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Healing Touch Chiropractic |
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Sports Medicine & Spine Rehabilitation |
Brooklyn
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What is Chiropractic Medicine?
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.
The practice and procedures which may be employed by Doctors of Chiropractic are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited chiropractic colleges and include, but are not limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly of the spinal column. Included is the treatment of intersegmental aberrations for alleviation of related functional disorders.
Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or incisive surgery. Due regard shall be given to the fact that state laws, as well as the nation's antitrust laws, may allow Doctors of Chiropractic to utilize ancillary health care procedures commonly referred to as being in the common domain.
American Chiropractic Association 2004
What is an "Adjustment"?
An "adjustment" or what we call a spinal manipulation is a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust or impulse directed at restoring joint play, or motion. Although the exact mechanism of action is still being debated it is thought to work by: releasing entrapped synovial fold or plica, relaxing hypertonic muscles and disrupting articular or periarticular adhesions.
One may notice an audible release ("popping" or "cracking") during the procedure, but it is not needed. The main goal of the manipulation is to restore motion to a joint that is no longer functioning as it should be.
Some people are fearful of the manipulation or the noise that it makes, so they often ask if there are other procedures, such as mobilization that may be performed. The short answer is Yes. The long answer is although we can use mobilizations (and we do use these in patients that are not candidates for manipulation) they are not as effective as high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulations. The ultimate advantage that manipulation has compared to mobilization is that it provides a dynamic stretch to the joint capsule thereby stimulating receptors in the joint. This stimulation can cause an increase (or restoration) of joint movement, which in turn improves joint function, leading to pain relief.
In addition to the mechanical effects of manipulation there are neurophysiological effects that go far beyond the involved joint and its surrounding tissues.
Joint Manipulation should not be simply looked at as restoration of motion in the dysfunctional joint. Joint Manipulation helps reestablish the functional biomechanics while simultaneously stimulating the nervous system via reflex phenomena.
1. Murphy, DR Conservative Management of Cervical Spine Syndromes. 2000
I have heard that once you see a chiropractor you have to keep coming back, is this true?
No. Our goal is to restore you to your optimal health and function and then give you the tools to keep you there. With that said, many people elect to continue their chiropractic treatment well after they feel well. Why? Because they feel that regular chiropractic care makes them feel better. Athletes often use chiropractic treatments to help them stay injury free and to improve performance.
What is that noise that is made when I have my back adjusted?
The proper term for that popping cracking is an "audible release" or "cavitation." The significance of the audible release is debatable. Each joint is surrounded by a sac which contains a fluid, called synovial fluid. This fluid contains dissolved gases. The audible release is caused by the gapping of the joint which increases the volume of the joint there by reducing the pressure in the joint, causing a vacuum. This causes a release of carbon dioxide from the synovial fluid in the joint forming an "air bubble." The creation of the this vacuum is what causes this "pop."
How does chiropractic care work?
Chiropractic helps to remove postural imbalances and structural misalignments that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Our spines change and develop problems just like our teeth, eyes and heart. Left unchecked, these changes may lead to pain, stiffness or other more serious problems.
The nervous system is a key part of your body. It is the communication system between your brain and all of your body's muscles, organs and tissues. For your body to remain healthy, your nervous system must function well. For your nervous system to function well, it must be free of interference. The spine is the most common site of nervous interference because nerves travel from the spinal cord through openings on either side of the spine to get to all of your cells and organs.
Each of us is born with the ability to heal and recover from illness. Our bruises heal, cuts mend and common colds are overcome. Your nervous system regulates this inborn healing ability.
Think of your brain as a central command post sending and receiving information through telephone wires (your nerves), which branch out to connect all areas of a city (your body). A short circuit in a wire cuts off communication just like misalignments in your spine can put pressure on the nerves. This pressure interferes with your nervous system, affects your ability to self-heal and may prolong injury or illness.
The customized care you receive from
your chiropractor can help to improve your posture, muscle balance and
mobility. It can also restore the integrity of your nervous system and
get rid of pain quickly, so you can get back to feeling good today!
Is chiropractic effective?
Yes.
Chiropractic care is safe and effective. Scientific evidence proving
that chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years,
many controlled and independent research studies have shown again and
again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low
back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the
spine. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that
chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems.
The extent to which a person can benefit from care varies depending on
their problem and how long it has existed.
Do many people see chiropractors?
The
non-surgical, drug-free healing nature of chiropractic provides benefit
to the health of millions of other people worldwide each year. Most
chiropractic patients experience real relief and improved general well
being, and continue to make regular visits a part of their healthy
lifestyle choice.
Why should I see a Chiropractor?
From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to electricians, young people to seniors, chiropractic care has been the answer to optimum health. Many people see a chiropractor for back, neck or other joint problems. Still others find that regular visits to their chiropractor keep them in peak condition.
Regularly a dentist checks our teeth,
an optometrist checks our eyes and a doctor checks our blood pressure
and heart. Yet, we take the spine - a crucial component of our body -
for granted. Call your family's chiropractor today because regular
checkups of your spine can help you maintain better health.
What is Subluxation?
A subluxation - short for Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) - is an abnormal condition commonly involving several vertebrae. It occurs when vertebrae in your spine lose their normal position and/or motion.
Subluxations most often occur in response to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as emotional stress, poor posture from sitting in front of a computer or standing at a workstation for a long time may lead to subluxations. Car accidents, improper lifting or work injuries are other common causes of VSC.
Many health problems, including subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. In the same way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years before causing difficulties.
To detect the possible onset of a VSC, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination, including a detailed history, orthopaedic, neurological and postural evaluations, and possibly an X-ray (radiographs) if he or she deems these to be necessary to fully assess your condition.
Your chiropractor is uniquely
qualified to recognize and diagnose spine related injuries. He or she
is the only Doctor with specialized training to correct spinal problems
and their multiple effects.
What is a chiropractic adjustment? Is it safe?
An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your chiropractor. It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure applied to your spine to restore the proper motion and position of your vertebrae. It is a precise procedure that your highly skilled chiropractor has learned and perfected over years of training at a Chiropractic College and in clinical practice.
Every health procedure, from taking
aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Chiropractic
adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions
because they are non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low
risk. And they work!
What can I expect from my visit to a chiropractor?
As a licensed practitioner, it is the duty of your chiropractor to do the following:
-- A thorough review of your specific problem is conducted, including relevant past history and overall health.
--You will be asked to perform physical tests and movements to help identify the problem.
--In
certain situations, an X-ray may be used to confirm the history and
examination findings and to investigate for the presence of any
underlying bone conditions or pathological developments.
--A
diagnosis is made, with treatment options for its resolution outlined.
If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated. If it is not a
chiropractic problem, an appropriate referral is arranged.
--A prognosis is made, taking into account your general health habits, occupation, stress and activity levels.
--Your
response to treatment is monitored by your chiropractor, who looks for
an improvement to your specific condition, as well as for changes in
your overall health. Two of the basic components of chiropractic care
are wellness and prevention. Utilization of exercises, along with
nutrition and lifestyle modifications may also be suggested to improve
your overall well-being and promote active, patient-centered care.
What results can I expect from treatment?
That
depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the problem,
your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length of
your treatment. Your Doctor of Chiropractic should be able to give you
an estimate of the extent of relief you should receive from the
recommended treatment and how long you can expect it to last. One of
the main reasons people choose chiropractic is that they often get
quick results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously
need more treatment. However, Workers' Compensation Board studies show
that people with low back pain return to work much faster with
chiropractic care.
How long do Doctors of Chiropractic go to school?
Today's graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied and trained in a post-secondary college or university for at least seven years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete undergraduate study before applying for admission to a chiropractic college.
Becoming a chiropractor is a demanding
and highly rewarding path that includes a minimum of 4,500 hours of
intense academic study including classroom learning, clinical science
and internship training. During the course of their training, he/she
will have studied the following three areas:
-- Basic
sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology (the study of
diseases), biochemistry, clinical sciences, X-ray interpretation and
differential diagnosis.
-- Training in the philosophy and practice of chiropractic.
-- Clinical internship with emphasis on hands-on practice.
Your
chiropractor is a primary contact provider just like your family
physician, optometrist or dentist. You do not need a referral from your
medical doctor to see a chiropractor.