Click on the icon to the right to learn more about Chiropractic and our health clinic  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

What is Chiropractic?

         Chiropractic is a form of spinal manipulation, which is one of the oldest healing practices. Spinal manipulation was described by Hippocrates in ancient Greece.  In 1895, Daniel David Palmer founded the modern profession of chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer was a self-taught healer and a student of healing philosophies of the day. He observed that the body has a natural healing ability that he believed was controlled by the nervous system. He also believed that subluxations, or misalignments of the spine (a concept that had already existed in the bonestter and osteopathic traditions), interrupt or interfere with this "nerve flow." Palmer suggested that if an organ does not receive its normal supply of impulses from the nerves, it can become diseased. This line of thinking led him to develop a procedure to "adjust" the vertebrae, the bones of the spinal column, with the goal of correcting subluxations. Chiropractic training is a 4-year academic program consisting of both classroom and clinical instruction. At least 3 years of preparatory college work are required for admission to chiropractic schools. Students who graduate receive the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) and are eligible to take state licensure board examinations in order to practice. Some schools also offer postgraduate courses, including 2- to 3-year residency programs in specialized fields.

Becoming a Patient         

  If you become a chiropractic patient, during your initial visit the chiropractor will take your health history. He will perform a physical examination, with special emphasis on the spine, and possibly other examinations or tests such as x-rays.  If he determines that you are an appropriate candidate for chiropractic therapy, he will develop a treatment plan. When the chiropractor treats you, he may perform one or more adjustments. An adjustment (also called a manipulation treatment) is a manual therapy, or therapy delivered by the hands. Given mainly to the spine, chiropractic adjustments involve applying a controlled, sudden force to a joint. They are done to increase the range and quality of motion in the area being treated

 

What is an Adjustment?

     An adjustment is a gentle and precise placement of the vertebra or involved joint into its correct position.  Adjusting the vertebrae can remove irritation and help the nervous system return to its natural efficiency.  As a result, chiropractic adjustments return the body's normal range of motion which in turn, alleviates muscles spasms and decreases pain.

Is an Adjustment painful?

     Although each patient reacts differently, the procedure is rarely painful.  It can cause a variety of reactions from temporary soreness to a sense of relief and well-being.  The soreness sometimes occurs once tight muscles and joints are loosened and has a similar feeling you would experience after working out at the gym.  This soreness quickly replaces the pain most patients come to our office with.

How long can I expect to be under Chiropractic Care?

     How long and how often you see a chiropractor will depend on several factors: the severity of you condition or injury, your age, physical condition, previous history of accidents or surgeries, occupational requirements and how well you adhere to our treatment program and exercise instructions.  Relief of pain usually happens quickly (2-4 weeks), though stabilizing your condition may take longer.  This will be discussed with you, by your doctor, before you start treatment.

 

When should I see a Chiropractor?

     You should see a Chiropractor if you are interested in preventative health care and/or the treatment of an injury. Chiropractic care focuses on wellness, without drugs and surgery and is based on maintaining the structural alignment of the spine and extremities.

Some common conditions that can benefit from chiropractic:Low back, hip or leg pain with numbness or tingling. Neck pain and shoulder pain with tingling or numbness to the arms Headaches brought on with tension or stress Auto accident or other whiplash injuries Knee or ankle pain from a new or chronic injury Any sports or dance injury Work related injuries Pregnancy pains for shoulder neck and back. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or other repetitive stress injuries , from bad ergonomics. Pain between shoulder blades Difficulty sitting, bending and lifting Problems sleeping due to back pain Recurring joint pain, stiffness or swelling Inability to perform daily activities due to muscle or joint pain

People have been turning to chiropractic health care for over a century. They have sought treatment for a wide variety of ailments, from migraines to heel pain. The following is a brief summary of circumstances where chiropractic is an appropriate health-care choice.

 

You have been in an accident

Trauma can cause spinal misalignments in the body which can in turn distort your structure and irritate your nerves, bones, ligaments and discs. Any accident, no matter how minor, can create nerve-damaging misalignments. We can give you a spinal check-up to ensure that your spine is free from these health-compromising changes and to prevent any long-term damage.

 

You have a sports- or work-related injury

When a subluxation has been caused by repetitive stress or overuse at work or play, spinal nerves may be impeded. This may in turn negatively affect one's range of motion, strength, reflexes, endurance, and, ultimately, performance. Chiropractic can help your body restore normal nerve function and help you get back to your peak in both play and work.

 

You are simply in pain

Interruption of proper nerve flow, for whatever reason, can eventually lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life. You don't need to live with it— we can help you get to the root of the problem, set your body up to heal, and restore your health.

 

You are pregnant

The additional weight and stress on the framework of the body during pregnancy can cause pain in almost any part of the body. Because pregnant women are often reluctant to take any over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, they often turn to chiropractic care to help alleviate pains associated with pregnancy. In addition, we can also offer lifestyle (especially nutrition and exercise) advice specific to the expectant mother.

 

You have a "little one"

Babies and children grow quickly, and their muscles, ligaments, and bones develop rapidly. A jump, tumble, or fall can jar the body, affect the spine (and possibly the nervous system), and then go undetected for years. Even simple factors, such as a heavy backpack or an ill-fitting car seat, can have negative effects on a child's health. With these things in mind, it's evident that babies and children have much to gain from chiropractic care. Regular spinal exams can provide corrective and preventive care for "little ones," as well as peace of mind for the parent. Parents of small children also have much to gain. We can offer advice regarding how to pick up and carry a child and, for post-partum mothers, an assessment of any structural changes that may have occurred during pregnancy, labor, and/or delivery.

 

You have a "big one" (i.e., a teenager)

Teenagers' bodies are also growing at a rapid rate. This, combined with the fact that teenagers often think they are invincible, sets them up for a wide range of physical problems. Imagine your teenager hearing from someone other than you the benefits of proper diet, exercise, posture, and other good lifestyle habits! With regular visits to your doctor of chiropractic, your "big one" will have a body that is structurally and functionally sound, and head start on a life of good health.

 

You are in your "Golden Years"

There are numerous physical problems associated with aging, and drugs and surgery are often prescribed to treat these problems. There is little, if any, attention paid to actually fixing these problems— and little or no emphasis on preventing them. But you need not succumb. Chiropractors understand the effects of aging and have been helping folks deal with the aches and pains associated with aging for decades. As with other patients, we diagnose the ailment, determine what's causing it, and then choose from a variety of gentle therapeutic techniques to alleviate it. We can also guide you through simple changes in your lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management) that can greatly improve the quality of your life. Old habits are hard to break, but it's never too late to start healthy habits.

 

You feel fine

Even if you feel as though you're operating at 110% or better, chiropractic can help you maintain your desired level of health and fitness. You may currently have spinal irregularities that exhibit no symptoms whatsoever. However, problems may arise in the future. Just as regular maintenance visits are recommended for your car, and regular dental cleanings and check-ups are recommended for your teeth, regular chiropractic check-ups can help detect and prevent spinal stress or joint disorders. In short, chiropractic health care is a smart choice for most everyone, at any time-you'll stay healthier longer, and the time and energy (and money!) saved due to your preventive efforts can be spent on things that are fun to do.