Today's Chiropractic

Neck Pain

Chances are, you've experienced a stiff or sore neck at one time or another. Given the complex mechanics and function of the neck, it's no wonder that neck pain is so common. The neck supports your head, which may weigh 10 pounds or more, and needs to bend up and down and turn side to side.

Subluxation

1. a minor misalignment of the segment of the spine(vertebrae), causing an irritation to a nerve, with a loss of normal function 2. an interruption of communication from the brain to any cell, tissue, or organ in the body. A subluxation is a condition in which one or more vertebrae of the spine are out of alignment. This places pressure on the spinal nerve and affects the normal transmission of nerve impulses. The function and healing process of vital parts of the body is often affected.

What is scoliosis?

All spines have natural curves from front to back. Scoliosis is a progressive, adnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The spine often curves in an "S" or "C" shape from side-to side. Scoliosis is often first detected in childhood or the early teen years while the bones of the spine are growing. It is most often found in girls. But boys can have it too

Low Back pain

Low back problems are very common. Many people have more than one episode of low back pain, and many have back pain that continues without relief. If you have low back problems, you are clearly not alone. Standard medical management of back pain often involves medications such as painkillers and muscle relaxants. When the condition doesn't improve or even worsens, surgery may be performed.

What causes low back pain?

Falls, car accidents, sports strains and injuries, heavy lifting, or repetitive work may cause damage to the back. Often the vertebrae are involved in this damage. Because the vertebrae protect the nerves that travel through the spinal column, even a small change in their position can profoundly affect delicate nerve tissue. Degenerative changes in vertebrae also can irritate or inflame delicate nerves. Another cause of low back pain can be problems with a disc. A bulging or ruptured disc can irritate nerves travel from the spinal cord. This may cause buttock or leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. Finally, problems can occur due to wear and tear on the back as we age. Arthritic changes in the spinal bones such as spurs., disc degeneration, and muscle or ligament weakness may change the normal, healthy curve of the lumbar spine. This can lead to irritation of nerves in the spine. Low back problems are more common in people who are in poor physical condition and those with jobs that include heavy lifting, lots of bending, or long periods of sitting and standing. Emotional stress or long periods of inactivity may intensify symptoms or trigger the recurrence of a previous problme. But anyone can have a low back problem.

How chiropractic can help

The chiropractic approach to treating low back pain is to find the source of the problem and correct it, not just to treat the symptoms. By correcting the source of the problem, the body can heal naturally. Low back pain often responds dramatically to the restoration of normal position and motion of the vertebrae through chiropractic care. The chiropractor's primary tool in treating spinal malfunction is the use of adjustments. Applying precisely directed forced to a spinal joint that is out of position or not moving properly helps gradually restore it to a more normal position and function. Depending on each individual condition, the doctor's hands or special instrument may be used to deliver quick, therapeutic thrust to the affected joint. Other adjustments require slow, constant pressure. Your chiropractor may also recommend therapies to compliment your adjustments. These include exercises to strengthen and retrain back muscles, hot or cold compresses, or massage. Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet and reducing stress may also be suggested.

Chiropractic in 100 words:

Aches and pains are signs that your body isn’t working right. Your brain, spinal cord and all your nerves control how your body works. Physical, chemical or emotional stresses produce a defensive posture. Muscles contract, locking spinal joints that pinch or irritate nearby nerves. Lack of nervous system integrity sets the stage for disease and ill health. A thorough examination helps chiropractors find these subluxations. Applying a precise force to stuck spinal joints helps the body right itself. Health usually returns as repeated visits restore nervous system integrity. That’s why chiropractic care has helped millions get well and stay well.

Acute Phase
During the initial inflammatory stage, which lasts three to five days, prostaglandins initiate multiple tasks: to stimulate the immune system, to build up platelets around the lesion, and to attract white blood cells that protect against infections and clean up the damaged tissue.

Subacute Phase
During the second stage, which lasts four to six weeks, cells proliferate to replace the damaged cells and scar tissue becomes organized. Physical activity eliminates unnecessary scar tissue that has inadvertently adhered to neighboring tissue.

Remodeling Phase
During the remodeling stage, lasting about six months or more, the repaired tissue remodels itself.

Children and Chiropractic

A strong, healthy immune system gives your child high resistance to disease and infection. To work properly, the immune system must communicate with the brain through messages sent along the nerve pathways in the body. When something interferes with these messages, the immune system can make mistakes. Allergies are an example fo a malfunctioning immune system; the body mistakes harmless substances for enemies it has to fight. The spinal cord is our nerve "superhighway." Messages to and from the brain travel through the spinal cord.

When your lower back hurts