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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC
More common are nerves that are stretched, twisted, or irritated by spinal structures. Many patients consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they have a pinched nerve. Because of the way your spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional tensions, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots. While commonly associated with the spine, the pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is actually rare. Researchers suggest the only 10% to 15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! This can result in numbness, burning, or a "pins and needles" tingly feeling. More frequently, nerves are irritated
(facilitative lesions). This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed,
scraped, or stretched by abnormal spinal positions, or irritated by
malfunctioning spinal joints. Discs do not "slip", however like the shock absorbers on your car, then can leak or rupture but, technically, a disc can't "slip". The intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage-type material situated between the spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector and spacer for the spinal bones (vertebrae). The outer layers of fibrous tissue contain a soft, jelly-like center. Healthy discs help to allow normal turning and bending. Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebra above and below, a disc cannot "slip". However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord. While results cannot be guaranteed,
many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain
pills, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc-related health
problem. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. The brain, spinal cord, and the nerves of the body control all bodily functions. The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the vulnerable communication pathways or the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the nerve system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Vertebral, meaning the bones of the spine. Subluxation, meaning abnormal spinal bone position, less then a dislocation. And Complex, meaning consisting or more than one part. (i.e. more that one type of tissue involved.) Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the philosophy of all things natural. Each of us is designed to be healthy.
Chiropractic care helps restore optimum function. Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nerve system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interference to your natural state of being healthy. A common interference to the nerve system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nerve system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses. With improved spinal function there is often improved nerve system function. We help remove interference that may be impairing normal health. Since the primary focus of your care is improved nerve system function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of a "back" problems. Each of us is designed to be healthy. Chiropractic care helps restore optimum function. At Hamilton Chiropractic Offices we
look for the underlying nerve system involvement that can be the cause
of many health problems. What Do Chiropractic Doctors Do? The word "doctor" comes from the Latin word meaning teacher. Helping to restore proper spinal Biomechanics and improved nerve system function begins with a health history. This gives us a background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details affecting your current health. After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to uncover structural and functional problems associated with the spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nerve system deficit. The findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Progress is monitored with periodic examinations and follow-up reports. Since the word "doctor" comes
from the Latin word meaning teacher, we at Hamilton Chiropractic Offices
have a strong commitment to patient education. What Type of Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Get? Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated. After undergraduate studies, today's chiropractic doctor completes an additional four-year curriculum of over 4,500 college classroom hours of health sciences. The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, Biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nerve system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractic education never ends.
Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal and
to stay current on the latest scientific research. A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to the spine to correct abnormal spinal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to improve spinal function, improve nerve system function and improve health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjustments are quick whereas others require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical
experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the
delivery of this safe, painless procedure. Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way? No. Chiropractic care is tailored to each person's age, condition, and spinal problem. The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Some patients, who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual cause of the problem is in the neck. Patients notice that their chiropractic
care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on
the one before. And while visits may seem similar, each patient's care
is uniquely different from every other patient. Some people go to great lengths to adjust themselves, but you cannot effectively, safely adjust yourself. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific area of the spine, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unstable, regardless of how it may feel at the time. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! There are many things that we may show you how to do for self-help at home, but self-adjusting is not one of them. It can even be dangerous. The best way to enjoy the healthful
benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of
Chiropractic. Even I, as a chiropractic doctor, must seek out the
services of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal
function. Chiropractic care is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, and even common aspirin! In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care is "remarkably safe." Chiropractic has an excellent, even astounding safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nerve system malfunction. This information is used to determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic care is a natural approach
to better health that is proven safe and effective. Can I Speed The Healing Process? While there aren't any shortcuts to speed your body's natural healing process, there's a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery. Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Don't cross your legs above the knees. Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach. During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important that ever. Make sure you eat balanced, nutritional meals and consider taking nutritional supplements. If you are overweight, now would be a good time to slim down and reduce unnecessary stress to your spine. Perhaps most important of all, keep
your appointments and follow our recommendation as closely as possible
for optimum results. Why Do Children Need Chiropractic Care? "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree" Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for Vertebral Subluxation Complex as soon after birth as possible. Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child's spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed of as "growing pains" can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting
procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that
their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier
than other children. Am I Too Old For Chiropractic Care? Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help improve mobility and maintain vitality. More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process such as elimination and sexual function. The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser, the
simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more
obvious. How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care? Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These longstanding problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine. Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health after they have gone through initial intensive and rehabilitative care. Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of "crisis management" is usually more costly and time consuming, our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Click on "Three Types of Care" for further information about the types of care available in our office. Periodic chiropractic checkups, like
brushing and flossing, getting regular exercise, and eating wholesome
foods is part of a healthy lifestyle. Our office is committed to patient
education and self help. In numerous studies it has been found that
patients who fully understand their condition and their doctor's
recommendations, get well faster. Find out ways you can speed your
recovery and enhance the healing process. Join the millions who enjoy
better health through safe effective chiropractic care. |
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1313 Gilman
Street, Berkeley California 510-526-3362 |