What is Chiropractic?
 

Chiropractic was founded in 1895 and has been used since then. Chiropractic care begins with a thorough examination to help the doctor locate the areas of spinal misalignments that create nervous system interference which we call "subluxations." Our bodies are controlled by the nervous system which is made up of our brain and our spinal cord. Millions of instructions flow from the brain, down through the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue in our body. Doctors of Chiropractic look for the subluxated area and remove the interference by applying a specific adjustment to that area to improve the mind body communication. 

How do you get Subluxations?
 

There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include falls, slips, accidents, repetitive motions, bad posture and improper lifting. Emotional causes such as anger, grief, stress, and fear. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution, and a poor diet. You can have subluxations and not even know it! Just like early signs of tooth decay or illnesses like cancer, subluxations can be present before the warning signs which is usually pain or dis-ease. 

Can Subluxations clear up on their own?
 

Sometimes. Our bodies have the ability to self correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch or when we sleep at night. Our bodies are intelligent and know how to heal itself, but when subluxations don't resolve, you should see your Chiropractor! Spinal check-ups are always good for you because you are maintaining the integrity of your nervous system, just like you get your teeth checked periodically, why not your spine? 

What is an adjustment?
 

A Chiropractic adjustment usually involves a specific and quick thrust to the subluxated area that helps add motion to the spinal joints that aren't moving correctly. We also have low-force techniques where the special tables or the force of gravity help us to correct the subluxation. Are adjustments safe?Yes. There are many studies out there that conclude chiropractic adjustments to be "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care is non-invasive and works great with a variety of cases. Some statistics show that Chiropractic is 100 times safer than an over the counter pain reliever. 

Can adjustments make my spine loose?
 

No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal. 

What makes the sound during the adjustment?
 

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Sometimes a sound is produced when the gas and fluids in the joint move. The sound is interesting, but it is not a guide to the quality or the value of the adjustment. 

Can I adjust myself?
 

No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that is not an adjustment! By attempting to adjust yourself, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. 

How many adjustments will I need?
 

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual goals. Many patients seem to show improvement within a week or two with two to three treatments per week. Visits often become less often as your spine stabilizes. After your initial visit, the doctor will go over what was found on the second visit and let you know the best treatment plan for you. In chronic cases, healing can takes months or even years. Time heals everything and sometimes it's quicker for some and longer for others. 

How can chiropractic help children? 
 

The first subluxation may have occurred at birth due to the birth process, any intrauterine constraint, or may have occurred as they developed. Think of how many times we fall while learning to sit, crawl, stand, walk, and while playing sports. Sometimes a sign of a subluxation in our children are unexplained crying, sleeplessness, poor appetite, ear aches, bed-wetting, etc. It is important to get their spines checked while they are young because long standing subluxations may develop into dis-ease or subsequent health problems that show up later on in their lives. 

How can chiropractic help during pregnancy?
 

 During pregnancy, there are several physiological and hormonal changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. When the pelvis is misaligned it may create back pain and postural imbalances, as well as reducing the amount of room available for the baby. The restriction is called uterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include; maintaining a healthier pregnancy, reducing time of labor and delivery, relieving back, neck, and joint pain, controlling nausea, and preventing a C-Section. Modified techniques are used for the pregnant woman to avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen. 

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
 

Yes. Your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas to your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These are the areas focused on for your care. 

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
 

Yes. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine and a person with osteoporosis will have a modified technique depending on the extent of the condition. All our treatment plans vary by the patients needs. 

What does the initial exam consists of?
 

 The initial exam is how we begin to evaluate each individual and come up with a treatment plan specific to individual needs. The exam consists of a private one on one consultation, spinal and postural analysis, orthopedic and neurological examination, muscular evaluation, a range of motion evaluation, nutritional counseling, and health education tips. The initial exam usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour. After a full examination, expect to return for a report of findings consultation and to begin your road to recovery with focus on removing nerve interference, normalizing joint motion, relieving stress, and restoring normal body function. 

Resources
 

If you have questions that we haven't answered, feel free to email or call us! We are more than happy to help you learn more about chiropractic. It is safe. It's natural. And it works! 
Body and Mind Chiropractic
(909) 591-1300
Info@BodyandMindChiro.com
Resources
www.ICPA4kids.org | www.heathlyanswersonline.com | www.NVIC.org | www.generationrescue.org | www.drjaygordon.com | www.drmercola.com | www.breastthermography.com