Chiropractic

What type of patient would benefit from chiropractic care?

Chiropractic can aide in a myriad of cases, from the commonly thought of low back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica and upper back pain to helping small children and babies with ear infections and constipation. Chiropractors are not just musculoskeletal, spine doctors, they treat the entire body to include all joints and muscles and all the associated organs. All of the nerves throughout your body comes out of your spinal cord and brain and exit out of the skull and spine. The chiropractic adjustment can influence the functioning of all these nerves to include everything they innervate. Aside from lessening pain and increasing range of motion in all joints of the body, chiropractic increases the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system that lessens stress and blood pressure and increases immune function.

Chiropractic is a non-invasive treatment suitable for all age ranges, sizes, and functional levels. Treatment, as stated above is helpful for ear infections, digestive problems, birth trauma and latching troubles in infants and small children; aides in balancing the physical stresses of every day life in the working adults; helping heal athletic injuries and lessen growing pains in teenagers and children; and improving quality of life and maintaining function in older individuals. Chiropractic is also safe and effective for pregnant woman with discomfort as well as for babies that are having trouble turning in the abdomen.

What can I expect on my first visit?
The doctor will review your medical history and perform an exam to determine which tissues may be involved in your condition. This exam may exacerbate your problems. The doctor may also check to make sure your nerves and muscles are functioning properly and s/he may also perform or order x-rays to determine if there has been structural damage, especially in Workmen's Compensation and motor vehicle crashes. Treatment will also be performed that day.

What is included in a chiropractic treatment?
The doctor may perform a manual adjustment, during which you may hear of feel "pops" and "clicks" as the gas in the joints is being released, increasing range of motion; or the doctor may use an adjusting tool that "clicks" the joints into better positioning. Massage, or myofascial release, may also be used to treat the affected muscles. This may also be done manually or instrument-assisted with the use of a Gua Sha or Graston tools. Flexion Distraction can also be used to decompress and traction the lumbar spine to increase flexibility and decrease spasm. Stretching is also often used to the lower and upper extremities, especially in the cases of low back pain, sciatica, pain a numbness in the hands or feet and postural problems. Cold laser is a therapy in which light (photons) are used to speed the healing process and reduce inflammation. Patients may also be sent home with a set of stretches or exercises to be done at home to speed the recovery period. An IFC (Interferential Current) machine may also be used to help with muscle spasms and pain. Ice or heat may also be applied in office or suggested for home use to decrease inflammation or loosen muscles, respectively. Kinesio-Tape is another product used in this office and is applied over an injury site to allow for increased lymph drainage and to support the underlying muscles, tendons or other associated joint tissues.

Can I be adjusted after spine surgery?

Yes, after you have been released by your surgeon to start/continue treatment. The chiropractor will tailor a treatment to your needs that may include a lighter manual adjustment or the use of an adjusting tool. The joints above and below the site of surgery or fusion will have extra stress placed upon them, therefore requiring treatment to increase their function and to keep the remaining joints and tissues, especially the muscles and tendons, healthy.