The Spine

A Chiropractor tries to relieve stress and pressure on the nervous system with precise adjustments to the spinal segments or to individual vertebrae. Treatments depend upon individual complaints, but the approach is maintained with the belief that by restoring flexibility, health will return. The goal of chiropractic is to bring the patient optimal health, and is a natural method of health that has helped others for over 100 years. Chiropractic is recognized by many organizations including the Council of International Organization of Medical Sciences. In the U.S. all fifty states recognize chiropractic. Practioners are required to complete four years of intensive training at a professional chiropractic college, following two to four years of prerequisite studies. Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) are board-qualified, licensed and regulated according to most stringent criteria. Stress and strain are prevalent in today's society, impacting directly upon the nervous system. Often lower back pain is the result of nothing more than stress. Chiropractic techniques for restoring the neuro-musculoskelatel system were developed nearly 100 years ago by a David Palmer, who has several schools which teach the techniques. These are used to treat back pain, headaches and general pain due to injury and asthma, among other intestinal disorders. Another form of chiropractic is called Network Chiropractic introduced in 1979 by a Donald Epstein. This system utilizes both the more aggressive traditional manipulation and a gentle non-forceful touching and tapping. Research shows 94% of all spinal manipulation is performed by Doctors of Chiropractic. A Rand study was conducted by a U.S. private research group in 1991 and concluded that spinal manipulation is appropriate for patients with many categories of back pain. The Manga Report, sponsored by the Canadian Government in 1993 found chiropractic manipulation is superior to other treatments for most acute and chronic back pain patients in terms of effectiveness, cost and patient satisfaction. The U.S. Agency of Health Care Policy & Research, in 1994, found spinal manipulation appropriate as a "first line" approach to treatment of most patients with acute low-back pain. The report discourages surgery. Another study shows that 70% of those who have had surgery for low back pain still report pain 4 to 17 years after surgery.

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Headaches - Don't Let These Spoil Your Day!

Headaches have been identified as the fifth most common reason some 42 million Americans seek care each year. When you think of all those years you've bounced from one prescription to another - when you add up all the time and money you've spent on treatments that didn't help, isn't it time to try something that works?

People who suffer a lifetime with headaches often do so because the underlying cause of the problem has been overlooked. Your headache may be caused by Spinal Stress, Tension, Trauma, TMJ Problems, Missed Meals, Allery/Sensitivity, Over-exertion, Eyestrain and Drug Reaction. Headaches can often be traced to a joint dysfunction in the neck, spinal misalignment, impaired nerve function and limited range of motion. It's important to determine what's triggering your headaches in order to outline the most effective treatment approach. After all, your program of care will be as individual as you are!

There are three main types of headaches: MIGRAINE (Involves the blood vessels), TENSION (muscle-tension related) and CERVICOGENIC (originates in the neck). Chiropractic adjustments can help release pressure from 'pinched nerves' and reduce inflammation of surrounding tissue. Manipulation of soft tissue helps to break down scar tissue and correct muscle imbalances. By removing nerve interference and reducing pain and muscle spasm, joint mobility is improved. Restoring function of the cervical spine is one of the most effective ways to end your headache cycle.

Whether you suffer from migraines, tension headaches, allergy headaches or whiplash-related headaches, you should not self-diagnose or self-treat. A comprehensive 'headache work-up' by a competent Chiropractor will help find a solution for your problems. And, it's a drug-free approach that works!

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Disc Disease or Impairment!

If you're having trouble finding a comfortable position or experience radiating pain shooting down your leg or arm, you could have a disc problem stemming from your neck and back. Join the millions of people who turn to chiropractic for relief. Patients often endure "hidden signs" of disc disease for five, ten or twenty years before getting the help they need. Disc degeneration, or wear and tear progresses over time. But it doesn't go away by itself. Quite the contrary, the wait and see approach usually ends up with painful bone spurs or a disabling arthritic condition.

Your spinal discs are shock-absorbing cartilage that are connected to the vertebrae above and below. Injury or inactivity can result in unhealthy or "diseased" discs. Proper joint movement lubricates and transports nourishment to your discs. When a disc tears, its inner substances literally "squeeze" out and can press against a nearby nerve root. If the pressure directly affects the sciatic nerve in the low back, you may experience a referred pain that shoots down your leg (sciatica). You could have a "hidden" disc problem that you don't even know about. Around 40% of people over age 40 go about their daily lives with disc herniations and experience no pain or other symptoms. Once you feel pain, often structural damage is already done.

9 Advantages to Chiropractic Adjustments for Disc Disease

Relieve nerve irritation caused by narrowed openings of the spine due to degenerated discs Restore movement by stretching shortened ligaments resulting from chronic joint stiffness Restore joint movement by breaking down scar tissue from old injuries Help to "pump" in nourishment and lubricates the discs to avoid drying, cracking and rupturing of discs Calm muscle excitability to reduce tensions and spasm Can trigger specific pain-controlling nerve reflexes Can save you time and money in the long run by preventing chronic pain and future disability Correct underlying structural problem, rather than "cover up" your symptoms Pain relief without drugs or surgery

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Back Pain Relief

Two words that can make ones life miserable: BACK PAIN! One word can change things for the better: CHIROPRACTIC. You've probably done exactly what you've always done, when a tiny motion triggers one of those you-feel-like-your-going-to-die pains! Or worse yet, you end up flat on your back, unable to move without a clue as to why. Here's a hint: accumulated daily stress can lead to a "back attack". If you can't move the way you used to, your spinal joints may have become "fixated" or "stuck". By adjusting and realigning your vertebrae, the mounting nerve pressure that builds up from daily use (and abuse) can be released. Your spine is your "mainframe", so keep it in good shape. Your lower spine supports 70% of your entire body weight. That's one reason 90% of all adults will experience lower back pain.