Chiropractic

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic healthcare is a branch of the healing arts based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls and regulates all functions within the human body. Interference with the nervous system due to structural dysfunction can cause impairment of bodily functions. Chiropractic works to eliminate the structural problems that influences the nervous system, and to restore optimal function of the body without the use of medications and surgery.

The word Chiropractic is derived from the Greek words "cheiro and praktikos" which means "done by hand". It is this approach that minimizes structural dysfunction in order to promote the best environment for the body to heal itself.


Why do I need a Chiropractor?

The approach of chiropractic health care is to identify the cause of your health problem and not simply treat the symptoms of disease. A variety of symptoms such as pain, numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, decreased range of motion and headaches are just a few of the problems that chiropractic can help to improve upon. This is done by improving spinal function, which not only helps to reduce your symptoms, but also allows your nervous system to function optimally.


What can I expect on my first visit to the Chiropractor?

Upon your arrival to our clinic you will meet with your future-treating chiropractor. He or she will ask you about the primary health complaint you are concerned about. The Doctor will also inquire about further information regarding your medical history, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your present illness.

A physical examination will be performed based on your doctor’s clinical judgment, which may involve x-rays and other diagnostic procedures. Careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect structural abnormalities, which may be affecting or causing your condition.

Upon analysis of the information gathered from the examination and other diagnostic workup, your doctor will explain your present illness in terms you can understand and arrive at a treatment plan to resolve your problem.


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What does a Chiropractor evaluate for?

A Chiropractor will evaluate for abnormal motion or positioning of vertebrae (known as the vertebral subluxation complex or VSC), which can compromise the space in which a spinal nerve exits the spinal column. When a nerve is compromised, irritation or interference can result. Much like static on a phone call the transmission from a spinal nerve may go through but quality of the signal may be affected.

The Vertebral subluxation can cause a wide variety of problems besides pain. The most common problems associated with subluxation are the following:
1. Decreased or restricted spinal motion.
2. Shortened muscle tissue, which may lead to decreased strength and flexibility as well as scar tissue development.
3. Numbness and/or tingling may occur over the area a nerve travels.
4. Inflammation or swelling can occur in joints and surrounding soft tissue.
5. Joints may wear out prematurely due to unequal wear and tear, resulting in degenerative joint disease and bone spurs.



***Only a Doctor of Chiropractic is qualified to evaluate for vertebral subluxations and their correction.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the primary method of treatment used by a chiropractor. The purpose of the adjustment is to normalize structural function to reduce nerve interference as described in the vertebral subluxation complex.

An adjustment is applied through the use of a specific force in a precise direction applied to a joint that is not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint allowing the bones to gradually return to the normal position and motion. In general, chiropractic adjustments are not painful, however there is an associated popping sound known as an audible release. This sound is gas being released from a joint much like plastic bubble wrap popping.


Can I adjust myself?

It is not possible to effectively adjust yourself. A chiropractic adjustment requires a specific force, contact, and direction. It is possible to contort your body to create a "popping" sound much like an adjustment; however, this release is not sufficient to restore proper joint motion and ultimately can do more damage than good. This type of maneuver can create more instability in a joint that already has problems maintaining it’s proper function.

In order to receive the benefits of a chiropractic adjustment it must be performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic who has undergone extensive training to deliver the highest quality of care.


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Is Chiropractic care safe?

Chiropractic care has a remarkable safety record due to the conservative nature of its treatments, that is, the absence of medications and surgery. Furthermore, the thorough analysis or each individual’s condition prior to treatment allows your Chiropractor to provide safe and effective treatment.


Is it possible to speed the healing process?

Although your body’s natural healing process takes time, there are ways that you can aid your recovery in conjunction with your chiropractic treatment. Your doctor will design a treatment plan specifically for your health care needs. Proper nutrition, exercises, and stretches are often part of treatment plans. Following your doctor’s treatment plan will facilitate the healing process. Remember, the more you do to progress your treatment, the quicker you can return to health.


How long do I need to receive chiropractic care?

Treatment length varies with each individual. Generally, care falls into three groups: acute, supportive, and wellness care. Acute care entails resolving the present problem when the pain becomes too severe. Supportive care is for individuals whose condition is chronic in nature and requires regular care to maintain a level of health. Wellness care is for patients who find that chiropractic care enables them to function at their best and may prevent small problems from evolving into bigger, more time consuming problems.

No matter what form of care you are looking for, your Chiropractor can provide you with quality care to return you to the level of health that you are capable of attaining


Why would a child need chiropractic care?

Chiropractic has been shown to help in the treatment of scoliosis and other childhood problems.

The birth process may be one of the most traumatic events in our lives. Stress on a newborn’s spine can be strong enough to cause numerous health complaints such as colic, earache, poor appetite, and allergies. All of these problems can be traced back to nervous system dysfunction from spinal subluxation. From the first few days of life, to learning how to walk, to your child’s many growth phases, chiropractic care can help your child grow up strong and healthy avoiding possible childhood problems such as scoliosis, growing pains, and weakened immune system.


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Massage

What is a Massage?

Massage is a term describing a variety of techniques using the hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus to stimulate or soothe soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes.


How does Massage work?

Massage works by kneading and stroking muscles to relax them, and uses friction to stimulate soft tissues. This therapy can increase blood and lymph circulation while breaking up scar tissue between muscle fibers.


What does massage feel like?

Therapeutic massage and its effects vary with each individual. Clothing is usually removed from the area treated and the patient should be relaxed and comfortable. A lubricating oil or powder is used to reduce friction during circular stroking and compression of soft tissue.


What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Physical benefits:

Well-being and Mental Benefits:

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What should I expect during my massage?

To insure your comfort, your body will be properly covered and draped during your massage. Relaxing music will be playing and there will not be too much conversation. Depending on the massage, oil or cream may be used. The massage should not be painful so it is important to let the therapist know if the pressure is too firm/deep and also if it is too light.


How often do I need a massage?

If you are seeing one of the chiropractors this may be discussed in your treatment plan. Typically a massage once per month is recommended but this does not apply to everyone. Some people need massage more frequently, depending on their condition and the reason they are coming for massage therapy.

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Nutrition

They say that nothing can be done to help arthritic pain. Is this true?

Much can be done nutritionally for arthritis. It has been found that many people with arthritis have a lot of digestive distress, and that this may actually be the source of the problem. In addition, specific foods are known to cause an inflammatory response in the body and may contribute to arthritic trauma. Providing adequate nutrition can actually help the body fight the cause of arthritis and reverse the breakdown of tissue.

My children have recently taken an antibiotic. I have heard that there can be digestive problems after taking these medications. What should I do?

Many children complain of stomachaches after taking an antibiotic and it is important to restore the proper bacteria in the intestine so digestion is not compromised. It is suggested that a supplement of acidophilus be taken for a week or two after medication. You may consider products that contain several other probiotics in the ingredients as well.

The doctor said I have early stages of osteoporosis. I know I need calcium, but I don't know what is good. They say on TV that some type of antacid is good, is this true?

Lucky for you that you caught this in the early stages. Please avoid antacids for calcium, the calcium in these products is not absorbed very well and may also interfere with absorption of other nutrients, so this is not a viable source of calcium. A high quality calcium product is necessary to improve your status. The most absorbable form of calcium is Organic Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite concentrate. Other involved nutrients are Vitamin D-3, magnesium, vitamin C, boron, soy isoflavones, and protein. Other risk factors that need to be evaluated are estrogen levels, hydrochloric acid deficiency, stress, caffeine, dieting, cigarette smoke, corticosteroids, alcohol, exercise, fiber, low nutrient intake, as well as family history of the disease. Great results have been seen with proper supplementation and reduction of risk factors.

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It seems like every time I go to the doctor something else is wrong with me. The number of medications I am on is increasing each year. I don't really know why these conditions are cropping up. I also am not getting any information on how to get healthy, or get rid of the problem, like high cholesterol, for example. What can you recommend?

The best thing a person can do is get to the underlying cause of the problem rather than mask a symptom which is often found with medications. There can be many causes for a medical problem. A tool that can be used to determine a cause or a weakness in the body is the EPFX Computer. This is a high-tech complimentary health device that can assist health practitioners to find energetic imbalances and health issues occurring within humans and animals.

The function of the EPFX is similar to that of a virus-scan on a computer. The EPFX detects weaknesses such as viruses, nutritional deficiencies, Allergies, abnormalities, and food sensitivities by calculating the biological reactivity and resonance in your body. This data offers an understanding of your possible needs, dysfunctions, and vulnerabilities. The information is inevitably different from that provided by more standard medical tests (e.g., blood tests, X-rays) because it focuses in on your energetic body, which offers a more complete view of each facet of your health.

The initial test by the EPFX will measure vitamin levels, amino acids, nutrients, food substances, minerals, enzymes, bacteria, molds, viruses, among other items, as well as balance of internal organs, and then compares these against a "norm."

Basically, the EPFX reveals anything that is negatively affecting health. For example, if someone has digestive trouble, the EPFX may show person to have had some sort of food poisoning as a child, which is causing current health issues to occur.

The evaluation is performed by a trained individual who has passed the testing required to administer the biofeedback technique. The person is certified and ongoing training is required to remain certified. This person is also well versed in health restoration, lifestyle, nutrition, etc.

The evaluation is, as mentioned, a gathering of information about how your body reacts to thousands of substances. The results will indicate what areas of vulnerability exist with in your body. Every person will have a unique reading. Suggestions can be made to you as to what life-style changes, health program, nutrients, or other health producing substances may be helpful to you, as well as further testing or therapies. It is your choice as to whether you wish to follow any suggestions. This tool is not for diagnosis of disease. That can only be done by a doctor.

Can children benefit from EPFX evaluation?

The EPFX is an exceptional tool for children because they are unable verbally to communicate what is going on inside them. The reading could suggest possible food intolerances and toxicities which could be the underlying issues surrounding health or behavior concerns.

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