About Chiropractic
Sub Links : | Subluxations | Adjustments | Chiropractic
Examination |
Science, Art & Philosophy
The Science :
Since its beginning,
chiropractic has been based on the scientific fact that the
nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue,
organ, and system of your body. While the brain is protected by the skull, the spinal cord is more
vulnerable, covered by 24 moving vertebrae. When these bones lose
their normal motion or position, they can irritate the nervous system.
This disrupts the function of the tissues or organs these nerves control,
and is called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas of spinal malfunction,
the art of correcting them, and the philosophy of things natural.
The Art :
After a thorough examination and a review of your health
history, your chiropractic doctor will recommend a specific
care program. If yours is a chiropractic case, this will include specific
spinal adjustments.
The word adjustment describes hundreds of ways of using carefully
directed and controlled pressure to restore spinal bones to
a more normal position and motion. When spinal function is
improved, nervous system function (health) improves as well.
After years of training, chiropractic doctors become experts
at using just the right amount of force in the right direction.
This may require a quick movement or in other instances a slow
and constant pressure. Chiropractic is truly an art.
The Philosophy :
Besides the science and art, chiropractic
has a philosophical aspect. Chiropractic doctors recognize
that regardless of the type of doctor you consult, doctors
don't heal, only the body can heal itself. So your chiropractic
doctor's main purpose is to reduce interference to your inborn
healing ability. REFERENCES
Barge, F. H., Life Without Fear, Bawden Brothers
Printing, Inc., 1990.
Chapman-Smith, D., The Chiropractic Report,
Vol. 2, No. 3, March, 1988.
Gray, Henry, Gray's Anatomy; Anatomy
of the Human Body, 30th edition, Lea and Febiger, edited by
Charles Mayo Gross, M.D., Philadelphia, 1985.
Haldeman, S.,
D.C., M.D., Modern Development in the Principles and Practice
of Chiropractic, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1980.
Kirk, R., D.C.,
Lawrence, D., D.C., Nila, V., D.C., States' Manual of Spinal,
Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 2nd edition, National College
of Chiropractic, 1985.
Leach, R., The Chiropractic Theories;
A Synopsis of Scientific Research, 2nd edition, Williams and
Wilkins, 1986.
Lewitt, K., MUDr., Doc., Dsc., Manipulative Therapy
in Rehabilitation of the Motor System, Butterworth, 1987.
Maynard,
J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing Company,
1991
Netter, Ciba Collections: The Nervous System, Volume 1,
Part 1, Anatomy and Physiology, 1986.
Tickel, W., D.C., Down
Right! Up Right!, M and D Printing, 1987.
Walton, L., M.D.,
Essentials of Neurology, 6th edition, W. B. Saunders, 1989.
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Subluxations
Maybe you've never heard of subluxations. That's OK. There probably
was a time when you'd never heard of AIDS or Alzheimer's.
Like the separate notes of a musical chord, a subluxation can simultaneously
involve joints, nerves, muscles, soft tissues and degenerative changes.
You have more than 200 bones in your body. Whenever two bones come
together at a joint, there can be movement. Since joints in your spine
are so close to your spinal cord and nerve roots, too much or too
little joint motion can have serious effects.
Like a cell phone that disconnects, a subluxation may cause your
brain and body to lose vital communications.
Since the birth process can be a common cause, wise parents have
their newborns checked for subluxations.
If spinal bones get "stuck" and don't move right, they
can irritate or chafe delicate nerves. If a joint moves too much,
spinal bones can press against adjacent nerve tissue. This can interfere
with the vital "life force" transmitted over your nervous
system that helps keep your brain in touch with your body.
The result is the vertebral subluxation complex, or more simply,
a subluxation.
More than bones and nerves are involved. Muscles can become too
tight or too weak. Discs, ligaments and other connective tissues can
become inflamed. Bone spurs and arthritic degeneration can set in.
Subluxations are serious!
However, the most important aspect of a subluxation is its effect
on your nervous system. Compromising the way your nervous system
controls and regulates your body can have grave consequences.
Distorted communications between your brain and your body can
cause not only headaches and backaches, but many disease processes
as well.
Your chiropractic doctor is the only licensed health care professional
dedicated to the detection, reduction and prevention of spinal subluxations.
You're in good hands!
Distorted Communication Between Your Brain and Your Body Can Cause
All Kinds of Health Problems.
How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes
include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions
and improper lifting. Stress, anger and fear are examples of
emotional causes of subluxations. Alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor
diet can be chemical causes of subluxations.
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like tooth
decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before any
warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show
the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
Can subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source
of subluxations. Fortunately our bodies have the ability
to self-correct many of these minor problems as we bend and
stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve,
you need a chiropractic doctor.
Can children get subluxations?
Your first subluxation probably occurred from the birth process.
Even "modern" childbirth methods can put tremendous pressure
on an infant's spine. Poor appetite, unexplained crying and sleeplessness
can be signs of spinal subluxations.
SAFE AND NATURAL
Chiropractic is a team approach to better health. As you enjoy
results, tell those you love. Explain how millions enjoy
relief and better health by restoring the integrity of their
spine and nervous system with safe and natural chiropractic care.
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Adjustments
How does it work?
Spinal joints that are "locked up", fixated or not moving
right can affect your health by "choking" or irritating
nearby nerve tissue. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to
these areas. This helps restore nervous system integrity and can improve
the healing process.
There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Sometimes the doctor's hands deliver a quick, highly accurate thrust.
Other times the doctor uses an instrument that directs a repeatable
force to a fixated spinal joint. Other times a slow, constant
pressure is used.
The key is to use the precise amount of energy, at the exact spot,
in the right direction, at just the right time, to get spinal
joints moving again. Chiropractic is truly an art. Your chiropractic
doctor has become a master at one or more adjusting techniques.
Just about anyone can be adjusted. Newborns, infants, children,
seniors and even failed back surgery patients can benefit.
Naturally, your doctor tailors to your size, age and unique
health problem.
With the intent of reducing nervous system irritation, chiropractic
adjustments are specific, targeted, focused and more precise
than spinal "manipulations" or "mobilization".
It is this precision, combined with the purpose of reducing
nervous system irritation, which has helped so many people.
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Specific. Targeted. Focused.
What do adjustments feel like?
After the brief thrust, many patients report a sense of well-being
or a feeling of calmness. Others feel improved mobility.
Inflammation or muscle spasms may delay these positive effects.
Chiropractic doctors excel at making adjustments comfortable and effective.
Are adjustments safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study concluded that chiropractic
adjustments are "remarkably safe." Taking an over-the-counter
pain reliever is about 100 times more risky.
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive
adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize
and heal.
What makes the sound?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint.
Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas
and fluids in the joint shift. It's like opening a soda can or removing
a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but isn't a guide
to the quality or value of the adjustment.
Can I adjust myself?
No. Some patients can make their joints "pop" but that's
not an adjustment! Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague
to benefit from chiropractic care.
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Chiropractic Examination
On your first visit, Dr. Mayer will ask you to complete a health
history report. Following the consultaton, he will also complete
a detailed examination, and in some cases, x-rays, to determine
if your problem can best be treated by chiropractic care.
Consultation
Your health history is an important tool to Dr. Mayer in evaluation
of your symptoms, lifestyle, your family's health history and
any previous injuries and treatments.
Physical Exam
A physical examination can determine your physical condition and
overall health. Physical, orthopedic and neurological tests can help
reveal the condition of your spine and areas of musculoskeletal tenderness,
muscle spasm, joint mobility and range of motion of the back and other
joints.
The Subluxation Station
This new technology measures both paraspinal muscle activity and
surface temperature. This test allows us to make an accurate
assessment of nerve function and to properly track each individuals
unique response to care.
X-Rays
As "blueprints" of your spine, x-rays show specific problems
including subluxation, fractures and arthritis. They also rule out
tumors and other conditions. "To see is to know."
In addition, to help avoid future occurrences, Dr. Mayer usually
includes advice on how to take care of yourself and simple strengthening
and stretching exercises to increase your activities of daily life.
A program of stretching and strengthening exercises also gives your
area of injury the flexibility and support it needs to survive a lifetime
of stress and strain. By following their doctor's advice, millions
of chiropractic patients have enjoyed relief and better health
Report of Findings
Typically on your second visit is when Dr. Mayer will sit down with
you and hopefully your spouse to discuss the following questions.
- Can Chiropractic help me? (Are you in the right place.)
- What is wrong with me? (Your diagnosis.)
- How long will it take to get better? (Your prognosis.)
- How much will it cost? (Depends on insurance benefits and required
treatment.)
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