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Chiropratic Care is one of the fastest growing fields of healthcare. In fact, Chiropractic is the third largest health care system in the world. It is safe, gentle, effective and is an art of healing which unleashes the body’s ability to heal itself by realigning the spine to its optimum position. Because it is an all natural, self-healing technique that reduces or eliminates the need for drugs or surgery, more and more people every day are turning to chiropractic for pain relief.

Chiropractic is a complementary and alternative medicine health care profession that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their effects on the nervous system and general health. It 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 term Chiropractic itself is derived from Greek, meaning hand and action.

Chiropractors commonly use nutrition, exercise and rehabilitation, patient education, health promotion and life style management as part of their holistic outlook towards preventative health care. The philosophy of chiropractics also stresses the importance of prevention and primarily utilizes a proactive approach and a wellness model. Chiropractic can improve health by improving biomechanical and neural function through correctional techniques of joint and soft tissue dysfunction of the neuromusculoskeletal system.

The goal of low impact Chiropractic treatment is to locate and correct joint and muscle dysfunction to encourage the effective communication between the brain and the body as a whole, thereby maximizing general health and well being. A variety of low impact techniques including activator technique, drop piece, SOT (Sacral occipital technique) and regular manual adjusting are used. As chiropractic is about looking at the body as a whole, utilizing soft tissue therapies including trigger point, Nimmo technique, and is certified to provide Graston technique, a new and exciting technique aimed at restoring normal muscle function in addition to dry needling and Kinesiotape. To learn more about Graston technique visit http://www.grastontechnique.com/ or see the photos below.

Chiropractic Techniques – An Explanation

There are a wide variation of techniques used by different chiropractors. Chiropractors focus on dysfunctions that can result from irregularities, spinal structure or movement. They rely heavily on hands-on procedures to determine structural and functional problems, and they use manipulation to promote normal bodily functions correcting or preventing these structural deviations. The principal procedure used by many chiropractors is a form of manipulation known as adjustment that refers to a variety of manual mechanical interventions. Some of these are:

Activator:

Detects and corrects dysfunction using a small tool which delivers a light and measured force to correct misalignments. It is used to gently and painlessly move the vertebrae.

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT):

Padded blocks are placed under the patient in the pelvic area to allow the body to adjust itself, since muscle tension at the pelvis affects the neck.

Nimmo Technique:

Application of simple pressure to tender areas to release muscles from localized spasm.

Orthotics:

Custom-made devices placed in the shoes to treat posture problems, such as uneven leg length, spinal curvature and tilted pelvises.

Motion Palpitation:

Joints felt as they are moved to determine fixations.

If an adjustment is contraindicated for any reason, such as the possibility that it might cause the patient excessive pain or anxiety, a joint can be stretched by placing a roll or wedge in the correct position beneath the spine when the patient is lying down. However, doing this takes time, and the results are not achieved as quickly as those brought about by manipulation. Chiropractors also use a number of soft-tissue techniques (such as massage, heat, ice, and kneading) to relax a patient’s muscles before a manipulation, to release trigger points (painful knots of muscle fibers), and to lengthen tendons and muscles.

Kinesiotaping

Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions

Why see a chiropractor?

Everyone should get their spine checked. Only 10% of your nerves perceive pain, the other 90% are what makes your body function. It is possible to have pressure on your nerves and feel no pain. By the time someone is in pain, spinal problems can be quite advanced. So keep your body aligned and avoid major health issues.

How do I know if my spine is unhealthy?

Without pain it can be difficult to know if your spine is healthy or not. Some warning signs may include:
• Your shoes wear out unevenly
• You can’t take a satisfying deep breath
• You jaw “clicks”
• You have to “crack” your neck, back or other joints a lot
• You can’t twist or turn your head or hips to either side equally and easily • You are often fatigued
• You have poor concentration
• You have low resistance to disease
• Your foot flares out when you walk
• One leg appears shorter than the other
• You have poor posture
• You have headaches, back aches, and/or sore or tender spots in muscles or joints
• You have a constant stressful feeling and tension especially in muscles and joints
• You feel stiffness in your back and neck
• You just don’t feel right

Do I have a pinched nerve?

Many patients consult a chiropractor because they have a pinched nerve.

Because of the way the 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 be malfunctioning spinal joints.

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 centre 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 centre of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.

Is chiropractic suitable during pregnancy?

Because of the additional weight gain and stress on the spine in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can help lower the incidence of pain in the lower back and legs. There are many safe, effective and gentle techniques that can be used with the expecting mother.

Should my children have their spine checked?

Children should definitely get their spines checked. Regardless of age the vertebrae can become misaligned. The birth process is one of the biggest traumas in life and can cause trauma to the neck and spine. If left uncorrected a vertebral misalignment can cause undue stress on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, affecting growth, development and posture.

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, particularly babies.

Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.

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.

What makes the sound during the adjustment?

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 much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

Why do newborns get adjustments?

Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying; poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Paediatric adjustments are gentle.