Do
I have a Pinched Nerve?
Many
patients consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they have a pinched
nerve.
Because of the way your spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional tensions, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
While commonly
associated with the spine, the pinched nerve (compressive lesions) is actually
rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15% of spine related problems are
cause by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! This can result in numbness,
burning or a "pins and needles" feeling. More frequently, nerves are
irritated (facilitative lesion). This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed,
scraped, stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning
spinal joints
Do
I have a Slipped Disc?
Technically,
a disc can't "slip."
The inter vertebral disc is a pad of cartilage-type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A soft, jellylike center is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs help allow normal turning and bending.
Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot "slip." However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniated, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.
While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc related health problem.
What
is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic
is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self- healing
organism. These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord,
and all the nerves of the body.
The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Vertebral, meaning the bones of the spine. Subluxation, meaning less than a total dislocation. And Complex, meaning consisting of more than one part.
Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures, the art
of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the philosophy of all things
natural.
How
Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic
works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper
control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body
are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to
better health is to locate and help remove interferences to your natural state
of being healthy.
A common interference to the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal
column. A Ioss can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. This
can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses.
With improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system function.
Your chiropractic doctor can help remove interferences that may be impairing
normal health.
Since the primary focus of your care is improved nervous system function, chiropractic
can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of
as "back" problems.
What
do Chiropractors do?
Helping
to restore proper spinal bio mechanics and improved nervous system function
begins with a case history. This gives the doctor a background about your health,
such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details
affecting your current health.
After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough
orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X- rays
may be taken to uncover structural and functional problems associated with the
spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction
and resulting nervous system deficit.
The findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of chiropractic
adjustments may be recommended. Progress is monitored with periodic examinations
and follow-up reports.
Since the word "doctor" comes from the Latin word meaning teacher, regardless of your doctor's unique clinical approach, he or she has a strong commitment to patient education.
What
Type of Education do Chiropractic Doctors Get?
Today's
Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated.
The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology,
pathology, neurology, bio mechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and
related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to
locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous
system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate
passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to a governmental
or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before
being granted the privilege to practice.
A chiropractic education never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction
for license renewal and to stay current on the latest scientific research.
What
is an Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment
is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint
that is fixated, "locked up", or not moving properly. This adds motion
to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and
motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function,
improved nervous system function, and improved health.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a specially
designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting
methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure.
After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes
highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
Are
All Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
The
doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual
course of care. The resulting recommendat5ions are based upon years of training
and
experience.
Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem
that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients
may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual
problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern.
Patients notice that their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and
precision. Each visit builds on the one before. And while visits may seem similar,
each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.
Can
I Adjust Myself?
Since
a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction,
to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself.
It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!
The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments
from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of
another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.
Is
Chiropractic Care Safe?
In
the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care is "remarkably
safe."
Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative
approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.
A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that
may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to
determine the best
course of care for each patient.
Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe
and effective.
Can
I Speed the Healing Process?
While there aren't
any shortcuts to speed your body's natural healing process, there's a lot you
can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery.
Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested
to help retrain the muscles that support your spine.
Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate
amount of rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make
sure you eat balanced meals, and if you're overweight, now would be a good time
to slim down and reduce unnecessary stresses to your spine.
Perhaps most important of all, keep your appointments and follow your chiropractic
doctor's recommendations for optimum results.
Why
Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?
Since significant
spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for
the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can
cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a
skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child's spine is the unique domain of
a chiropractic doctor.
Many childhood health complaints that are pains" can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults.
Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine.
Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments
and seem healthier than other children.
Am
I Too Old For Chiropractic Care?
More and more people
are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing
concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription
drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.
Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance,
and appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other
chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.
The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort
and results.
As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic
care becomes more and more obvious.
How
Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?
Spinal problems,
neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum
spinal function. These long standing problems are often associated with muscle
weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.
Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top
shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best,
find that a schedule of preventive visits are helpful in the maintenance of
good health.
Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable.
While this style of "crisis management" is usually more costly and
time-consuming, our office stands ready to help all
patients, regardless of their health goals.
How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.