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Frequently asked questions about Chiropractic
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.
Why
do children need chiropractic care?
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Vertebrae
and Nerve Chart
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