What is chiropractic
By definition Chiropractic means “performed by hand.” A chiropractor is a health care professional focused on the diagnosis and treatment neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine. Most chiropractors seek to reduce pain and improve the functionality of patients as well as to educate them on how they can account for their own health via exercise, ergonomics and other therapies to treat back pain. Today chiropractic most often shares a complementary role with conventional medicine. Many people seek chiropractic care based on referral from members of the healthcare team who understand the unique skills of the chiropractor in caring for back and neck pain.
Is it safe?
Because chiropractic is non-invasive, it is generally very safe. In addition, chiropractors base their treatment methods on the needs of individual patients, using mild or non-force techniques with patients who would not readily tolerate manual adjustments. Many times, chiropractic adjustments bring immediate relief. You may or may not experience side effects from the adjustment or therapies. If you do, they are usually limited to mild to moderate soreness lasting a day or two in a specific area. Most often, people go to chiropractors the first time for relief from back pain. But chiropractors treat a broad range of complaints, from back and neck pain to headaches, arthritis and more. Moreover, people don't need to have a specific complaint to benefit from a visit. Chiropractors also focus on on-going preventive and wellness care. Chiropractic care is effective for people of all ages, from infants to elders.
What should I expect?The Chiropractor may examine your whole spine. For example, if you had a low back complaint, the chiropractor may perform a neck exam because the adaptations resulting from injury or subluxation in one area can result in secondary irritations somewhere else in the spine. The exam typically includes a variety of assessments, such as range of motion tests, palpation, reflex testing, muscle strength comparisons, and neurological and orthopedic tests focused on the main complaint. The Chiropractor may take X-rays of your spine prior to treatment. The purpose of the X-rays is to study the condition of the bony anatomy and soft tissues. It also helps the chiropractor understand the extent of wear, any anomalies in your spine, and other factors that will guide the development of the treatment plan.
Following the assessments, the chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that takes into account:
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What is an adjustment?Adjustments are usually the central part of chiropractic treatment. The chiropractic adjustment is a therapeutic manipulation that uses precisely controlled force, leverage, direction, amplitude, and velocity directed at specific joints. In other words, an adjustment involves a lot more than simply moving a joint. The Chiropractor will most often make these adjustments to the spine, however adjustments to other joints, such as the ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, or shoulder can help to improve function of these joints and surrounding muscles as well.
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Hours of Operation
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Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm
Arrive 15 minutes before appointment. Dress comfortably. Do not do any strenuous activity after appointment. Adrian Emm, D.C. |
