Chiropractic and Spinal Manipulation
The word “chiropractic” combines the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action) and means “done by hand”. Chiropractic (“kye-roh-PRAC-tic”) is a form of health care that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure, primarily of the spine, and function. Doctors of chiropractic, who are also called chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, use a type of hands-on therapy called manipulation (or adjustment) as their core clinical procedure. While there are some differences in beliefs and approaches within the chiropractic profession, this Website will give you a general overview of chiropractic, who needs it, how often, discuss scientific research findings on chiropractic treatment for low-back pain, and answer the most commonly asked questions and suggest other sources of information.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self healing, self-regulating organism, which is controlled by your nervous system. Signals and instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ, muscle, cell and tissue. Signals are then sent back to the brain to confirm if your body is working right.
Improper motion and/or position of the spinal bones causes a condition called subluxation. Subluxations interfere with the vital exchange of information by irritating the nerves, which alters the function of organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments help improve mind/body communications. Health may then return with improved nervous system control of the body.
Who Goes to a Chiropractor?
People of all ages are turning to chiropractic as a safe alternative to medications and surgery for acute and chronic pain. Traditionally, chiropractors served the needs of farmers and laborers through the first half of the Twentieth Century, but increasingly, people of all walks of life are turning to chiropractic treatment for relief of pain stemming from spinal injury or exposure to prolonged stress.
With computer operation growing in American businesses, stress as a primary cause of spinal pain has come to afflict people of all rank and file. An increase in our weight and poor posture are resulting in more back pain than ever before. Those who suffer are beginning to choose the safe and effective alternative for head, neck and back pain: chiropractic.
Nurses, bankers, brokers, manufacturers, couriers, airline pilots, publishers, reporters, professional athletes, police officers, accountants, attorneys and yes, even medical doctors are seeking out the services of chiropractic physicians. Older Americans and our children, too, can receive special benefits through gentle applications of chiropractic. Everyone is discovering the way to feel good naturally.
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.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
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.
Even risk-adverse insurance companies recognize the safety of today’s chiropractic care. The premiums for malpractice insurance paid by chiropractors are a mere fraction of what medical practitioners must pay. Chiropractic care is safe.
What are Common Conditions Treated by Chiropractic?
Long & Short term spinal pain syndromes including the following:
- Neck pain / stiffness
- Lower back pain / stiffness
- Muscle / Ligament Spain / Strain
- Slipped or Herniated discs
- Spondylolisthesis
- Acute Torticollis (Waking up with a stiff neck)
- Pinched Nerve
- TMJ
- Rotator Cuff injuries
- Shin Splints
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Bone Spurs
- Whiplash
- Elbow, Wrist & Hand pains including Tennis and Golfers elbow
- Pain between shoulder blades
- Buttock pain
- Numbness / Tingling
- Shooting pain down legs
- Scoliosis
- Headaches including Migraine, Tension, and Cervicogenic
- Arthritis
- Sports Injuries
- Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot sprains
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
- Work / Auto Related Accidents
What Will it Cost?
We are sensitive to the issue of cost containment. With rising healthcare costs and a slumping economy, we pride ourselves on keeping treatment affordable. Because each case is unique, the doctor will discuss the cost of your case during the consultation.
Many insurance plans cover chiropractic. Time payment plans are also available to ensure that you get the care you need today.
