr. Jorde created Towner Health & Wellness and reopened under the name Align Chiropractic.

Dr. Jorde is dedicated to becoming a contributing member of the community. She currently serves on the volunteer EMT crew, is a member of the chamber of commerce, volunteers with athletics and FFA at the local high school and has written many health and wellness articles published in the local newspaper.

Dr. Jorde is currently looking to expand the health offerings. She has brought in a licensed massage therapist, a CEDS Technician for nutrition counseling and has clinical exam rooms available.

New Patients

Align Chiropractic is currently accepting new patients. Walk-ins are welcome, but it is best to call ahead to avoid any waiting.

If you prefer, you can also save time by downloading, printing and filling out the new patient forms before your first visit.

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About Chiropractic Care

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Chiropractic", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Chiropractic is a complementary and alternative medicine health care profession and an approach to healing concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractors emphasize manual therapy including joint adjustment and manipulation with particular focus on joint dysfunction/subluxations. Currently, chiropractors practice in over 100 countries in all regions of the world, however chiropractors are most prevalent in North America, Australia and parts of Europe. Most people who seek chiropractic care do so for low back pain.

Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by magnetic healer D.D. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Chiropractic theory on spinal joint dysfunction and its putative role in non-musculoskeletal disease has been a source of controversy since its inception in 1895. The controversy is due in part to chiropractic's vitalistic and metaphysical origins, and use of terminology that is not always amenable to scientific investigation. Far reaching claims and lack of scientific evidence supporting spinal dysfunction/subluxation as the sole cause of disease has led to a critical evaluation of a central tenet of chiropractic and the appropriateness of the profession's role in treating a broad spectrum of disorders that are unrelated to the neuromusculoskeletal system. Although there is external and internal debate within the chiropractic profession regarding the clinical significance of joint dysfunction/vertebral subluxation complex, the manipulable lesion/functional spinal lesion remains inextricably linked to the profession as basis for spinal manipulation.

Palmer hypothesized that vertebral joint misalignments, which he termed vertebral subluxations, interfered with the body's function and its inborn (innate) ability to heal itself. D.D. Palmer repudiated his earlier theory that vertebral subluxations caused pinched nerves in the intervertebral spaces in favor of subluxations causing altered nerve vibration, either too tense or too slack, affecting the tone (health) of the end organ. D.D. Palmer, using a vitalistic approach, imbued the term subluxation with a metaphysical and philosophical meaning. He qualified this by noting that knowledge of innate intelligence was not essential to the competent practice of chiropractic. This concept was later expanded upon by his son, B.J. Palmer and was instrumental in providing the legal basis of differentiating chiropractic medicine from conventional medicine. In 1910, D.D. Palmer theorized that the nervous system controlled health:
"Physiologists divide nerve-fibers, which form the nerves, into two classes, afferent and efferent. Impressions are made on the peripheral afferent fiber-endings; these create sensations that are transmitted to the center of the nervous system. Efferent nerve-fibers carry impulses out from the center to their endings. Most of these go to muscles and are therefore called motor impulses; some are secretory and enter glands; a portion are inhibitory, their function being to restrain secretion. Thus, nerves carry impulses outward and sensations inward. The activity of these nerves, or rather their fibers, may become excited or allayed by impingement, the result being a modification of functionality—too much or not enough action—which is disease."

About Towner Health & Wellness

Towner Health & Wellness was established in February 2013 to provided preventive and corrective healthcare options for North Central North Dakota.

Along with Align Chiropractic, Towner Health & Wellness includes Leisa Bennet, a Licensed Massage Therapist and Aneta Salwey, a CEDS Technician.

Additional space is available if you would like to rent for your own business

Towner Health & Wellness also has a large space available for rent which is perfect for meetings, craft & vendor shows and various large group gatherings.
A kitchen with sink, microwave, toaster oven and refrigerator is also available at an additional charge or to rent separately.

If you would like to rent space, please contact Dr. Erica Jorde at the number below.

Chiropractic Craniopathy:

SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique)

• What does SOT stand for?
• How is SOT different from other chiropractic techniques?
• Exactly what functions of the body does SOT correct?
• Will it make pain go away?
• Will I have to keep coming back?
• Is this a proven method?
• Will it make me healthier
• Does SOT require nutritional changes?
• Does the adjustment cause pain?
• Is there a chance of being hurt by a SOT adjustment?

What does SOT stand for? scroll to top

SOT stands for Sacro Occipital Technique (or Technic). "Sacro" means "related to, or associated with," the sacrum. The sacrum is the foundation for the spine. The sacrum is often called the tail bone though this is not exactly correct. "Occipital" means "related to or associated with the occiput. Occiput means "the back of the head". So, SOT is a method of normalizing the relationship between the foundation of the spine and the top of the spine. It is this relationship and how these two bones get along with one another, that has been proven to be so important in the normal functioning of the brain and spinal cord. The word "Technic" is another way of spelling "technique". Either word means "the way to get the job done, scientifically and in a short period of time".

How is SOT different than other chiropractic techniques? scroll to top

SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique) is composed of highly accurate and effective clinical procedures . Dr. Major B. DeJarnette spent most of his life conducting clinical investigation into what works in chiropractic and what makes chiropractic work. Many of the experiments he first tried on himself so that he was aware of the results first hand. He also recruited others to be patients while he tested the procedures. By means of these repeated, peer-reviewed tests, he determined the true nature of the spinal subluxation* and how it could most efficiently be corrected. He also determined when the correction of the spinal subluxation was not enough and devised visceral manipulation procedures. Visceral procedures are used to help normalize organ function without the use of drugs or surgery. SOT also recognizes the important role of normal cranial function in health and disease. The cranial bones and other cranial structures can cause central nervous system problems that are often overlooked or ignored by most other chiropractic systems. *Spinal subluxation: A disorder of the spinal, pelvic or cranial bones which is interfering with, or prohibits the correction of, the secretion, fluctuation and absorption of cerebro spinal fluid.

Exactly what function of the body does SOT correct? scroll to top

SOT concerns itself primarily with the cranial sacral respiratory mechanism. This is a wavelike oscillation in the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Although quite subtle, this motion is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and spinal cord, and thereby the rest of the nervous system and the rest of the body. It functions much like breathing air, in that it has a cyclic tightening and loosening phase. Ordinary respiration--breathing air in and out--also affects and can be used to normalize cranial sacral respiratory action. The normal function of the cranial sacral respiratory mechanism is recognized as a primary function of life in the body and must be normal if all functions of the body are to be normal. Like other chiropractic techniques, SOT also corrects abnormal spinal mechanics and any associated nerve problems. These can include back pain, headaches, dizziness, arm and leg pains. Through the use of Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Techniques, your SOT practitioner can help normalize organ function in your body, including high blood pressure, digestive problems, urinary problems, toxicity, female reproductive dysfunction, etc. The list goes on and on. Many head-related symptoms can also be treated by your SOT practitioner, including, but not limited to: Vertigo TMJ Headache Visual disturbances Ear infections, etc. Top of Page

Will it make the pain go away? scroll to top

Getting rid of pain is important. At all times, during an SOT adjustment, the comfort of the patient is considered. But eliminating or killing the pain is not the main goal of a chiropractic SOT adjustment. The true goal of an adjustment, and particularly an SOT adjustment, is to normalize the function of the entire body. The central nervous system---the brain and spinal cord---is the avenue of approach. The brain and spinal cord are used for this purpose because all studies of the human body show that their function is the primary function of the body. They act to control all other functions of the body as well. So, normalization of this function is the primary goal. As this goal is obtained , the pain will go away. But elimination of pain is simply a side effect of normalizing the cranial sacral respiratory mechanism.

Will I have to keep coming back? scroll to top

SOT is proven to obtain lasting results in a short time. These results are demonstrated as reduced pain and improved function in all parts of the body. A patient just starting with SOT care will often notice such a great improvement in a short time that they will feel they are completely healed. But with the precise diagnostic methods of SOT, problems in the body can be detected even though they are not causing pain. So it is a wise investment on the patient's part to stay with a program of care which detects problems before they start to hurt. The old saying attributed to Benjamin Franklin applies: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of Cure."

Is this a proven method? scroll to top

SOT has been shown to be clinically effective in thousands of offices worldwide This method of health care is constantly improving and finding new proof of it's effectiveness. Many of the other chiropractic techniques use principles that were originally discovered and written by Dr. DeJarnette. The validity of Dr. DeJarnette's research is proven every day by the practice of these techniques. As specialists in Sacro Occipital Technic, the chiropractors listed on this website are trained in SOT and diligently apply all of their skill, knowledge, and judgment to every adjustment they give. Their effort is to apply SOT as Dr. DeJarnette developed it. This is the proven method and the one that is most often found to be effective.

Will it make me healthier? scroll to top

Yes. Any SOT adjustment will improve the functioning of the body, which is health. This improvement may not be readily apparent to the doctor or the patient, but it is there. Since it is very difficult to predict what is going to happen with one's health, it is doubly difficult to say that a particular procedure prevented a bad occurrence in one's health. But, clinical experience and scientific investigation over the years have shown that SOT is in the forefront of those procedures which improve health.

Does SOT require nutritional changes? scroll to top

Often. Any effort to restore health in this day and age on this planet requires improving nutritional intake. This is due to what is called "overconsumptive malnutrition." Our current food supply is structured in such a way that people eat a lot of empty calories. So, specific nutritional supplements and changes are usually necessary.

Does the adjustment cause pain in my body? scroll to top

No. SOT works to a great extent by specifically positioning the body to use the weight of the body to correct the body. This occurs because of an interaction between the specific position the body is in and the motion of the body caused by normal breathing. Many times the patient will feel very relaxed during the adjustment and even take a nap. There is some pain when specific points of correction are located. This is more like a "good pain" than a "bad pain" and serves mostly to let the doctor and patient know that a point needing correction has been found.

Is there a chance of being hurt by the SOT adjustment? scroll to top

The chance of injury during any chiropractic adjustment is very, very small. Recent research has shown the likelihood to be less than one in 6,000,000 Most of the injuries which have occurred have involved the neck and happened during non-SOT visits. The average chiropractor pays about $1,000 to $2, 000 per year for malpractice insurance. A medical doctor can pay $1,000 per week for malpractice insurance. This gives an accurate indication of the relative danger involved. SOT is good for thee, so get thee in if you want to be: Healthy

About CMRT

Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique

CMRT balances the organ systems with the nervous system. Typical reasons for treatment with CMRT are helping pregnant women with morning sickness, upset stomachs, emotional distress and acid reflux.

CMRT is based on the premise that:

• Changes in Cerebral Spinal Fluid flow and contents due to stressors will adversely affect the function of the Nervous System and therefore affect the Subluxation Complex.
• Visceral dysfunction will follow
• Pathological reflexes will be established
• Disease will manifest itself int he form of symptoms

CMRT normalises somato-visceral and somato-spinal reflex arcs thereby:

• Preventing the "repeat adjustment" syndrome
• Interrupting chronic pain patterns
• Correcting functional organ disturbances

"Find the subluxation and you know its reflex. Remove the reflex and you start the process of recovery. Your vertebral adjustment removes the irritant which generates the stimuli. The manipulative reflex technique removes the effect of the stimulus."
Major Bertrand De Jarnette, D.C.