Chiropractic

What is Chiropractic?

The word chiropractic comes from the Greek words, "chiro," meaning hand, and "practic," meaning practice, or treatment. Thus, "treatment by hand" is an appropriate definition since chiropractors typically use their hands to manipulate different parts of the body in an effort to promote healing and wellness.

Chiropractic medicine is a form of natural health care that focuses on treating a patient without the use of drugs or medicines. Doctors of Chiropractic, more commonly known as chiropractors, are primary health care providers licensed in all 50 states, and are recognized by governmental health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Workers' Compensation programs and more. Every year, more than 30 million Americans see chiropractors as part of the regular health care programs and with over 84,000 licensed chiropractors nationwide and more than 10,000 students currently enrolled in chiropractic school, it is the fastest growing health care profession.

A chiropractor is involved in the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the promotion of public health, and a wellness approach to patient healthcare. The practice and procedures that are employed by chiropractors are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited chiropractic colleges. Chiropractors frequently treat individuals with problems, such as headaches, joint pain, neck pain, low back pain and sciatica. Chiropractors also treat patients with osteoarthritis, spinal disk conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, and strains. However, the scope of conditions that chiropractors manage or provide care for is not limited to the common pains and problems listed above. Chiropractors also have the training to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies, asthma, digestive disorders, and other disorders as new research is developed.

Subluxation

What is subluxation?

Subluxation is a term used in the chiropractic field to describe what happens when one of the vertebrae in your spine moves out of position. The word “subluxation” is derived from the Latin words meaning somewhat or slightly (sub) and to dislocate (luxate). When this happens, the misaligned vertebra creates pressure and stress on the spinal nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding muscles. This pressure and stress can cause an imbalance in the body’s normal processes as the nerves in the spinal column extend to the entire body and its organs. As time goes on and the uncorrected subluxation settles, the damage to the nerve gets progressively worse different stages of subluxation degeneration set in. Regular visits to a licensed chiropractor can help to reduce the effects of subluxation and may be necessary maintain good health and physical fitness.

What causes subluxation?

There are two types of ways that a subluxation can occur: unique instances or regular actions. A car accident, fall, sudden jar, or trauma are all examples of unique instances that may cause a subluxation. The other occurrence of subluxation comes from regular actions such as improper sleeping position, poor posture, or incorrect lifting processes

How is subluxation corrected?

Chiropractors are specialists in correcting subluxation and other misalignments. A chiropractor can restore the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column. They do this manually by using the chiropractic procedure known as spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her hands in applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific direction and location. The manual force or thrust helps restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. In some cases, the chiropractor may use instruments to detect a subluxation and adjust the spine. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of trauma, such as car accident, some discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.

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Different phases of subluxation degeneration

Phase One Subluxation Degeneration

Phase one subluxation degeneration is seen in subluxations that have been present for up to twenty years. This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. In this phase, the normal forward curve is in the neck can be lost. The spine can even develop a reverse curve in the neck. Although overall motion is probably not affected, chiropractic reconstructive care for a phase one subluxation can take from 6 to 18 months. More than 80% of people with phase one subluxation degeneration have no pain. Therefore, if left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress with time until it eventually reaches the next phase.

Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration

Phase two subluxation degeneration is normally seen in subluxations that have been present between 20 and 40 years. This phase has some of the same characteristics of the previous phase including a loss of normal curvature and position as well as an alteration in small motions. In addition, spines with phase two subluxation degeneration often show a reduction in the patient's range of motion in that area. X-rays of a phase two begin to show calcium changes or buildup at certain levels of the spine. These changes are sometimes called by many names including spurs and arthritis. Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae are noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening out. Although most people with phase two subluxation degeneration may not exhibit any symptoms, some may start to feel stiff or achy. Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase two ranges from 1.5 years to 2.5 years. Again, if phase two subluxation degeneration is left uncorrected it slowly advances to the next phase.

Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration

Phase three subluxation degeneration is caused by subluxations that have gone untreated for between 40 and 65 years. This phase has all of the attributes of the previous phases, only worse. The curvatures are abnormal, the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed. Calcium changes on the spine are abundant in this phase. Normally, people in phase three have a restricted range of motion and probably exhibit symptoms of some kind. In phase three the vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape. Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase three ranges from 2.5 years to 3.5 years. This does not mean that at the end of this time that any or all of the calcium changes will be gone. In many instances the body adapts to the presence of the calcium and positive changes can only be measured from a functional standpoint. As before, if phase three subluxation degeneration is left unchecked it slowly advances into the final phase.

Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration

Phase four subluxation degeneration is seen with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected or altered for over sixty five years. Phase four is a grave condition that will negatively affect the patients longevity and quality of life. The massive amount of neurological damage caused by years of subluxation that have lead to phase four are probably taking a serious toll on this person's health status. X-rays in phase four show serious severe structural changes. Vertebrae exhibit massive calcium changes, disc spaces appear blurred, and the bones themselves appear fused. In this scenario the patient will have a severe restriction of range of motion in addition to probably a number of other health issues. Reconstruction may not be possible in phase four, but care can be directed to some reduction in subluxation with the goal of improvement in the quality of life remaining. Patients in phase four subluxation degeneration have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope. Many chiropractic patients in phase four report significant improvements in symptoms, conditions, mobility and quality of life.

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When should I see a Chiropractor?

Many people often think that they only need to see a chiropractor when they have a back or neck pain, but the truth remains that regular visits to a chiropractor is vital to maintaining sound health and fitness. Everyday events such as improperly lifting of an object, sleeping in the wrong position, or poor posture can put strain on the spine and cause subluxation, which leads to your body being unbalanced. Regular visits to a chiropractor can help to keep your spine, which has over 24 moveable vertebrae, properly aligned and healthy.

Additionally, there are other times when visiting a chiropractor that may be necessary to remain healthy. Pregnant women should definitely plan to visit a chiropractor during the pregnancy period to relieve stress on the framework of the body from the additional weight of the maturing baby. These visits can help to lower the incidences of pain in the lower back and between the shoulder blades that pregnant women often experience. Additionally, the headaches and nausea that often accompany the pregnancy period can be minimized or even eliminated with regular visits to the chiropractor.

Following birth, the infant should be checked by a chiropractor to detect any spinal problems that might have occurred during birth. If problems to the spine or neck are left uncorrected after birth, vertebral subluxation may negatively affect the delicate spinal cord and nerves that control the muscles and organs. In some cases, deformity to the spinal column can occur.

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What Happens in a Chiropractor's Office?

On your first visit, Dr. Moss will want to talk with you, not only about your immediate problem, but also about any past health problems. These facts will help in the interpretation of the examination findings.

If it is decided that your condition will respond to chiropractic care, then adjustments can begin. Adjustments consist of unlocking certain spinal segments which may have become subluxated causing abnormal movement or nerve irritation in the spine. These "adjustments" are performed by hand and are generally painless.

What Happens on My First Visit?

During your first visit, Dr. Moss will take a full history of your ailment followed by a complete physical exam plus a spinal and musculoskeletal examination. Also, your first visit may include x-rays. Then Dr. Moss identifies the cause of your aliment and starts to correct it. Dr. Moss promotes the philosophy of wellness and disease prevention.

What Do I Do If I'm in an Accident?

If you are involved in an automobile accident or other type of accident that causes immediate pain or immobility, see a physician immediately. Many persons come to a chiropractic office for care long after an accident, making the symptoms more difficult to treat, and a correction and proper healing much more difficult to accomplish. Injuries are best treated within the first 5-7 days with chiropractic care. If the only care you're receiving is painkillers, hotpacks and massage, you are missing an important part of getting well. Correcting the spine is just as important as any other thing you may do to get well.

Can Chiropractic Help?

If areas of abnormal spinal function are identified, your doctor will recommend a chiropractic care program of spinal adjustments. Your plan of care is based upon your age, condition, lifestyle, and unique spinal problem(s).

The primary course of care will be specific chiropractic adjustments. This will help return individual spinal bones to their proper motion and position. There are hundreds of ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore better position and motion to "stuck" or fixated spinal joints. This may require a quick thrust, or in other instances a slow, constant pressure. Sometimes, only one area of the spine is adjusted, and other times the entire spine will receive attention.

Some adjusting approaches can result in a faint "popping" sound. This sound is created by the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint. The presence or "loudness" of this sound has little meaning and varies with each patient.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers, and back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. When compared with traditional approaches, chiropractic care is remarkably safe. In fact, millions of chiropractic adjustment are safely delivered to satisfied patients every day!

How Long Will It Take?

Chiropractic results vary. Some patients get results quickly. Others find their recovery takes several months or longer. Children often respond quickly, while adults with long-standing spinal problems heal more slowly. The healing process takes time.

There are three stages of chiropractic care. Periodic progressive examinations help determine the course of your care. Once you understand true health, you may want some type of ongoing chiropractic care. Like brushing your teeth, eating wholesome foods, and other healthy habits, a regular chiropractic checkup makes sense. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

INITIAL INTENSIVE CARE -This is usually where most patients begin their chiropractic care. Visits can be frequent, depending upon the severity of your condition. The primary focus is to reduce or eliminate your most obvious symptoms.

REHABILITATIVE CARE -With your ache or pain diminished, the objective is to stabilize spinal function and promote a more complete healing. Muscles and soft tissues of the spine are strengthened during this stage of care, helping to avoid a relapse.

MAINTENANCE CARE -With the maximum restoration of spinal function many patients enjoy regular chiropractic "check-ups." This type of preventative, wellness care can save time and money by helping prevent little problems from becoming serious.

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