What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic healthcare is a branch of the healing arts based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls and regulates all functions within the human body. Interference with the nervous system due to structural dysfunction can cause impairment of bodily functions. Chiropractic works to eliminate the structural problems that influences the nervous system, and to restore optimal function of the body without the use of medications and surgery.
The word Chiropractic is derived from the Greek words "cheiro and praktikos" which means "done by hand". It is this approach that minimizes structural dysfunction in order to promote the best environment for the body to heal itself.
Why do I need a Chiropractor?
The approach of chiropractic health care is to identify the cause of your health problem and not simply treat the symptoms of disease. A variety of symptoms such as pain, numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, decreased range of motion and headaches are just a few of the problems that chiropractic can help to improve upon. This is done by improving spinal function, which not only helps to reduce your symptoms, but also allows your nervous system to function optimally.
What can I expect on my first visit to the Chiropractor?
Upon your arrival to our clinic you will meet with your future-treating chiropractor. He or she will ask you about the primary health complaint you are concerned about. The Doctor will also inquire about further information regarding your medical history, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your present illness.
A physical examination will be performed based on your doctor’s clinical judgment, which may involve x-rays and other diagnostic procedures. Careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect structural abnormalities, which may be affecting or causing your condition.
Upon analysis of the information gathered from the examination and other diagnostic workup, your doctor will explain your present illness in terms you can understand and arrive at a treatment plan to resolve your problem.
What does a Chiropractor evaluate for?
A Chiropractor will evaluate for abnormal motion or positioning of vertebrae (known as the vertebral subluxation complex or VSC), which can compromise the space in which a spinal nerve exits the spinal column. When a nerve is compromised, irritation or interference can result. Much like static on a phone call the transmission from a spinal nerve may go through but quality of the signal may be affected.
The Vertebral subluxation can cause a wide variety of problems besides pain.
The most common problems associated with subluxation are the following:
1. Decreased or restricted spinal motion.
2. Shortened muscle tissue, which may lead to decreased strength and flexibility
as well as scar tissue development.
3. Numbness and/or tingling may occur over the area a nerve travels.
4. Inflammation or swelling can occur in joints and surrounding soft tissue.
5. Joints may wear out prematurely due to unequal wear and tear, resulting in degenerative
joint disease and bone spurs.
***Only a Doctor of Chiropractic is qualified to evaluate for vertebral subluxations and their correction.
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What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the primary method of treatment used by a chiropractor. The purpose of the adjustment is to normalize structural function to reduce nerve interference as described in the vertebral subluxation complex.
An adjustment is applied through the use of a specific force in a precise direction applied to a joint that is not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint allowing the bones to gradually return to the normal position and motion. In general, chiropractic adjustments are not painful, however there is an associated popping sound known as an audible release. This sound is gas being released from a joint much like plastic bubble wrap popping.
Can I adjust myself?
It is not possible to effectively adjust yourself. A chiropractic adjustment requires a specific force, contact, and direction. It is possible to contort your body to create a "popping" sound much like an adjustment; however, this release is not sufficient to restore proper joint motion and ultimately can do more damage than good. This type of maneuver can create more instability in a joint that already has problems maintaining it’s proper function.
In order to receive the benefits of a chiropractic adjustment it must be performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic who has undergone extensive training to deliver the highest quality of care.
Is Chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care has a remarkable safety record due to the conservative nature of its treatments, that is, the absence of medications and surgery. Furthermore, the thorough analysis or each individual’s condition prior to treatment allows your Chiropractor to provide safe and effective treatment.
Is it possible to speed the healing process?
Although your body’s natural healing process takes time, there are ways that you can aid your recovery in conjunction with your chiropractic treatment. Your doctor will design a treatment plan specifically for your health care needs. Proper nutrition, exercises, and stretches are often part of treatment plans. Following your doctor’s treatment plan will facilitate the healing process. Remember, the more you do to progress your treatment, the quicker you can return to health.
How long do I need to receive chiropractic care?
Treatment length varies with each individual. Generally, care falls into three groups: acute, supportive, and wellness care. Acute care entails resolving the present problem when the pain becomes too severe. Supportive care is for individuals whose condition is chronic in nature and requires regular care to maintain a level of health. Wellness care is for patients who find that chiropractic care enables them to function at their best and may prevent small problems from evolving into bigger, more time consuming problems.
No matter what form of care you are looking for, your Chiropractor can provide you with quality care to return you to the level of health that you are capable of attaining
Why would a child need chiropractic care?
Chiropractic has been shown to help in the treatment of scoliosis and other childhood problems.
The birth process may be one of the most traumatic events in our lives. Stress on a newborn’s spine can be strong enough to cause numerous health complaints such as colic, earache, poor appetite, and allergies. All of these problems can be traced back to nervous system dysfunction from spinal subluxation. From the first few days of life, to learning how to walk, to your child’s many growth phases, chiropractic care can help your child grow up strong and healthy avoiding possible childhood problems such as scoliosis, growing pains, and weakened immune system.
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