|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
· 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
(compressive
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
irritated
(facilitative
lesion).
This is
caused when
nerve tissue
is rubbed,
scraped,
stretched by
a loss of
spinal
curve, or
irritated by
malfunctioning
spinal
joints.
back to top
· Do I
Have A
Slipped
Disc?
Technically,
a disc can't
"slip."
The
intervertebral
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, jelly
like 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.
back to top
· 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
Complex.
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.
back to top
· How
Does
Chiropractic
Work?
Chiropractic
works by
restoring
your own
inborn
ability to
be healthy.
When under
the proper
control of
your nervous
system, all
the cells,
tissues, and
organs of
your body
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
doctor 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.
back to top
· 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 from
the Latin
word meaning
teacher,
regardless
of your
doctor's
unique
clinical
approach, he
or she has a
strong
commitment
to patient
education.
back to top
· 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
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.
back to top
· 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
experience,
each
chiropractic
doctor
becomes
highly
skilled in
the delivery
of a variety
of adjusting
approaches.
back to top
· 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.
back to top
· 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.
back to top
· Is
Chiropractic
Care Safe?
In the words
of the New
Zealand
government's
inquiry,
chiropractic
care is
"remarkably
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 of
care for
each
patient.
Chiropractic
care is a
natural
approach to
better
health that
is proven
safe and
effective.
back to top
· Can I
Speed The
Healing
Process?
While there
aren't any
shortcuts to
speed your
body's
natural
healing
process,
there's 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
the spine.
Proper rest
is an
important
aspect of
the healing
process,
too. 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.
back to top
· Why Do
Children
Need
Chiropractic
Care?
Since
significant
spinal
trauma can
occur at
birth, many
parents have
their
newborns
checked for
the
Vertebral
Subluxation
Complex.
Later,
learning to
walk, ride a
bicycle, and
other
childhood
activities
can cause
spinal
problems.
While a
bandage and
some
comforting
words can
help a
skinned
knee, the
unseen
damage to
the child's
spine is the
unique
domain of a
chiropractic
doctor.
Many
childhood
health
complaints
that are
brushed off
as "growing
pains" can
often be
traced to
the spine.
Regular
chiropractic
checkups can
identify
these
problems and
help avoid
many of the
health
complaints
seen later
in adults.
Naturally,
chiropractic
adjusting
procedures
are modified
to a child's
spine. Most
parents
report that
their
children
enjoy their
chiropractic
adjustments
and seem
healthier
than other
children.
back to top
· Am I
Too Old For
Chiropractic
Care?
More and
more people
are
consulting
chiropractic
doctors,
especially
in their
later years.
With growing
concerns
about
over-medication
and the side
effects of
combining
various
prescription
drugs, safe,
natural
chiropractic
care is
growing in
popularity.
Restoring
better
spinal
function can
help improve
mobility,
vitality,
endurance,
and
appetite.
Many
patients
report
improvement
with
arthritic
symptoms and
other
chronic
ailments
often
associated
with the
aging
process.
The
adjusting
technique
used by your
doctor will
be modified
for maximum
comfort and
results.
As we get
older and
wiser, the
simplicity
and
effectiveness
of
chiropractic
care becomes
more and
more
obvious.
back to top
· How
Long Will I
Need
Chiropractic
Care?
Spinal
problems,
neglected
since early
childhood,
may require
ongoing
supportive
care for
optimum
spinal
function.
These
long-standing
problems are
often
associated
with muscle
weakness,
soft tissue
damage, and
degenerative
changes to
the spine.
Most
patients
find that
periodic
chiropractic
checkups
help keep
them in
tip-top
shape. Those
who are
active, have
stressful
jobs, or
want to be
their very
best, find
that a
schedule of
preventive
visits are
helpful in
the
maintenance
of good
health.
Some
patients
seek
chiropractic
care only
when their
ache or pain
becomes
unbearable.
While this
style of
"crisis
management"
is usually
more costly
and
time-consuming,
our office
stands ready
to help all
patients,
regardless
of their
health
goals.
How long you
decide to
benefit from
chiropractic
care is
always up to
you.
Ask Your
Chiropractic
Doctor.
Our office
is committed
to patient
education.
In numerous
studies,
patients who
fully
understand
their
condition
and their
doctor's
recommendations,
get well
faster. Find
out ways you
can speed
your
recovery and
enhance the
healing
process.
Join the
millions who
enjoy better
health
through safe
and
effective
chiropractic
care.
back to top
|
|
|
·
REFERENCES ·
Lewit, Karl,
MUDr., Doc.
DSC,
Manipulative
Therapy in
Rehabilitation
of the Motor
System,
Butterworth,
1987.
Hochschuler,
S., M.D.,
Texas Back
Institute,
Back in
Shape,
Houghton
Mifflin
Company,
1991.
White, A.A.,
M.D. and
Panjabi, M.M.,
Ph.D.,
Clinical
Biomechanics
of the
Spine, 2nd
edition, J.B.
Lippincott,
1990.
Cox, J., Low
Back Pain,
Mechanism,
Diagnosis
and
Treatment,
4th edition,
Williams and
Wilkins,
1990.
Nwuga, VCB:
Relative
Therapeutic
Efficacy of
Vertebral
Manipulation
and
Conventional
Treatment in
Back Pain
Management,
Am Phys Med
61: 273,
1982.
Norkin, C.,
P.T.,
Lauangie,
P., P.T.,
Joint
Structure
and
Function: A
Comprehensive
Analysis,
2nd edition,
F.A Davis,
1992.
Haldeman,
S., D.C.,
M.D., Modern
Development
in the
Principles
and Practice
of
Chiropractic,
Appleton-Century-Crofts,
1980.
Buerger, A.,
Ph.D.,
Greenman,
R., D.O.,
Validation
of Spinal
Manipulation,
Charles C.
Thomas
Company,
1985.
Leach, R.,
D.C., The
Chiropractic
Theories;
Principles
and Clinical
Applications,
Williams &
Wilkins,
1994.
Gray, Henry,
Gray's
Anatomy,
Anatomy of
the Human
Body, 30th
edition, Lea
and Febiger,
edited by
Charles Mayo
Gross, M.D.,
Philadelphia,
1989.
Plaugher,
G., D.C.,
Anrig-Howe,
C., D.C.,
Textbook of
Clinical
Chiropractic,
Williams and
Wilkins,
1993.
Dorland, W.,
Dorland's
Illustrated
Medical
Dictionary,
28th
edition,
edited by
Douglas
Anderson,
Philadelphia,
W.B.
Saunders
Company,
1994.
States, A.,
D.C.,
States'
Manual of
Spinal,
Pelvic and
Extra
Vertebral
Technics,
2nd edition,
edited by
Kirk, D.C.,
Lawrence,
D., D.C.,
Waverly
Press, 1985,
reprinted
1991.
Hoppenfeld,
S., M.D.,
Orthopaedic
Neurology,
J.B.
Lippincott,
1977.
Kirkaldy-Willis,
W., M.D.,
Managing Low
Back Pain,
3rd edition,
Churchill
Livingstone,
1993.
New Zealand
Report,
Report of
the
Commission
of Inquiry.
Government
Printer,
Wellington,
New Zealand,
1979.
Netter, Ciba
Collections,
Volume 1,
Nervous
System, Part
1, Anatomy
and
Physiology,
1986.
Forman, S.,
D.C., Croft,
A., D.C.,
Whiplash
Injuries:
The Cervical
Acceleration/Deceleration
Syndromes,
Williams and
Wilkins,
1995.
Cailliet,
R., M.D.,
Pain:
Mechanism
and
Management,
F.A. Davis
Company,
1993.
Gillet, H.,
D.C.,
Belgian
Chiropractic
Research
Notes, 11th
edition,
Motion
Palpation
Institute,
1981.
Manga, P.,
Ph.D.,
Angus, D.,
M.A.
Papadopoulos,
C., M.H.A.,
The
Effectiveness
and
Cost-Effectiveness
of
Chiropractic
Management
of Low-Back
Pain, funded
by the
Ontario
Ministry of
Health
August 1993.
Schifrin,
L.,
Chancellor
Professor of
Economics
and
Preventive
Medicine,
The College
of William
and Mary,
Williamsburg,
Virginia.
Meade, T.W.,
Dyer, S.,
Townsend,
J., Low Back
Pain of
Mechanical
Origin:
Randomized
Comparison
of
Chiropractic
and Hospital
Treatment,
British
Medical
Journal,
Volume 300,
1431-1437,
June 2,
1990.
Peet, J.,
D.C.,
Chiropractic
Pediatric
and Prenatal
Reference
Manual, 2nd
edition,
Baby
Adjusters,
Inc.
Publications,
1992.
Hooper, R.,
D.C.,
Preventing
Low Back
Pain,
Williams and
Wilkins,
1992.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
