Natural Awakenings 2013 Chiropractic Guide

T

he theme for 2013 is “Get Vertical,” encouraging Americans to get off their duffs, out of their office chairs and sofas, and into physical activity.

Chiropractic is more than a cure for back pain, focusing on disorders of the entire musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The spine, which carries nerves to all parts of the body, is the focus of the chiropractor’s hands, reducing pain and restoring or enhancing joint function.

For newcomers to chiropractic, some of the terms may be unknown or confusing. This glossary, provided by and used with permission from the Kansas Chiropractic Foundation (KansasChiroFoundation.org) provides definitions of terms and explanations of procedures.

Natural Awakenings’ 2013 Chiropractic Guide

Get Vertical

Chiropractic Techniques Lend a Helping Hand

Activator

Classified as a light force technique, which was designed by Dr. Arlan Fuhr. It employees a small handheld instrument which delivers a quick and precise adjustment to the spine to help reduce subluxations.

Acupressure

Acupressure is manual pressure applied to specific acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating neurological flow to various organs, glands or tissues, with the purpose of returning the body to a normal status.

National Chiropractic Health Month, celebrated in October, looks at the importance of joint health at all stages of life, and what people can do to keep their joints functioning properly. The annual celebration is an outreach program of Acupuncture the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

Acupuncture is the art and science of CHIROPRACTOR

ACTIVATOR

HENARD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

CONTRERAS CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Dave Contreras 339 NW Racetrack Rd, Ste 7, Fort Walton Beach 850-376-9102

Proficiency Rated Activator Methods chiropractor. Instrument adjusting is extremely gentle and very effective in treating headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, and more.

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Dr. Karen Henard, DC 4566 Hwy 20 E, Ste 205, Niceville 850-897-1105 HenardChiro.com

As a second generation chiropractor, Dr. Henard is committed to lifetime chiropractic wellness care for the entire family, improving their health naturally.

Over 16 years’ experience in pediatrics, sports and automobile injuries.

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CHIROPRACTOR/ACUPUNCTURE KOVAR CHIROPRACTIC & NATURAL WELLNESS CENTER John S. Kovar D.C. 29 G Miracle Strip Hwy SW, Fort Walton Beach 850-244-1200•DrKovar.com

Practicing locally for over 30 years, expertise in treating pain conditions, auto injury and restoring health naturally through nutrition response testing, clinical nutrition, acupuncture, and massage as well as chiropractic wellness care. See ad, page 17.

using needles, and electrical/or manual stimulation of reflex centers throughout the body to create change within organs, glands, and tissues with intent to return the body to normal function.

Adjustment

A specific directional thrust maneuver or application of forces applied to a subluxated vertebra that moves the vertebra to reduce and/or correct the vertebral misalignment, thus improving the neurological part of the vertebral problem along with helping affected tissues and body functions.

Cox Technique

Dr. Cox has developed a technique of “flexion/disc-traction” which pulls the bulging intervertebral discs and tissues away from the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. This technique incorporates a special table that breaks away and flexes downward while performing the tractioning maneuver.

Chiropractic Adjustment

This term refers to a wide variety of specific manual interventions that may be high or low velocity; short or long lever; high or low amplitude; with or without recoil. Chiropractic adjustments are directed at specific regions of the vertebral spine. The purpose of the Chiropractic adjustment is to correct vertebral subluxations, which can cause issues with the biomechanical and physiological structures of the spine.

Chiropractic Analysis

A chiropractic analysis is performed on a routine basis to determine the patient’s need for spinal adjustments. A chiropractic analysis may include (but certainly is not limited to) two or more

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Natural and holistic health care. Offering chiropractic care, acupuncture, lumbar decompression, physical therapies, nutritional education and supplementation.

Allow the body to heal the way it was designed.

of the following procedures: instrumentation (skin temperature differential analysis), chiropractic X-ray analysis, spinal static and motion palpation, postural analysis, leg-length comparison tests, muscle strength measures, and other chiropractic analysis procedures.

Chiropractic Assessment

The process of combining the clinical analysis to determine the best mode to address and monitor the correction of vertebral subluxation and other malpositioned articulations and structures.

Chiropractic Care

This term refers to the behaviors, methods, procedures, etc., that chiropractic practitioners employ in the case-management of patients.

Chiropractic Diagnosis

Necessary in the professional judgment of the attending doctor of chiropractic to determine the need for care and, in particular, to detect the presence, location and nature of chiropractic lesions (subluxation and attendant biomechanical, biochemical, structural and neurophysiological problems, etc.) and prepare and administer an appropriate course of care within the realm of chiropractic.

Chiropractic Practice Objective

Reduce or correct vertebral subluxations and other body alignment issues in a safe and effective manner.

new bone. Calcium deposits eventually can build up around a vertebrae and become an ongoing case of subluxation degeneration.

Diathermy

Therapeutic measure used in medicine to generate heat in the body tissues.

Electrodes and other instruments are used to transmit electric current to surface structures, thereby increasing the local blood circulation and facilitating and accelerating the process of absorption and repair. The heat works like fever to increase the blood flow to the areas that need more blood to bring in white blood cells and red blood cells and antibodies to reduce infection and cause increased healing in a much shorter period of time. It is used a lot for sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Diversified

Taught at most major chiropractic colleges. It is primarily the use of the practitioner’s hands to make the spinal correction. Many times an audible snap or pop will be heard as the correction is made.

Drugless Profession

Chiropractic is a drugless health care profession. Doctors of chiropractic do not prescribe or issue drugs to their patients.

Electrotherapy

The body’s response to injury is to form

Electrotherapy pertains to the use of electrical stimulation of the body. It may be used to control pain, increase blood and lymphatic circulation, reduce muscle spasm, relax or stimulate the nervous system or aid in the healing process.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Chiropractor aka D.C., aka DC, aka Doctor of Chiropractic A practitioner of chiropractic.

Degeneration

ORTHOPEDIC SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER, LLC Bob Seton, PT Destin•850-650-4186 TherapyBob.com

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Geriatrics

termined by objective changes in body parameters, such as leg length, etc.

Network Chiropractic releases spinal imprints or facilitation caused by physical, emotional or chemical stress, and promotes overall wellness.

Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and extensively trained to diagnose and treat people of all ages. Seniors may be treated with a light, medium or firm adjustment depending on their age, degree of degeneration etc. There are doctors of chiropractic specializing in the treatment of elderly patients.

Nimmo

Developed by Dr. Nimmo, uses thumb, elbow or a “Nimmo Tee” to apply pressure to trigger points to reduce pain and edema associated with the subluxation complex.

Gonstead

Dr. Clarence Gonstead deveoped Gonstead technique. It adopts the use of the doctor’s hands to make corrections of the spine. The doctor may use the side posture position (lumbar roll) to adjust the lumbar spine, knee chest table to correct thoracic (mid shoulder) problems and the cervical chair to correct cervical (neck) problems while the patient remains seated. This technique is also taught in most chiropractic colleges.

Non Force

Non Force refers to a light chiropractic adjusting force which is administered to correct a spinal subluxation. Example: Activator, SOT, Trigger Point Therapy, Logan Basic etc.

Nucca/Grostic

Holistic

Holistic health care is the art and science of regaining health by treating man as a functioning whole. Health is attained by creating a natural balance of environment, diet, water, rest, exercise, emotional well-being and proper neurological balance.

ICE/IME

Independent chiropractic or medical examination is an examination which is usually conducted at the request of an insurance company that wants an independent examination by a doctor other than the treating doctor for the determination of maximum medical improvement or degree of impairment.

Interferential Electro-Therapy

It is a therapeutic treatment to aid in the relief of pain and the promotion of soft tissue healing. It works by tiny amounts of electrical impulses are induced into the tissues in the vicinity of the injury.

Where these waves intersect below the surface of the skin, a low-frequency stimulation is created. This prompts the body to secrete endorphins and other natural painkillers to help relieve pain.

Intersegmental Traction

It is a way of inducing passive motion into the spine for the purpose of stretching spinal joints, increasing mobility. It 16

works by the patient lying face up on a bench table, which has roller-type cams beneath its surface. These rollers can slowly travel the length of the spine, stretching spinal joints.

Kinesiology

The art and science of testing the strength of certain muscles to determine areas of vertebral subluxations, neurological deficits, and certain types of nutritional deficiencies. Also known as Applied Kinesiology.

Manipulation

A non-specific manual procedure that involves a directed thrust to move a joint past its physiological range of motion.

Massage

Many doctors of chiropractic incorporate a massage therapist within their office. Massage is used to increase circulation of blood and lymphatics, help with pain reduction, and provided increased motion.

Network

The integration of chiropractic techniques, which utilized light touch or taps to relieve spinal tension to clear the body of nervous interference. Major differences in approach is the sequence or timing of adjustments which are de-

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This upper cervical technique which involves a specific system of x-ray analysis to determine the subluxation complex. The spinal adjustment is delivered manually but at a very specific angle.

Nutrition

Nutrition is the art and science of correcting dietary deficiencies, which can result in abnormal tissue function and certain disease processes. Some doctors prescribe specific vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, herbs, etc., for various health problems with emphasis placed on changing overall dietary habits.

Orthopedics

Orthopedics pertains to the correction and prevention of skeletal and joint disjunction. There are chiropractors that take additional post-graduate classes in orthopedics and specialize in more in-depth injuries sustained to the spine or extremity joints.

Orthotics

Orthopedic devices designed to treat or adjust various biomechanical foot disorders. Orthotic is placed in the patient’s shoe and helps keep the foot in proper alignment. Almost anyone can achieve some benefit from an orthotic.

Your feet should not hurt. Pain is the body’s way of warning you something is wrong. If you ignore your pain, the condition causing it could become worse.

Chiropractic Care for Children

by April Lee, DC

J

ust like adults, children have bones, joints, nerves, and muscles that require care. Babies experience several physical milestones during their first year of life that place an increased demand on the neuromusculoskeletal system that increase the likelihood of injury and need for chiropractic adjustments.

The journey down the birth canal is demanding on an infant’s body, but the combined stress of pulling, twisting and extending the neck of the child during the birthing process puts the spine at risk. Add the extra stress of a difficult or assisted birth (forceps or vacuum extractions), and it is not surprising that one of the most common injuries resulting from childbirth is the cervical subluxation, in which one of the vertebrae in the neck becomes misaligned.

The first sign that there may be a problem with a baby is that the head is always turned to one side. More subtle signs include always breastfeeding on one side or a reluctance to turn the head to one side. The importance of proper spinal alignment is realized when we learn how the body is put together. Every nerve that exits the spine is in control of every part of the body. Therefore, subluxations (misalignment) may cause problems like asthma, colic or ear infections. That is why it is so important to have a newborn checked in order to give him or her the best chance to develop as properly and healthy as possible.

Another stage of an infant’s development that is particularly challenging is crawling, which initiates the development of curves in our spine. Crawling also helps with the coordination of opposite arm-leg movements required for good posture and proper brain communication with the body.

That’s why it’s so important not to push walking too fast.

The foundation for proper posture when standing and sitting begins with crawling. Any restrictions or imbalances of the spine could lead to an abnormal curvature formation such as scoliosis. Chiropractic adjustments are crucial at this stage to ensure spinal curves form correctly.

Learning to walk is another important milestone in a child’s musculoskeletal growth, because weight-bearing activity stimulates bone growth. Standing is key in the development of bone strength. When learning to walk, children fall down hundreds of times or hit their heads on corners or tables, which may misalign bones in their spine. If we want our children to grow up with a strong, balanced spine, a trip to the chiropractor is a necessity.

As children begin to get older, they become involved with sports and athletic activity that may cause injury or spinal misalignments. This is another great time to have a child’s spine examined by a chiropractor in order to maximize healing and recovery. Proper spinal alignment is critical in order to have an optimally functioning nervous system and healthy life.

April Lee is a doctor of chiropractic medicine at Bluewater Chiropractic, 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville. For more information, call 850-897-1177 or visit BluewaterChiropractic.com.

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Chiropractic Treatment • Serving Ft. Walton for over 30 years • Effective Chiropractic Care for • Spine and Neck Pain • Auto and sports injuries • Wellness Adjustments MM9567 • Therapeutic Massages Acupuncture The benefits of the ancient Chinese art of Acupuncture is well documented. At Kovar Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Acupuncture is another tool that Dr Kovar has been trained in and together with the other modalities, Dr Kovar is equipped to address your health concerns.

Acupuncture can help: • acute and chronic pain • headaches (including migraine) • neck and back pain • shoulder disorders • repetitive motion injury such as carpal tunnel • bladder dysfunction • gastric problems • asthma • allergies • sinus conditions • skin conditions • fatigue • abnormal blood pressure • anxiety • Bells Palsy (facial paralysis)

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Palmer

Palmer College was the first college of chiropractic in the world. The Palmer Method places a strong emphasis on correcting the spinal subluxation and establishing a normal neurological balance to all tissues of the body. All additional therapies such as physical therapy, nutrition, etc., would be considered secondary after the correction of spinal subluxation.

Pediatrics

Pediatrics pertains to the use of chiropractic care for young children. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and extensively trained to diagnose and treat people of all ages, using a gentler type of treatment for children. There are doctors of chiropractic who specialize in pediatrics.

Pettibon

This technique was originated by a Dr. Pettibon who used his background in engineering to develop a specific chiropractic technique to make corrections of the spinal subluxation. This technique uses a complex formula to ascertain various misalignment angles and uses specific manual and instrument adjustments to correct such misalignments.

Physician

An authorized practitioner of medicine, as one graduated from a college of medicine or osteopathy and is licensed by the appropriate state board.

rates wedge shaped blocks in conjunction with a pumping motion to make sacral corrections. He also uses a “stair walking� movement to make cervical corrections. His primary intent is to restore normal cerebral corrections. His primary intent is to restore normal cerebral spinal fluid flow as well as improve normal spinal integrity.

Primary Care Profession

Spinal Analysis

Radiology

Sports

Any health care provider which by law, expertise and professional ethics, may accept patients without referral, e.g., D.C., M.D., D.O., D.P.M., D.D.S., D.D.M.

The comprehensive process of evaluating the spinal column and its immediate articulations for vertebral subluxations and contraindications to any or all chiropractic procedures.

Radiology is the use of x-rays to determine pathology (cancer, tumors, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis etc.) fractures, short leg deficiencies and spinal subluxations (misalignment).

Many doctors of chiropractic specialize in injuries that occur during sports activities: (concussion, sprain/strains of the ankle, knee, wrist etc.)

SOT

A displacement of the spine that causes interference to the nervous system. Since your spine affects the nerves in all parts of your body, problems in your spine may cause many types of health problems.

Dr. De Jarnette of Nebraska City, Nebraska, developed Sacral Occipital Technique. He divides low back conditions into three categories and incorpo18

Subluxation

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Thermography

Thermograhpy is the use of instrumentation to measure the temperature of various areas of the body to determine if there are any abnormal changes in the body which would alter the flow of neurological, lymphatic, or blood to outer tissues (skin, muscle, tendons, ligaments, etc.) Most chiropractors will use thermography to determine if there is a neurological deficit (subluxation) within the spine that would cause vasodialation of the outer dermatones (skin) of the body. Monitoring of thermography could be used to determine how well the patient is responding to care, or the degree of permanent injury sustained.

Thompson Dr. Thompson developed a mechanical drop mechanism for the adjusting table, which reduces spinal adjusting force and reduces patient sensitivity and pain during the spinal adjustment. He has developed a specific technique to be used in conjunction with his Thompson table. It may be considered a non-force technique by some doctors.

Toftness

muscles and ligaments, providing the physiological environment necessary for optimal baby positioning. This specialized technique was developed

by Dr. Larry Webster, Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

Dr. Toftness has developed a technique which uses a unique tube shaped instrument with a series of lenses that help detect the area of subluxation and neurological disturbances. This instrument is said to detect minute radiation and electromagnetic disturbances that exist with spinal subluxations. He uses a very light non-force adjustment in conjunction with this instrument to make all corrections.

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Trigger

Trigger points are acupuncture points which become inflamed with vertebral subluxations and can be treated mechanically by hand, needle, or electrically such as electrical muscle stimulation for the purpose of pain relief.

Ultrasound

Sonography, in medicine, technique that uses sound waves to study and treat hard-to-reach body areas. In scanning with ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are transmitted to the area of interest and the returning echoes recorded.

Vertebra

Any of the thirty-three bones of the spinal column comprising the seven cervial, twelve thoracic, five lumbar, five sacral and three to five coccygeal vertebrae.

Webster Technique

A specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment used to correct subluxations in the pregnant mother’s sacrum and pelvis. This balances the mother’s pelvic

Some chiropractors suggest various diets to help the patient lose and maintain a desirable weight to reduce spinal stress. Nutritional consultation is used in conjunction with weight loss to maintain a holistic healthcare program.

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For more information about chiropractic techniques and how they can alleviate your pain, visit the American Chiropractic Association at acatoday.org or a credentialed and licensed chiropractor in your community.

Suzi Harkola is the editor of Natural Awakenings Sarasota/Bradenton and Peace River editions and a freelance writer. Connect at suzi@wordsworthdesigngroup.com.

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