Chiropractic is based upon scientific principles of diagnosis through testing and empirical observations. Treatment is based on the practitioner's rigorous training, clinical experience, and through comprehensive examination. Unlike traditional medicine, which tends to focus primarily on the treatment of disease, chiropractic attempts to improve overall health and function in an effort to avoid injury and illness before either occur. One of the main reasons behind the rise in popularity of chiropractic care across the United States is largely contributed to the desire of people wanting to be healthy and avoid injury. People are now recognizing the benefit of seeking an alternative healthcare provider that enables them to achieve and maintain optimal health.
Chiropractic doctors provide natural, drug-less, non-invasive health care and rely on the body's ability to self-heal. Sounds ideal, but how does it work?
We Focus on the Whole Picture. You!
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Similar to other healthcare providers, doctors of chiropractic, or chiropractic physicians follow a comprehensive diagnostic routine to gain information about a patient. We often consult with other providers, review patient's past health history, conduct physical examinations, and if indicated, may request laboratory analyses and/or diagnostic imaging studies such as x-rays. Unlike other healthcare providers, chiropractors carefully examine structure, with a particular emphasis on the spine. We also ask questions in regards to lifestyle, activity or fitness level, daily habits, work routine, stressors and so on in order to construct a personalized treatment plan that best fits your needs.
We Isolate & Fix the Source of Your Problem
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Using the information above, a diagnosis is made. Included in this diagnosis is the probable reasoning behind your pain or discomfort. It is important to note, that chiropractors seek the source of the illness/injury. We do not just treat the symptom. A real-life example would be if the migraine headaches you've been experiencing were being caused by dysfunctional joint movement with associated muscle and ligamentous tension in the neck as a consequence of prolonged sitting at that desk job. Should you continue taking daily pain medication to get you through another day, or would you like to treat the cause while also learning how to prevent and eliminate the pain from recurrence? Get the picture?
What is Chiropractic //
What Separates Chiropractic from Other Healthcare Professionals?
Doctors of chiropractic are the only professionals extensively trained to isolate, diagnose, and manage the effects that spinal joint dysfunction can produce throughout the spine and musckuloskeletal system.
When joint dysfunction occurs, a chiropractor can correct the aberrant motion, or misalignment, which allows the joint(s) to return to it's normal position and restore natural movement. The result of addressing such dysfunction has a wide variety of effects on the body. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Reduction of inflammation and irritation at the site of discomfort.
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Helps lengthen any shortened or contracted muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
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Promotes the break down of myofascial adhesions and trigger-points.
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Decreases pressure of any involved or compromised nerve or nervous tissue.
The procedure most commonly used to correct this dysfunction is called an adjustment, or spinal manipulation. A chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting and restoring it's natural movement, misalignment, or both. These maneuvers are often accompanied by an audible "crack," which occurs as gas is released out of the joint. Though this audible noise can sometimes be startling during the first few adjustments, the sensation is often found to be relieving. There are times when this audible "cracking" does not occur. This is often due to significant muscle tension or that the patient may be having a difficult time relaxing during their initial adjustment. Regardless of the outcome, the motion induced by the adjustment is still important. As studies have shown that a fast stretch or mobilization into a joint, it's surrounding muscles and tendons help lengthen muscle fibers, reduce inflammation and adhesion. In order to further decrease muscle tightness, adhesion, and restore normal joint function, multiple chiropractic adjustments may be required.
Chiropractic Care Beyond Manipulation
The focus on the adjustment, or spinal manipulation is what makes a doctor of chiropractic unique. In addition to adjusting, there are numerous therapeutic techniques that chiropractors often implement in addition to spinal manipulation. The following is a brief list of common therapeutic modalities that chiropractors often implement into care.
Heat Therapy.
Applying appropriate amounts of heat to affected and injured musculature increases the blood flow and oxygen to these tissues which results in faster recovery time, healing, and reduced pain.
Massage.
Improves circulation, reduces swelling and inflammation associated with back pain, and also encourages faster healing time.
Exercise.
Exercise programs are implemented to help stretch and strengthen inhibited, weakened or injured tissues in order to promote proper healing, and increase strength.
Spinal Decompression/Traction.
Traction devices stretch the spine, decompress injured or herniated discs and reduce the pressure on nerve roots. This technique is commonly referred to as non-surgical spinal decompression.
To see what other techniques are used in our clinic by visiting our Service page.