CHIROPRACTIC
What does a Chiropractor do to relieve pain?
The chiropractor is the only physician trained to diagnose
and treat the "Subluxation Complex." Current research shows
that the subluxation complex may be the single most
important factor causing musculo-skeletal pain and
dysfunction. In fact, current research is linking the
Subluxation Complex with other distress related, disorders
such as colitis, hypertension, ulcers and hay fever. The
subluxation complex is represented by at least 4 components:
Abnormal motion of joints; most likely lack of motion. (Hypomobilty
or Fixation) Abnormal nerve function; pinched or irritated. (Neuritis
or Neuropathy) Abnormal muscle function; stiffness and soreness. (Spasm
and Trigger Points) Abnormal function of soft tissues; congestion and
swelling. (Inflammation)
The chiropractor uses manual treatment such as spinal
manipulation or "adjustments" to restore mobility to joints,
remove nerve irritation, relax muscles and reduce pain. The
Chiropractor locates the cause of pain is located and
corrects it, rather than focusing on symptoms. Any condition
found to be beyond the scope of chiropractic care will be
referred to the proper specialist.
How many adjustments will my condition require?
Every individual case is unique, therefore the treatment
length varies. The doctor will make treatment
recommendations based on sound scientific principles
including orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic tests as
well as the degree of pain and disability experienced by a
patient as determined by scientifically valid disability
questionnaires. Most acute cases will begin with a visit
frequency of 2-3 visits per week with decreasing frequency
as the condition improves. Chiropractic care is like an
exercise program for the joints of the spine. Each visit
builds on the previous one to aid in restoring normal joint
mobility, reduce nerve initiation, relax muscles and reduce
inflammation. Ultimately, how long you decide to benefit
from chiropractic care is up to YOU.
Is the therapy used with my adjustment absolutely necessary?
The most important part of your treatment is the
chiropractic adjustment. Therapies such as massage,
ultrasound, electric stimulation, and hot or cold packs will
aid in relaxing the muscles and controlling pain and
inflammation, however, in some cases the therapy is not
absolutely necessary. Some patients feel they benefit
greatly from therapy while others choose to have adjustments
only. Feel free to discuss your feelings regarding the use
of therapy with the doctor.
What should I expect after my first adjustment?
Reaction to the first adjustment can be quite varied
depending upon the individual patient and their specific
condition. It is not unusual however, to have some soreness
after your first few adjustments. Spinal manipulation
increases mobility in the joints by stretching muscles,
tendons and ligaments and may even break up adhesions or
scar tissue left from an old injury. Most patients, however,
feel a "euphoric" feeling or a feeling of deep relaxation.
Some patients comment that their body "feels lighter" after
the adjustment.
What is the sound I sometimes hear when the doctor adjusts
my spine?
The sound that is sometimes heard with the adjustment is
often referred to as a "release." This pop or crack results
from a sudden pressure change within the joints when the
joint surfaces are separated allowing an increase in
mobility of the joint. Think about separating two wet
objects which have become adhered together by a thin layer
of water between the surfaces. Separating them, like the
joints, often results in a pop or cracking sound. The
adjustment procedure which may result in such a release is
usually painless. In fact most patients remark "that felt
good".
When should I use Heat or Ice on an injury?
This is one of the most common questions asked. When in
doubt use ice. Ice, when properly applied, can never harm
you. Heat, however, when applied too early in the acute
stage of an injury may actually increase inflammation and
prolong healing.
Use ice packs when:
Attempting to reduce pain and inflammation After any injury caused by physical trauma resulting
in a sudden or gradual onset of pain. When pain is intense, sharp and localized to a
specific area.
Use moist heat when:
Attempting to relax muscles, increase blood flow and
speed healing. Pain is of a dull achy nature and occurs without
physical trauma. Pain that is intermittent and covers a broad area,
(diffuse or poorly localized). Pain accompanied by high levels of stress, anxiety,
anger or a feeling of fatigue.
When experiencing pain that is continuous and progressive
consult a physician. Your physician will give you specific
directions on how to apply the ice or heat treatments for
home care.
Are there exercises I should be doing along with my
chiropractic treatments?
Exercises are often given to accompany chiropractic
treatments. Specific exercises may be prescribed to aid in
strengthening the muscles around the area of injury. Recent
studies have shown that the best form of exercise to aid in
the reduction of pain originating from the musculo-skeletal
system is regular aerobic exercise (walking, jogging,
swimming, bicycling or cross-country skiing). An aerobic
exercise program causes an elevation of your heart rate to
approximately 80% of the recommended maximum for your age.
This should be sustained for 30-40 minutes four times a
week. Be sure to consult with your physician before
beginning any exercise program.
What type of activity should I avoid after an adjustment?
After an adjustment your muscles are relaxed, motion is
restored to joints and neurological function is normalized.
It can take time for the body to adapt to these changes. It
is recommended that any strenuous activity be avoided
immediately after an adjustment.
Recent research suggests that neck pain and back pain
sufferers often avoid more activity than necessary. In fact,
it is important to regain normal levels of activity as soon
as one can after an injury. Pain should be used as your
guide. Keep activity levels to the point where they do not
cause any significant increase in your pain. You will still
feel a "twinge" or two, as is normal when recovering from an
injury. When recovering from an injury we often focus too
much on these sensations.
Will my insurance cover chiropractic treatments?
Most insurance companies cover all or part of chiropractic
treatment. Our office staff will be happy to check with your
insurance company for you. Please present your insurance
information card to us and we will follow up on it and
advise you as to your coverage. If your medical plan covers
chiropractic care, our office will file the necessary paper
work and await payment directly from your insurance company.
The patient will be expected to make payment of any
uncovered portion at the time of service.
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