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).
Specific Adjustments
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 doctors use only their hands, while others will use special tables or instruments. Sometimes, the patient's own body weight is used. Every doctor has a preference based on training, clinical experience, and the particular spinal problem of the patient.
Some adjusting approaches can result in a faint "popping" sound. The shifting of gas and fluids in the joint creates this sound. The presence or "loudness" of this sound has little meaning and varies with each patient.
Other Procedures
Your doctor may recommend additional procedures or suggest other ways to help reduce inflammation, provide relief, or enhance the healing process. These may include ice, heat, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation, nutritional advice, exercises, or other procedures.
Chiropractic Care is 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 adjustments 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.
Wellness Care
With the maximum restoration of spinal function many patients enjoy regular chiropractic "checkups." This type of preventative wellness care can save time and money by helping to avoid little problems from becoming serious
Patient Responsibilities
Here are some ways you can get faster relief and better results from your chiropractic care:
Get Involved
Patients who get involved and assume personal responsibility for recovering their health, seem to get the best results.
Keep Your Appointments
The way to achieve the results millions of chiropractic patients have enjoyed is to keep your appointments.
Strengthen Your Spine
Your doctor may suggest specific exercises to help speed your recovery. These can help retrain muscles that support your spine.
Lift with your Legs
Improper lifting can invite a relapse. Keep your back straight and the load close to your body as you lift with your legs.
Avoid Extreme Bending
Use caution when bending or working overhead. Avoid sudden twists and turns.
Get Adequate Rest
Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process. Use a mattress that offers firm support, and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
Watch Your Diet
During the healing process proper nutrition is more important than ever.
Ask Questions
Proper spinal hygiene is new for most people. The better you understand your condition, the faster your recovery.
Refer Others
Share your chiropractic experience with others. Explain the relationship between proper spinal function and nervous system function-the key to health.