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Do I have
a pinched nerve?
Many patients consult a chiropractic doctor because
they think they have a pinched nerve. Because of the way your spine is
designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional
tensions, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord
and nerve roots. While commonly associated with the spine, the pinched nerve
(compressed lesion) is actually rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15%
of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve
tissue! This can result in numbness, burning, or a "pins and needles" feeling.
More frequently, nerves are irratated (facilitative lesion). This is caused
when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped, stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or
irritated by malfuctioning spinal joints.
Do I have a slipped
disc?
Technically, a disc can't "slip." The intervetebral disc is a pad
of cartilage-type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a
connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A soft, jellylike center
is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs help allow normal
turning and bending. Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae
above and below, a disc cannot "slip." However, trauma or injury to the spine
can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite
painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent
nerve roots and spinal cord. While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients
have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing
chiropractic care for their disc-related health problem. |
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a
self-regulating, self-healing organism. These important functions are
controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body. The skull
protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine
protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve
roots. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the
tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors call this the Vertebral
Subluxation Comples. Vertebral, meaning the bones of the spine. Subluxation,
meaning less than a total dislocation. And Complex, meaning consisting of more
than one part. Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal
structures, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the
philosophy of all things natural.
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy.
When the proper control of your nervous sytem, all the cells, tissues, and
organs of your ody are designed to resist disease and ill health. The
chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and help remove
interferences to your natural state of being healthy. A common interference to
the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of
normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of
the nervous system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve
impulses. With improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system
function. Your chiropractic deoctor can help remove interferences that may be
impairing normal health. Since the primary focus of your care is improved
nervous system function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health
conditions not normally thought of as "back" problems.
What do
chiropractic doctors do?
Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics
and improved nervous system function begins with a case history. This gives the
doctor a background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset
of your condition, and other details affecting your current health. After
reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough
orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-Rays may
be taken to uncover structural and functional problems associated with the
spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and
resulting nervous system deficit. The findings of these examinations are
explained and a plan of chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Progress
is monitored with periodic examinations and follow-up reports. Since the word
"doctor" comes form the Latin word meaning teacher, regardless of your doctor's
unique clinical approach, he or she has a strong commitment to patient
education.
What type of education do chiropractic doctors get?
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated. The science of
chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology,
neurology, biomechanics, X-Ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related
subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the
Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system
dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate
passes the demanding National Board of Examination. Then, doctors apply to a
governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult
test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractic education
never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal
and to stay current on the latest scientific research.
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. After years of training and clinical
expereince, each dhiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of
a variety of adjusting approaches.
Are all patients adjusted the
same way?
The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and
develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based
upon years of training and experience. Some patients who complain of headaches,
may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction
at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and
tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem is in the neck. Every
patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients notice that
their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit
builds on the one before. And while visits may seem similar, each patient's
care is uniquely different from every other patient.
Can I adjust
myself?
Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in
a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to
adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to
create a "popping" sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a
chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is
usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine
even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! The best way to
enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a
Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another
colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function. Is chiropractic
care safe? In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic
care is "remarkable 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 for each patient. Chiropractic care
is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.
Can I speed the healing process?
While there aren't any
shortcuts to speed your body's natural healing process, there is a lot you can
do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery. Learn proper sitting
and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help retrain the
muscles that support your spine. Proper rest is an important aspect of the
healing process, tool. Get the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and
avoid sleeping on your stomach. During the healing process, proper nutrition is
more important than ever. Make sure you eat balanced meals, and if you're
overweight, now would be a good time to slim down and reduce unnecessary
stresses to your spine. Perhaps most important of all, keep your appointments
and follow your chiropractic doctor's recommendations for optimum
results. |
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