What Do Chiropractic Doctors Do?
What Type of Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Get?
Are all Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
Can I Speed the Healing Process?
Why Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?
Am I Too Old for Chiropractic Care?
How Long will I Need Chiropractic Care?
*Q.
Do I Have a PIn A. Because
A. Because
of the way your spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from
physical trauma, emotional stress or chemical toxins can affect the delicate
tissues of the spinal nerve roots. While commonly associates with the spine,
the pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is actually rare 10%- 20%. More probably
is the nerve is irritated. This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped,
stretched by a loss of spinal curve or irritated by malfunctioning spinal
joints.
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A. Technically
a disc can't "slip". The intervertebral 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 jelly like center inside
layer of fibrous material. Because of the way this disc is connected above
and below it can not slip. However trauma to discs can cause bulging, herniated
or rupture. The soft center of the disc can leak putting pressure on the
adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.
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A. Chiropractic
is based on the scientific fact that your body can heal itself. The ability
to do this is controlled by the brain, the spinal cord and all the nerves
of the body. The skull protects the delicates tissues of the brain. The
moving bones of the spine protect the pathway of the communication between
the spinal cord and the nerve roots. If the nerve roots are impaired by
malfunctioning joints this disrupts the nerves that keep all the tissues
and organs of the body healthy. This malfunctioning is caused by subluxations
or misplacement of the vertebrae. Chiropractic is the science of locating
offending spinal structures, the art of reducing their impact to the the
nervous systems and the philosophy of all things natural.
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*Q. How Does Chiropractic Work?
A. Chiropractic
worked by restoring your in born ability to restore health. When the nervous
system is working to its full ability the tissues, organs and cells are
designed to resist disease. The Chiropractic was is to find and remove the
interference of the nervous systems from spinal subluxations. A common interference
to the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spine. A loss of normal
position or function to these bones can irritate or impair the function
of the nervous system. Therefore disrupting the controlling nerve signals
to the rest of the body. Since the primary focus of care is improved nervous
system function chiropractic care can have positive results of many health
care conditions not normally thought of as back problems.
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A.
Helping to restore proper biomechanics and nerve function begins with a
case history and health background, including surgeries, accidents, onset
of symptoms and any other information affecting your current health. After
reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem a thorough orthopedic,
neurological and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays must be taken
to undercover structural and functional problems associated with the spinal
column. These examinations help identify areas of the spine which is malfunctioning
and resulting in nerve disruption. The findings of these examinations are
explained and a plan of chiropractic treatment is recommended.
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*Q. What
Type of Education Do Chiropractic
Doctors Get?
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A.
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 and improved nervous system
function and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually
the doctor's hands or specifically designed instrument to give a brief and
highly accurate thrust to the spine. Some methods are constant pressure
and slow while others are quick.
Most doctors use a variety of methods.
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A. Are all Patients Adjusted in the Same Way?
*Q. No, Each person is evaluated by the doctor for their specific spinal problem. The course of care is developed by the doctor based on years of experience. Some patients who complain of headaches may actually have a low back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Patient's notice their care is delivered with patience and confidence and each adjustment builds on the previous one. Everyone's care is uniquely different.
*Q. No, since a spinal adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific spinal joint it is impossible to effectively adjust yourself. Even though may bend or twist and here a popping sound similar to some adjustments, this my be counter productive and make an unstable joint even more unstable.
*Q. Is
Chiropractic Care Safe?
A. Yes, Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. Chiropractic care is natural approach to health and healing.
*Q. Can I Speed the Healing Process?
A. Yes, to some degree by complying with your doctors plan of care. There is no shortcut but there are things you can do to help. Proper sitting and lifting procedures and exercise are some ways to help your body heal itself. Proper rest and proper sleeping positions, like avoiding sleeping on your stomach are other ways. During the healing process good nutrition is a necessity to helping your body.
*Q. Why do Children Need Chiropractic Care?
A. Since significant spinal trauma can begin at birth many parents have their newborns check for subluxations. Later learning to walk, ride a bicycle or other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and soothing words can help a skinned knee, only a chiropractor can help unseen spinal problems. Many childhood problems brushed off as growing pains are actually traced back to the spine. Of course adjustments are modified to a child's spine and children often enjoy spinal adjustments.
*Q. Am I too Old for Chiropractic Care?
A. No, many of today's seniors are seeking out chiropractic care because of the concern for over medicating and harmful side effects. Restoring spinal function and mobility can help improve vitality and endurance. Many patients report improved conditions with such aliments such as arthritis. The adjusting technique will be adjusted for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
*Q. How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?
A. Spinal problems neglected since childhood may need ongoing care for optimum spinal function. These long standing problems are due to muscle weakness, soft tissue damage and degenerative changes to the spine. Most patients see the need for periodic check ups to keep them in top shape. Those who had stressful jobs, are very active or want to be their very best have on-going adjustments to maintain good health. Each persons plan of care is designed between you and your chiropractor.
*Reference Koren Publications 2004©
