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What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractors, also
known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians,
diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with
the body’s spinal, musculoskeletal,
neurological, and vascular systems. Chiropractic works because
you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your
nervous system. Good health depends on a normally functioning nervous
system that influences every living tissue in your body. Thirty-one
pairs of spinal nerves extend down the spine from the brain and out to
every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your
body is working right.
Improper motion or
position of the moving bones of the spine, called a subluxation, can
interfere with these vital signals by irritating nerves and affecting
the function of organs and tissues. Your spinal column is a series of
movable bones that begin at the base of your skull and end in the center
of your hips. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body
communications. Health often returns by reducing or eliminating this
irritation to spinal nerves and enabling your body to operate more
efficiently and more comfortably.
Information summarized from
“Acupuncture, Meridian Therapy” authored by Dr. John A. Amaro,
International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture Inc., copyright 1989 T.J.
Art Studio Inc.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Like other health
practitioners, chiropractors follow a standard routine to obtain the
information they need for diagnosis and treatment. They take the
patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your
health history is particularly vital to a chiropractor. This information
could provide important clues that will allow your chiropractor to
properly diagnose your problem. Be prepared to answer such questions as:
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Did the onset of
your pain immediately follow an injury?
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Is there anything you do that
improves or worsens the pain?
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When and how did your pain start?
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Where is the pain centered?
Using
this information, a diagnosis is made. Included in the diagnosis is the
probable reason for your pain or discomfort. It is important to note
that chiropractors are trained to locate the source of the pain or
discomfort in order to eliminate it. It may actually be far from the
actual location where the symptom is. Then we correct or adjust the
misalignment, or subluxation, in the spine and set it up to heal
on its own.
What is a subluxation?
Chiropractors have a term for misalignments: subluxations. A vertebral
subluxation is a misalignment of the bones that protect the spinal cord.
It’s a kink in the wiring of your nervous system.
The
severity of the subluxation can vary, and there are a number of
potential contributing factors that can be physical, emotional, mental,
or chemical. The subluxation can be caused by any number of incidents,
from birth trauma to an auto accident to simple repetition or over-use.
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Of
course, the type of correction or “adjustment” employed by the
chiropractor depends on the condition being treated. The important thing
to remember is that chiropractic success occurs by addressing the source
of the problem, not just masking the symptoms.
What is an
“adjustment”?
Chiropractic
adjustments usually involve applying pressure by hand to the spinal
vertebrae and “unlocking” it from its improper position. The bone will
then be free to align itself correctly. Unfortunately, the muscles
connected to the vertebrae get used to their positions and have a
tendency to pull the vertebrae back out of place. It may take several
adjustments before the adjustment "holds" and the bone settles into its
proper alignment.
Does chiropractic hurt?
Under normal circumstances, adjustments don’t hurt. The patient may
experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment that lasts
only seconds.
How long until I feel
better?
Typically, initial
chiropractic adjustments will produce one of three responses:
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Some improvement
— Most people report an improved sense of ease and well-being with
their first adjustments. These adjustments put in motion a series of
changes and each visit builds on the previous ones. Keeping your
appointments will speed the healing process.
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Slow change
— If you have a chronic health problem, progress may be slow. It may
have taken years for your health to get to this point, so recovery
will take time. Creating new and healthier spinal patterns will
require repeated visits.
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Temporary setback
— Rarely, particularly when there has been a recent accident or
injury, it may seem that your problem is worsening. This is not
actually the case--it is only a temporary reaction. Injury can
create inflammation and reducing inflammation takes time. Many
factors will affect the speed of your recovery—are you getting the
proper rest, exercise, nutrition, for example? Are you fully
carrying out the doctor’s recommendations? Are you maintaining
regular visits?
How can I help my treatments
be more effective?
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Between visits,
the following steps can improve the effects of your adjustments:
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Avoid extreme turns, bending, or sudden
twisting of your spine.
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If you lift something, keep your back
straight and use your legs.
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Sit without slouching and do not cross
your legs. Stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting. It
will help keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further.
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Avoid bending your neck excessively when
watching TV or reading in bed.
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Stand tall and sit tall. Now is the time
to form new postural habits
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Don’t overload your backpack or
purse—remember to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load
(if possible).
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Never cradle the phone between your neck
and shoulder.
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Sleep on your side or back. Use a pillow
that supports your neck—we can recommend pillows for you to use!
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Drink lots of water and get plenty of
sleep so your body can focus on healing itself.
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Keep your appointments! Each visit
builds on the previous treatments.
What if chiropractic
doesn’t work?
If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health
problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help.
Your health is our primary goal. |
