Neuromusculoskeletal medicine deals with the systems of the body as a whole, and practitioners believe that an imbalance between the nervous system, blood vessels, musculature and skeletal framework of the body causes diseases and disorders. A doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), or an osteopath is a physician who deals with the structure and function of the body, and uses manipulations to help the body heal itself.

This holistic approach relies on all the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the body as an integral part of health. Osteopaths take a hands-on approach to disease, and though they are licensed to practice medicine, they use chiropractic-type adjustments or physical therapy in their treatment, and prefer to use medication and surgery as a last resort.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Georgia has 24 practicing neuromusculoskeletal medicine doctors. Broken out by city, neuromusculoskeletal medicine doctor density in Atlanta is 5, in Augusta is 2, in Chamblee is 1, in Covington is 1, in Cumming is 1, in Decatur is 1, in Lawrenceville is 1, in Lilburn is 1, in Marietta is 7, in Ringgold is 1, in Roswell is 1, in Savannah is 1, in Suwanee is 2, and in Tucker is 1.

Georgia is rich in history, from its statehood in 1788, to its tobacco plantations, to its civil rights memorials. Atlanta is its vibrant capital city, and it offers a myriad of music, arts, sports and nightlife. While in Atlanta, visit the world’s largest aquarium, the Woodruff Arts Center, or the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Ride the Old Town Trolley in Savannah, and listen to some live jazz and blues at one of Savannah’s many festivals. Georgia’s mountain parks offer hiking, biking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. On Georgia’s coastline, you can go boating, deep sea fishing or kayaking in the Atlantic. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge draws many visitors yearly.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Georgia has a population of 9,072,576. Of this population, 2,319,806 are under the age of 18 and 865,997 are at or above the age of 65.