What to Expect When Visiting a Chiropractor– part 2

As I mentioned in last month’s column, chiropractors are experts of the spine and related joints, muscles and nervous system. Because your spine and spinal nerves have connections to almost all parts of the body, chiropractors are trained to think wholistically when examining, diagnosing, and caring for their patients. Chiropractic care is conservative care which means they help people move better, feel better and improve their quality of life without the use of medications or surgery.The focus is on restoring function and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The fundamental principles of health that form chiropractic ideology are that; the body is a self-healing; self-regulating organism and that the nervous system is the master control system in the body that is linked and controls all the other systems.

With these principles in mind, the chiropractor aims to assist the body in self-healing rather than using invasive interventions.The most common form of therapy used is called a chiropractic adjustment, sometimes referred to as a spinal adjustment or spinal manipulative therapy.This is a highly skilled maneuver which takes years to master.The chiropractic adjustment is considered a high velocity, low amplitude thrusting procedure that restores proper movement to restricted or fixed joints.Any “popping” or “cracking” sounds noted is gas being released as the joint pressure changes, much like opening a can of soda.It is not bones crunching into each other.Joints are surrounded by various nervous tissues which are connected to your spinal nerves, spinal cord, and brain all of which are affected by the chiropractic adjustment.

There are several different styles and methods of performing chiropractic adjustments.Most chiropractors will use a combination of various techniques on a patient, depending on the patient’s needs, age, and health status.Secondarily to spinal adjustments, many chiropractors may use supporting modalities and techniques such as laser, acupuncture, myofascial release, and other soft tissue therapies. Significant time is also spent on counselling patients of lifestyle issues such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, and postural ergonomics.

How long will you need chiropractic care?

The short answer is it depends.It depends on the specific injury, how long a person has had such injury, health status, patient motivation, and a patient’s understanding of what it means to be healthy, just to name a few factors.In the most general terms, you can divide care into acute care

(1-8 weeks), rehabilitative care (1-6 months) and then supportive or wellness care.The longer you have the injury the longer it will take to see long-term improvements.The more motivated a person is to follow all the recommendations both in office and at home/work the more likely for quicker and positive outcomes. The simplest sprain/strain injury will take 6-8 weeks to fully heal, even though you may see dramatic improvements within the first few weeks.Stopping care too soon will almost guarantee a relapse in short order. If pain is your only measurement for health status just remember that pain is usually the last thing to show and the first thing to go.Choosing to continue with maintenance/wellness care does not guarantee no further spinal problems.But recent research has shown that it will reduce the frequency and severity of relapses.

Every person is unique.We all have different stories.Because of this your chiropractic care plan should be tailored to you and only your needs and health goals.

James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice.For more health information or to contact Dr. DiGiuseppe visit: www.portarthurchiropractic.com