All You Need to Know About Chiropractic Care

Back Issues, Chiropractic Care, Chiropractor Technology / Martin

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a form of health care that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. It involves the manual adjustment of a person’s spine, joints, and other body parts in order to correct any misalignments or restrictions that may be causing pain or discomfort. Although this type of treatment is often used to help with back pain, it can also be beneficial in treating neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis/fibromyalgia and many other conditions. It is important to note that not everyone responds to chiropractic adjustments. A lot depends on your particular situation and a good Chiropractic Doctor will help guide and advise you during each and every chiropractic adjustment.

Chiropractic adjustment or manual manipulation

Chiropractic adjustments remain one of the most popular forms of non-invasive treatments for back pain each year. Millions of Americans, estimated at 22 million, visit chiropractors every year in search of relief from conditions like herniated disks, sciatica, and other chronic pain. The available research indicates that up to 35% of those who go see a licensed chiropractor for a chiropractic adjustment, do so because they are living with chronic back pain or have experienced an injury that has caused them immense discomfort.

Chiropractic care can usually provide effective relief without the need for expensive surgeries or dangerous medications. It is important to keep in mind, however, that whilst chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial to many people looking for fast and lasting relief from their symptoms, it is also wise to explore all other options before committing to any form of therapy as results will vary per person. Let’s take a look at who can benefit from chiropractic care and how it works.

Who Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is often used to treat people suffering from back pain. However, it can also be effective for those dealing with neck pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis/fibromyalgia. In addition, regular chiropractic treatments may help improve overall joint function which could reduce the risk of injury caused by excessive strain on your muscles and joints.

Chiropractic treatment offers safe and effective relief from pain and limited mobility due to joint and tissue injury. By using hands-on techniques such as spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments, professional chiropractors can provide a safe alternative to more common pain relief procedures by stimulating the body’s natural healing process.

Spinal manipulation is an effective form of alternative treatment used to relieve pain and discomfort. While it can offer benefits to people with a wide range of medical conditions, it is important to note that those with certain medical issues should not undergo the procedure due to potential risks associated with it. People who suffer from herniated discs, for example, are strongly advised against the use of spinal manipulation as it can worsen the existing problem.

Additionally, spinal manipulation could lead to a spinal cord injury if not performed carefully by a skilled professional like a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic.

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Why Use a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the same organization that issues accreditation for medical schools. It is therefore very important for individuals undergoing chiropractic adjustment to completely trust their healthcare provider when making medical decisions in order to ensure their safety.

Furthermore, with the guidance of a certified health professional, regular appointments may help to prevent further injury due to overuse or incorrect posture.

For those searching for safe and effective ways to reduce discomfort and improve overall wellness, chiropractic is an excellent form of treatment.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractors use manual adjustment techniques to manipulate the vertebrae in order to restore proper alignment and mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury or inflammation. This helps relieve pressure on the nerves that are causing pain or discomfort.

In addition to manual adjustments once a physical exam has been performed, chiropractors may also provide nutritional counseling as well as exercise/rehabilitation programs designed specifically for each patient’s needs.

Treatment plans are designed to help patients return to therapeutic activities while experiencing pain relief. Manual adjustments, nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation are utilized in order to restore the functional ability of an injured area and prevent further injury.

Furthermore, rehabilitation can be used as an adjunct or alternative form of treatment to reduce, stabilize or remove pain all together.

Ongoing assessment is crucial to provide the best possible outcomes. Through careful examination, providers can work with their patients to develop safe and effective treatment plans that may involve combination therapies for positive results.

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Is Chiropractic treatment effective?

Chiropractic care has become an increasingly popular form of pain management and medical treatment and numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy.

A wide range of physical ailments, including neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia can all be positively impacted by chiropractic care. This is accomplished through a combination of manual therapy such as spinal manipulations, massage therapy, cold laser, spinal decompression tables, and exercises designed to recreate proper skeletal alignment, boost mobility and provide lasting relief from the physical discomfort associated with these conditions.

Receiving the skillful care of an experienced chiropractor can not only reduce your suffering in the present moment but can also help you live a healthier lifestyle into the future.

Potential Risks Associated With Chiropractic Care

Although chiropractic care is generally safe when performed correctly by an experienced practitioner, there are some potential risks associated with this type of treatment including worsening herniated discs or causing a spinal cord injury in some cases.

Therefore, it’s important to consult with your doctor before seeking out chiropractic care if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or prior spinal injuries.

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are many potential benefits associated with chiropractic care including relief from back pain as well as improved joint mobility which could reduce the risk of further injury caused by excessive strain on your muscles and joints.

However, like any medical procedure there are risks involved. So, it is important to talk with your primary care physician before seeking out chiropractic care if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or prior spinal injuries. For those who do decide to give it a try though, chiropractic care could provide lasting relief from chronic pain without the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery or medication.

If you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain, it may be time to consider seeing a chiropractor for a physical exam, whether you are experiencing minor aches, tight muscles, or need a chiropractic adjustment for joint pain of which you are already aware. Chiropractic care can provide lasting relief from chronic pain and restore joint mobility without the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery or medication. Contact Anew Chiro chiropractor in The Woodlands, Texas today to schedule an appointment.

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Activator Method Chiropractic Technique

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Activator Tool for Spinal Manipulation

While most people are very familiar with spinal manipulations or spinal adjustments, many people are not aware of another type of manual manipulation treatment that is used by chiropractors called the Activator Method. The Activator Method uses a specialized hand held adjusting tool and is used to treat all types of back and neck pain as well as pain in the extremities. This activator adjusting instrument is an alternative to the widely used diversified technique of high velocity, low amplitude thrust or HVLA thrust. The diversified technique involves targeting one joint at a time with a short low-amplitude, quick/high velocity thrust.

The activator adjusting instrument is utilized to deliver quick and low force impulses to spinal joints (and other joints) with the purpose of restoring normal function to those joints. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners reports that this is one of the most common therapeutic treatments used by chiropractors, second only to the diversified technique. About half of all American chiropractors use the activator method in their clinics.

What is the Activator Method Technique?

The activator adjusting instrument is a spring loaded handheld instrument which allows chiropractors to employ quick low force impulses in specific spots. Two advantages of the Activator Method are as follows:

The most obvious advantage is that you can repeat a very controlled force that does not put the joint in any type of bending or twisting situation.
Also, the activator instrument is so fast that the body does not have time to tense or resist the treatment. Since the muscles don’t have time to react or tense up, this increases the effectiveness of the treatment.

Some of the older models that are on the market are actually mechanically spring loaded. However, there are newer models that are cordless and the spring is powered electronically.

How does the Activator Method work?

The chiropractor will have you lie face down on the table and then he’ll use specific tests, including checking for any differences in leg lengths. By checking for leg length discrepancies, they are more likely to identify which spinal or extremity joints need to be adjusted due to faulty body mechanics or any abnormal neurological reflexes.

Evidence from research suggests that the hand held Activator is able to specifically treat a small area, such as a single vertebrae, making it a very effective tool in spinal adjustments.

Is Leg Length Evaluation always used in the Activator Method?

Although chiropractors commonly use the leg length evaluation when they are going to use this handheld instrument, many rely on a physical examination approach. During the physical examination, they will use palpation (pressing on the surface of the body to feel the tissues underneath) of the spine and other areas to determine where they will apply the Activator instrument.

Why is an Activator Method used over other techniques?

One of the greatest advantages of using an activator instrument, is that it has such a small tip.The small surface area of the tip makes it ideal for not only specifically targeting spinal joints, but works well on extremities like the knees, elbows, wrists, and even the jaw. Also, as mentioned above, this instrument acts quickly and does not give the body or muscles time to tense up prior to the adjustment taking place.

How Effective is the Activator Method Treatment?

Traditionally, chiropractors are very well versed in applying spinal manipulation as a manual adjustment technique and research shows that 98% of chiropractors use the HVLA diversified technique in their practices. The activator method is not necessarily intended to replace manual adjustments such as the diversified technique, but have been developed to be used in specific instances when they need a smaller surface area to deliver a quick thrust to a small joint. It is a complementary manual adjustment technique benefiting patients globally, especially those that are not keen on the turning and tugging that can take place during manual manipulations.

Is The Activator Method Safe?

Although the activator is widely used amongst chiropractors, and has been around since the 1970s, it is not as well known as the more traditional manual manipulation methods, despite being approved by the FDA since 1997. Since it has been approved by the FDA, the Activator adjustment method has been deemed safe to use for spinal realignment and adjustments.

Research shows that the activator adjustment method works as well as traditional adjustment methods, and is safe for use by chiropractors trained and certified in the Activator method. This certification requires that the Chiropractic Doctor be instructed in the Activator Method Chiropractic Adjustment technique and receive at least a proficiency rating in order to be able to use the method in their practice.

While there are more studies and research going on regarding this type of treatment, it’s very important to visit a Chiropractic Doctor who is specifically trained in this method and has the required certification in the activator adjustment method.

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What Specialty Treatments do Chiropractors Use?

Back Issues, Chiropractic Care, Chiropractor Technology, Pain Relief, Spinal Decompression / Martin

Spinal Decompression To Treat Pain

You don’t have to live in debilitating pain. Whether you have lower back pain, a pinched nerve, sciatica, neck pain, or a variety of symptoms related to damaged or degenerative discs, as well as syndromes of the lumbar and cervical spine, DTS “Decompression Traction System” therapy may be for you.

DTS “Decompression Traction System” Therapy is an Alternative to Surgery

This gentle, non-surgical therapy can provide lower back pain relief, sciatica pain relief, and is a state-of-the-art therapy for neck pain relief, bulging or degenerative disc disease, and lumbar pain. Our state of the art spinal decompression treatment incorporates a spinal decompression machine, the ABS spinal decompression DRX9000 ( pictured).

The gentle distractive forces of the ABS spinal decompression DRX9000 create a decompression of the spine with unloading due to distraction and proper positioning, to improve blood flow and nutrient exchange to the injured area. You’ll experience several cycles of stretching and relaxation, which graduate to a peak over a period of several minutes.

Therapy sessions typically last less than 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 1 month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond, with most patients feeling pain relief with as few as 6-10 treatments. Most patients are released from treatment after 8 weeks.

A complete program targeting the function of the stabilization muscles is a vital part of DTS Therapy. Exercise and adjunctive therapies such as heat, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and cold therapy can assist in rehabilitation of these structures. Our goal is to not only help heal the disc, but to also enhance muscular control and support of the back and neck.

Regular home exercise and periodic visits to our office will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of recurrence. Clinical results of this type of therapy have been effective in over 75% of the patients treated and most patients find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire program of treatments utilizing the DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy.

What are the results of Spinal Decompression Research to relieve pain?

Patients now have a non- surgical option to relieve the nonstop pain they have been experiencing from various ailments such as sciatica. This spinal decompression technology today appears to be a dream come true for those who suffer with compressed disks. Research indicates that 92% patients report overall improvement, and of these, 5% improved 25-50%; 17% improved 50-75%; 70% improved 75-100%. (Gose, Naguszewski & Naguszewski , The Journal of Neurological Research, Volume 20)

As more people are experiencing relief and full recovery using this type of technology, the dream of non-surgical back pain relief becomes a reality. If you have tried chiropractic manipulations, physical therapy, drugs, and do not want to assume the risks associated with back surgery, then spinal decompression is the next logical choice in treating sciatica.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine used to alleviate pain and promote overall health. Acupuncture uses needles placed along invisible meridians that run throughout the body. Today, acupuncturists also use lasers, magnets and electric pulses in addition to needles. Each meridian point has a specific meaning and can unblock and repair meridians and channels with vital energy or chi. Through the stimulation of the meridians, an acupuncturist is able to restore balance and ergo health to the patient.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health problems, such as:

Persistent lower back pain
Chronic tension-type headaches and migraines
Neck pain
Joint pain
Postoperative pain
Allergies
Depression and anxiety
Insomnia

The art of acupuncture has taken thousands of years to develop and test. Many patients compliment acupuncture with other therapies such as chiropractic care, massage, physical therapy and more. This Chinese therapy is all natural and allows the body to repair itself with help from stimulating specific acupoints. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes, and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment.

Adjustments and Manipulation

Adjustments, or spinal manipulations, are the minor movement of vertebrae in the spine. The objective of this movement is to realign vertebrae that have moved out of place for a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to trauma.

When these vertebrae are out of place, it has an overall systemic effect from the muscular system to the central nervous system. Without proper alignment and flow of all nerves and systems in the body from the brain, it becomes impossible to function at our peak.

An adjustment is often a pressure from the chiropractor utilizing the hands or an instrument to move a vertebrae back into place. This happens with a quick movement and is often without discomfort. You may hear a noise that sounds like you’re cracking your knuckles referred to as joint cavitation. It is the release of gasses such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint.

Overall, adjustments are an excellent way to keep the body functioning at its highest level. When the body is in alignment, the body is able to respond and perform as designed.

Ice Cold Therapy

A chiropractor will use ice therapy as a specialty treatment. Ice Cold therapy begins by applying an ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and then placing a heat wrap in the same area. This ice cold therapy technique will help promote blood flow in the affected/injured area and decrease the amount of time needed to heal.This technique is good for lower back pain, arthritis, and pain associated with muscle strains. Switching back and forth between heat and ice is really effective for reducing back pain. The ice pack acts to reduce any swelling in the area and also to numb pain. The heat is then used to allow the muscles to relax while improving circulation in the muscle in order to promote faster healing.This treatment works great for lower back pain or injuries to the lower back. Ice Cold Therapy helps in the following ways:

Lessens pain
Numbs the affected area
Reduces muscle spasms
Decreases inflammation
Prevents/decreases swelling

Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is a soft-tissue manual therapy technique using stainless steel instruments to assist in mobilization of areas of the body which have incurred damage or scar tissue. This instrument based manual therapy approach is a specialized form of massage/scraping of the skin. The graston technique is designed to assist the Chiropractor in finding and breaking up areas that have scar tissue.

In general, the desired results of applying the Graston Technique utilized to reduce pain and increase mobility of an affected area are two-fold-

Break down scar tissue and any fascia restrictions
Promote faster and improved healing for the injured soft tissue

Research shows that there is a high success rate for patients experiencing chronic and acute pain from soft tissue injuries, including improving mobility and patient function while reducing pain by using the Graston Technique.

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