Simple Version of Chiropractic Care

This article is a description of what chiropractic is and how and why it works so well. Lets first understand what a normal spine is then we can understand what problems can occur and how chiropractic care can treat spinal problems.

A normal spine can be described as follows:

1. Spinal Mobility- There are 24 bones that make up your spine. These bones are stacked on top of each other and designed for function and mobility, just like a door hinge is designed to function and move in a specific way.
2. Spinal Alignment- The spine is designed to be lined up in a specific fashion. If you view the spine from the front the bones are stacked straight. If viewed from the side, there are curves in the neck, mid spine and lower spine. In addition, spacing between the bones are provider by a structure called a disc.
3. No Nerve Pressure- There are nerves that exit from between the bones of the spine and go to every part of the body. These nerves are not being pinched or irritated in any way.

In summary, a healthy spine is one that has mobility, proper alignment and no pressure on the nerves as they exit from between the spinal bones and go to all parts of the body.

A normal spine can affected by many different factors or combinations of:

1. Old/New Spinal Traumas- Traumas including falls, sports injuries and automobile accidents. Often a person has had some type of injury or trauma to the spine and may or may not have had any symptoms. It is common that what may have been perceived as a small incident can turn into something more significant later in life. An injury to the spine not treated properly can heal incorrectly and turn into a condition in the future.
2. Occupations- Requiring heavy or repetitive labor, sitting in front of computers long periods of time, holding phones incorrectly, extensive traveling in cars or planes.
3. Stress - This can effect the spine because of the many muscles that are attached to the spine and pull bones out of place because of general tension.
4. Exercise- Done incorrectly or lack of.
5. Genetics - Scoliosis, bone malformation or arthritic conditions.
6. Poor Posture
7. Weight
8. Sleep Positions
9. Pregnancy

The effect on the spine is a condition called SUBLUXATION of spinal joints.

What is a SUBLUXATION?

Spinal Illustration

Click to Expand

A SUBLUXATION can be described as bones of the spine that are not functioning or moving as they should and may be out of their normal position and the nerves that exit from between the spinal bones have pressure and are continuously irritated or significantly pinched.

What are the results of a SUBLUXATION? ( See Illustration)

1) Pain - Misaligned/Fixated Spinal Joints can pinch or irritate nerves that exit from between spinal bones. The most common symptoms that chiropractors treat are: neck, mid-back and low-back pain. In addition to those symptoms, because nerves exit from between spinal bones and go to other parts of the body symptoms such as headaches, numbness, tingling and sharpness into the arms, hands, legs and feet are also common.

2) Health Potential - Pressure on nerves can affect the nerve supply to various organs. This can potentially lead to health problems.

3) Spinal Degeneration – Continual lack of normal joint function can cause disc and joint degeneration, bone spurs, slipped (bulging) discs and pinched nerves.

Symptoms may not be present during this degenerative process.

How are Subluxations Treated?

Patient care is a step by step procedure:

1. Patient fills out paper work describing their condition or pain.
2. Patient has a one on one consultation with the Doctor to describe the nature of the pain, how it has affected there life, as well as any prior history or current influencing factors.
3. The next step is to do an exam using orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic testing.
4. X-Rays of the spine may be recommended, depending on many considerations.
5. Patient education is critical and consists of having a patient understand what their problem is, how it developed and how it can be treated.

SUBLUXATIONS are treated with a procedure called an ADJUSTMENT. An adjustment is a procedure designed to gently mobilize the spinal joints that are not functioning normally. In addition to the spinal adjustments, therapies such as mechanical muscle stimulation, electrical muscle stimulation, heat and traction can be used. During the office visits we will also review stretching, exercises, ergonomics (correct sitting posture), general posture, sleep conditions and positions and body weight.

How long do the treatments take and how many treatments do they need?

My office staff and I have great respect for all of our patients' time. From the moment the patient walks into our office they are usually treated immediately. Treatment time average 15 to 20 minutes. The amount of treatments needed depend on many factors. Such as, how long have they had their condition, how much pain they are they experiencing, how they acquired their condition, what kind of physical condition are they in as well as what kind of occupation or recreation they participate in. It is also necessary to consider the findings on the exam and x-rays. Another factor needed to determine the amount of treatments a patient has to undergo is what there goal is. In other words, do they want only pain relief care or do they want additional care to rehabilitate and correct the spinal condition to reduce the likelihood of the condition returning? The treatment process is customized to every patient.

Do I have to get chiropractic care the rest of my life?

No. If you follow the treatment process as recommended most subluxations and conditions can be fully resolved. It is important to acknowledge that if the spine has significant decay and inherent weakness due to prior injuries as well as years just of not taking care of the spine there may be the need for the option of

maintenance care. Maintenance care is for spines with conditions and symptoms that are likely to recur and to reduce future degenerative changes. Other reasons for maintenance care are for improved health and wellness potential. Also it just feels great to get an adjustment, especially for those that have stress in their lives. The frequency for maintenance care can vary from one to two times per month to several times throughout the year. The bottom line is, you get only one spine. If you take care of it you can enjoy it for a long time; if you don't, the consequences can be pain and a lower quality of living.

Maintenance care is an option.

So, what can you get out of chiropractic care?

1) Eliminate or reduce symptoms such as headaches, neck, mid-back and low back pain as well as numbness, tingling and sharpness into the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes.

2) Positive effects on some aspects of the health of the body.

3) Slow or stop spinal decay or spinal degeneration.

4) Get adjusted because it just feels good!