| What is Chiropractic? The science of chiropractic deals with the relationship between the articulations of the skeleton and the nervous system, and the role of this relationship in the restoration and maintenance of health. The philosophy of chiropractic holds that all bodily function is controlled by the nervous system. An underlying theme of chiropractic theories on health is the premise that abnormal bodily functions may be caused by interference with nerve transmission and expression. This interference can be caused by pressure, pinching or tension on spinal and other nerves as a result of a displacement of the spinal segments, commonly referred to as vertebral subluxation complex.
What is a Vertebral Subluxation Complex?
A Vertebral Subluxation Complex (Subluxation for short) refers to a bio-mechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the spine) and the effect it has on the nerves, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues affecting the spinal integument.
The most serious component of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex is the affect that it has on nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord and pass between each pair of vertebrae.
This irritation can cause pain and dysfunction in any system of the body including muscle, lymphatic and organs, leading to seemingly unrelated and bizarre conditions.
Simply stated, a vertebral subluxation is "a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health." (Association of Chiropractic Colleges).
What Causes Vertebral Subluxation Complexes?
There are numerous causes of subluxations. Here is a list of the most common:
1. Falls
2. Car accidents
3. Lack of exercise
4. Occupational hazards
5. Improper sleeping habits
6. Poor posture
7. Child birth
8. Emotional disturbances
9. Obesity
10. Poor nutrition
11. Lack of muscle balance
12. Repetitive movements
13. Inherited spinal weaknesses
14. Ligamentous injuries and weakness
15. Poor support when sitting
How Are Vertebral Subluxation Complexes Detected?
The primary methods of detecting vertebral subluxation complexes and its effect on the neuro-musculoskeletal (nerve, muscle, bone) systems are via X-rays, static and motion palpation, nerve conduction studies, heat and electrical impulse reading devices, diagnostic ultrasound, comparative muscle testing, cinema-radiography and MRI.
How Are Vertebral Subluxations Complexes Treated? The art of restoring misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal cord is a procedure called manipulation, or spinal adjustment.
Spinal adjustments are performed manually by the doctor using the hands (sometimes aided by an instrument) to apply corrective pressure to the spine in an exacting direction and location.
It should be noted that the adjustment itself, does not actually heal the body. Rather, it is the reduction of the misaligned spinal vertebrae that restores normal function so that your body can heal itself.
There are many different chiropractic protocol that reduce the subluxations. Each patient is carefully selected for the appropriate protocol based upon physical evaluation and diagnostic studies such as X-rays.
Some of the mainstream chiropractic protocols that we utilize here include Palmer Specific, Gonstead, Diversified, Sacro-occipital technique (S.O.T.), Activator, Meric, Applied Kinesiology, Thompson Terminal Points Technique, Cox Flexion Distraction Procedures.
Do Adjustments Hurt? Adjustments seldom hurt. Most patients report experiencing a pinching feeling. In individuals who have sustained trauma, such as whiplash, mild discomfort may be felt due to inflammation, but soon after the inflammation is reduced the adjustments are very comfortable.
Is Chiropractic Really Safe? Absolutely; however, as with all procedures there have been isolated incidences of injury. Your risk of injury is estimated to be one in several million (scientifically insignificant) and is further minimized by a thorough examination provided at the outset of treatment to evaluate the appropriateness of a variety of procedures. The most serious injuries documented in journals include cerebral vascular accidents (stroke) due to the inappropriate application of rotational spinal adjustments to the cervical spine. These accidents occurred due to poor evaluation procedures.
How Long Does It Take to Correct Subluxations?
A change in the spine which can be observed on X-rays usually takes 6 months of regimented treatment; however, millimeters of change usually begin about the 3rd month of treatment.
What Conditions Are Caused by Subluxations?
Subluxations affect nerves and cause nerve pinching. Nerve pinching leads to a diminution of nerve activity leading to malfunction. A malfunction can lead to a disease process which then may lead to symptoms, such as pain, tingling, numbness, hot or cold spots, loss of feeling, reduced movement or flexibility, loss of strength, etc. Other symptoms, such as clumsiness, twinges, sluggishness, sleeplessness may also be associated. Sometimes there are no warning signs regarding subluxations; that is they are without symptoms. These "silent" subluxations, or course, are the most serious because you have no warning of their existence until they become acutely symptomatic.
Will You Refer Me To Other Doctors If Needed?
The answer is definitely yes. Subluxations, although they play a significant part in health and wellness, are not the only cause of health maladies. We will thoroughly evaluate you in relationship to your structure. We will perform X-rays, muscle testing, non-invasive electromyelography if needed. We will perform blood tests and urinalysis if necessary. We will send you for advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound, bone scans) if indicated. If you display metabolic illness or infection or life threatening conditions, you will be referred to the appropriate specialist. Furthermore, we will not hesitate if the situation arises that a medical specialist is needed at any time in your treatment.
Please feel free to ask me any questions regarding your care. I truly want you to be informed.
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