Physiotherapists Vs Chiropractors Coventry

If you have a known muscle, joint or nerve problem, then the likelihood is that you are in pain right now. You may be in pain all day every day- eventually, the human body will decide that enough is enough. You have little say in the matter if and when this happens, so the best possible thing you can do is to seek out treatment at your earliest convenience. Choosing the right health practitioner for your health problem at any given time is difficult, especially if you have a choice as to what type of professional you need, rather than a far simpler direct referral from a doctor. The 'chiropractors versus physiotherapists' debate may be raging in your head after assessing your options on your own, but with a little help you can make up your own mind. Chiropractors Coventry will be able to offer you advice and help.

Physiotherapists vs. Chiropractors Coventry

'Chiropractors versus physiotherapists' is not as confusing as some comparisons may be because the two are very different in terms of their function and methods. Generally speaking, in many cases, when an individual heads to a physiotherapist then the ailment has already been diagnosed and simply requires evaluation and treatment. However, a non-specific problem, such as back pain, may require a chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment.

Another issue in the 'chiropractors versus physiotherapists' debate is the nature of the treatment:

• Physiotherapists work in a hands-on way, meaning that they will massage and manipulate any problematic areas to encourage a full range of movement, which is why they are so often associated with the elderly.


• Chiropractors, on the other hand specialise in first solving the problem and then putting preventative measures in place to prevent it happening again. They tend to use complimentary therapies so their treatment range is far greater than that of a physiotherapist.

That is not to say that one solution is better than the other. In the 'chiropractors versus physiotherapists' argument, both sides have their uses and their strengths; one will prove more effective for one individual, but another person with a slightly different problem may benefit from the other option instead. This choice is completely up to you. If in doubt, have a consultation with both and then make up your mind, but the majority of the time, a chiropractor will be your best bet when it comes to both easing your pain now, and preventing it coming back at some stage in the future.

Tips on Finding a Chiropractor in Vancouver BC - What to Look For

Ever wondered what to look for when choosing a Chiropractor? Well here are some tips!

1) Make Sure the Chiropractor has Good Communication Skills

- It is normal to have questions for your Chiropractor, let alone any doctor. Especially if it is your first time, there may be some common questions you will want to ask.

Even before you visit the Chiropractor's office, you should be able to speak with the doctor over the phone to have any questions or concerns answered. If the doctor is busy, they should return your call in a timely manner. If they don't, it's probably a good sign to keep looking.
As you talk to the doctor, get a sense of their demeanor and communication skills. Are they open to your questions? Are they understanding and re-assuring? Do they seem honest and clear with their answers? If you get the sense that the chiropractor is "talking over" you, using terminology you don't understand, or just doesn't seem interested in answering your questions, it's probably a sign your future interactions will be the same.

2) Is the Chiropractor Open to Other Forms of Treatment and Referring You to Another Health Care Professional?

- This is a very important point because patients need to have options. If your chiropractor is against referring you to other professionals such as Family physicians, massage therapists or physiotherapists, it's probably because they don't have a good working relationship with these other professionals.

Although many patients receive great care from their Chiropractor and see improvements, there are patients who would also benefit from other forms of care. Like anything else, Chiropractic can't work 100% of the time for 100% of patients.

3) Does Your Chiropractor Take a Detailed History and Exam?

- As commonly understood in healthcare, more than 80% of a diagnosis comes from a good history taking.

If your Chiropractor doesn't ask you questions like; How long the pain has been present? Does anything make it better/worse? or If the pain is constant or periodic, it's probably a sign that the Chiropractor will also overlook important details when it comes to your actual care.
In addition, every Chiropractor should perform a physical and orthopedic exam on their patients. It's very important because this helps determine the source of the problem. If you don't have a good idea what's causing a problem, what chance do you have of actually treating it properly?

4) Does the Chiropractor Discuss a Treatment Plan With You?

- This is directed to people who think once they start seeing a chiropractor, they will have to go forever. A treatment plan should always be discussed with a patient so they can understand their prognosis and treatment options.

Generally, depending on the severity of the complaint, there should be a gradual decrease in the frequency of office visits. As the patient improves, the chiropractor should inform the patient of the reasoning behind continued care. Is it for maintenance? for instance. If you don't know why you keep going back for office visits, ask your Chiropractor to explain!!

5) Does Your Chiropractor Give you Lifestyle and Exercise Recommendations?

One's health is directly related to lifestyle. If you are sedentary and out of shape, you are far more likely to develop problems with your back compared to if you are active and healthy.
Your Chiropractor should be able to give you recommendations concerning lifestyle and exercise that can get you feeling better faster, if they don't, ask them for it!

Chiropractors - Crawling In to Relieve the Pain

If you have ever been in an accident you know the achy feeling that you go through afterward. Even if you have just been in the physical equivalent of an accident, known as playing with your children on the floor, you know that feeling. Our back aches, neck aches and we feel our spine crinkling and cracking. But, there is a way to make it all feel a little better. By going to see chiropractors you can get the kinks out.

You might be surprised to find out that even though all you do all day long is sit in a chair in front of the computer your back still bothers you. You don't have to pick up heavy objects all day long to get the feeling like that's what you've done. There are ways to take care of the problem, but often times our spines get out of alignment because we don't take care to sit like we should. Chiropractors are the way to get this straightened out without having to worry about the continued pain and anguish of back pain.

So how do you know what chiropractors to visit? Well, first you need to know what your insurance will cover. Not all insurance companies cover this type of physician visit. Those that do might restrict how often you can go or how many visits you can do in a given year. Once you know what your insurance covers and who is part of the group, it's time to do some checking on your prospects. Take the time to check out different sites and see what other clients have said about their visit.

If you don't have insurance don't start thinking that a trip to an office of chiropractors is out of the question. There are some physicians that charge a lot less for those who have to pay out of their pocket in comparison to what they charge the insurance companies. No, that doesn't mean that they are inflating the price to the insurance companies, they can simply offer a discount to those without insurance. When you are paying out of your own pocket ask them if there is a discount for doing so. Don't feel bad about asking this, the office doesn't have to hassle with the paper work, thus saving them hours of work.

A visit to an office of chiropractors can give you relief from those aches and pains that can interfere with your normal life. Make sure that you crawl in and get it taken care of before other more serious problems arise.

Forward Head Posture Syndrome - The Association Between Chiropractic Headaches and Posture

Forward Head Posture Syndrome is also known as "forward head carriage". It is a posture disorder where the cervical spine sets off into an anterior position. With today's lifestyle, this condition occurs more often and it is estimated that 90% of the population suffers from it. We see workers hunched over their work and at their computers the whole day and children watching television and playing video games, and carrying heavy backpacks on their way to school. If left untreated, this may lead to nerve, meningeal and disc compression and poor health.

Try to imagine a person with a perfect posture standing upright from one side. There would be an imaginary center of gravity line running just in front of the ear hole through the slight bump on the top-middle of the shoulder. Normally, the center of gravity of the head is somewhat forward of this line so that a very slight muscle tone keeps the head moving forward. The tone prevents sudden uncontrolled movements of the head such as lolling.

A bunch of nerves called suboccipital nerve bundle is situated between the base of the head and the top of the neck. It is continuous with the meningeal sheath that covers the brain. This sheath can be the cause of your headache. The joints, muscles and ligaments are taken into consideration by chiropractors upon approaching the Forward Head Posture Syndrome. To get rid of headache permanently, chiropractors correct the cause instead of focusing on the symptoms.

To treat Forward Head Posture Syndrome, a chiropractor aims to relieve muscle and ligament tension by restoring the proper C-shaped curve of the neck. Forward head posture occurs slowly over time, so the techniques involving pressure are usually combined with chiropractic adjustments and muscle rehabilitation. Another effective approach is to enhance the flexibility of the muscles of the front neck.

After the treatment, the forward head posture is eliminated and the chiropractor will give a simple home program with lifestyle advices to prevent the return of the problem. Other symptoms associated with Forward Head Posture Syndrome such as neck pain and shoulder tension are eliminated once the forward posture is successfully treated.

You need to do your part as well if you want to completely get rid of your headache due to forward head posture. Always follow your chiropractor's advice to prevent your pain from coming back. If you sit at a desk all day, don't forget to get up and stretch every 15-20 minutes. Always keep a good posture, making sure you are sitting up straight with your head in an upright position. If you have a child, keep the weight of your child's backpack not more than 15% of his/her body weight.

Chiropractic Care Benefits Athletes

Many athletes have long been aware of the benefits of chiropractic care. It is hard to ignore the benefits when you are an athlete, constantly using the same joints repetitively, bending and twisting, and putting tons of stress on parts of your body that most people do not. However, for those just embarking on a possible athletic career or anyone else that may be planning to take up a new sport for a hobby, it is a good idea to learn more about chiropractic benefits.

Celebrities Using Chiropractors

Celebrity athletes who are reported to seek regular chiropractic care include Tiger Woods, Barry Bonds, Andy Roddick, Lance Armstrong, and the list goes on. In fact, Barry Bonds, a famous baseball player, has his personal chiropractor travel with him to his games. It is his belief that both a chiropractor and a massage therapist should be a regular part of his health routine.

Chiropractic Benefits

The reason that many athletes choose to use chiropractors is that they can help prevent injuries, help keep an existing injury from worsening, and aid in physical performance. Chiropractic treatment enhances the physical performance by increasing an athlete's capillary count, therefore increasing blood flow, which increases the flow of oxygen to the body. Young athletes benefit from chiropractic care as well, not just seasoned professionals. It might be especially important to have increased blood flow and oxygen levels when first starting out to prevent injuries often brought about by inexperience.

Statistics

• SpinalHealth.net reports that 7% of the San Francisco 49ers football team visited a chiropractor after they have won the 1990 Super Bowl


• A study published in Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation in 1991 shows that there was a 30% improvement in the performance levels of participating athletes after just 12 weeks of treatment.


• Chiropractic Economics claims that most of the NFL teams (95%) regularly provide chiropractic care as part of their player care routine.

Other Key Benefits to Athletes

• Posture improvement


• Joint pain reduction


• Better range of motion


• Increased focus


• Enhanced joint flexibility


• Reduced risk for injury


• Increased immune system efficiency


• Improved circulation


• Increased blood oxygen level and flow


• Provides a natural method for stress reduction and removal of toxins from the body


• Better recovery rate after injury

Most athletes obtain chiropractic care only after they have been injured, but this is not usually advised. It is not a wrong thing to do. However, prevention is the best recommendation and chiropractic care beforehand can help prevent many common injuries. At the very least, regular chiropractic care can lead to a faster recovery if an injury does occur. There are even chiropractors that specialize in various treatment techniques for athletes.

Do You Want to Be a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic is a method of dealing with health disorders by the use of manual therapy. Chiropractic practices spinal manipulation and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation. It also includes exercises and health and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors are primary-contact health practitioners. They practice conservative management of the neuro-musculoskeletal system without the use of medicines or surgery. Their emphasis is on the spine.

Chiropractic medicine involves a range of diagnostic methods that include skeletal imaging, observational and tactile assessments, orthopedic and neurological evaluation, laboratory tests and other specialized examinations.

Chiropractic courses are offered in many universities. Graduation from a secondary school is the main requirement for admission. A popular option to actual attendance to on-campus education is online chiropractic courses. There are now many accredited online colleges that offer chiropractic courses. There is not much difference between on-campus education and online education. You will get the same training and preparation. At the end of the course, you will have the same kind of expertise. The only difference is you manage your own schedule in an online course.

Chiropractors are now in great demand. They have established very lucrative practices. Chiropractors are the health professional of choice for accident victims in their rehabilitation phase, workers who met work-related incidents and injuries, and almost any one who has suffered from pains in one part of the body or another. By enrolling in either an on-campus or online education, you could be in for a very rewarding career in the field of medicine and health care.

Discussing How Chiropractic Care Benefits Patients With Scoliosis

It is far more common in women than in men. Symptoms usually show up in childhood. In order to help prevent worsening the conditions of scoliosis, early detection is critical. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be corrected by adjusting the posture and requires treatment.

The typical treatment options for scoliosis involve the following:

*Bracing: A scoliosis patient with 30-degree (or less) of curvature must wear a rigid brace. It assists in the correction by placing pressure against the spine for stability. The drawback to this treatment is that it is quite inconvenient as the patient must wear the brace for up to 24 hours a day.

*Surgery: Referred to as Spinal Fusion Surgery, wherein a spinal cord monitor is used to prevent complications such as paralysis. An incision is made in order to reduce the curve or in order to insert metal rods on either sides of the spine. This procedure is expensive and risky. Hence doctors recommend surgery only as a last resort for treating scoliosis.

Using the Chiropractic Approach

Today, chiropractic care has been determined to be a valid solution to scoliosis. Chiropractors must follow a standard procedure of initial examination and assessment of a patient's health history. Most scoliosis patients undergo the Adam's Forward Bending Test to see if chiropractic care is a viable method of correction for the particular patient. In addition, a variety of range of motion tests, are performed to see if the patient should be referred to a specialist.

Treatment Options

Chiropractic for scoliosis includes spinal manipulation, shoe lifts, electric stimulation, and isotonic or active exercise methods. The goal of employing chiropractic for scoliosis treatment is to arrive at a treatment that is both manipulative and rehabilitative.

Scoliosis: Chiropractic vs. Surgery

Chiropractic care has gained much notoriety as viable treatment for scoliosis patients. It has been proven to be just as effective, if not more, than the existing options available for scoliosis patients. Chiropractic not only treats existing problems but also prevents the progression of the curves causing the problem.

Patients who have undergone chiropractic care for scoliosis show about 70 percent improvement in terms of the size of the curves. This is crucial because any relief experienced from scoliosis means that a patient will not have to undergo surgery, take medications, or suffer the effects of scoliosis. Due to the significant numbers of scoliosis patients who have found relief from chiropractic care, doctors and health experts recommended chiropractic as one of the first approaches to be used for scoliosis. The results of using chiropractic treatment for scoliosis have ranged from improved stability, the reduction in the size of curves, and ultimately, total correction from the condition.

The Follow-Up

Upon receiving chiropractic treatment for scoliosis, a regular visit with the chiropractor is required for continued observance of any progress you have in your condition. Patients who are truly dedicated to eliminating the problem of scoliosis and, in leading a healthier life, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled chiropractor to monitor development. Besides chiropractic treatment, the professional may suggest additional physical therapy in order to enhance the treatment undergone. The reason this is important is in order to increase muscle strength and gain mobility.

If you are looking for a good Santa Monica Chiropractor

Can a Chiropractor Fix TMJ?

Chiropractic care is most often thought of as something individuals seek when they are suffering from back pain. But it can also help with a variety of other problems, such as Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). So the answer is YES, chiropractors can fix TMJ.

The ability to speak, chew and swallow or even yawn is a result of the jaw acting as a hinge to connect the mandible with the skull. This joint is one of the most commonly used joints in the body.

TMJ occurs when the disc becomes displaced or when the surrounding muscles and tendons become inflamed. The results are:

• Pain and tenderness around the joint directly in front of your ear


• The opening and closing of the mouth will become difficult or painful


• A grinding or crunching sound when an individual opens or closes their mouth

People with TMJ can also have earaches, headaches, dizziness, and muffled hearing.

A chiropractor can help with treating TMJ in two ways:

1. Providing Chiropractic Adjustments to the upper neck or jaw.


2. Recommending exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to help speed recovery and prevent a relapse

Chiropractic treatment is very effective for patients with TMJ. Before treatment a Chiropractor will perform a full spinal analysis focusing on the upper neck and evaluating the jaw joint. Treatment plans will include chiropractic adjustments of the upper neck and/or jaw area. Depending on severity, patients may see immediate relief or will need a series of adjustments over time to see relief. Usually, the longer one waits to see a chiropractor for treatment, the longer the recovery time.

Chiropractors are concerned with not only treating patients until their pain dissipates, but also assuring their problems are permanently eliminated.

What are some of the philosophical elements associated with chiropractic care? Among them:

• Naturalism


• Rationalism


• Holism

Chiropractic care focuses on the total human body, in the belief that it is inter-related with both the environment and individuals' lifestyles.

In many cases, chiropractic care is proven to be more effective than drugs and medicines. Not only is it more effective, it helps patients through care that is gentler, cheaper, and does not include the potential for negative results later.

Chiropractors can recommend certain pain relieving exercises that help relax jaw muscles and relieve stress. Meditation and massage are some of the other methodologies adopted by the chiropractor to treat their patients.

Since chiropractic care is effective with disorders which are mechanical in nature it is very effective with TMJ. Not only is chiropractic effective, it is preferable when other options are more closely examined. For example, most people suffering from pain believe medication will provide quick relief for their problems. This is true, but medications only provide temporary pain relief and do not eliminate the cause. Medications may also result in harmful side-effects.

Surgery is another option for TMJ. But surgery can be costly, demand time away from work and other activities during recovery, and it can be dangerous.

Sports Injury Treatment for Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries

When it comes to winter sports, two of the first activities that come to mind are skiing and snowboarding. As popular and fun as these sports are, they can also be quite dangerous and can result in accidents. The injuries caused by these accidents sometimes require months of sports injury treatment sessions.

When the injuries from to skiing or snowboarding are less severe and don't involve severe damage such as a fracture, seeing a chiropractor for treatment can be helpful for patients. Chiropractic treatment, such as whiplash treatment, heals through aligning a patient's muscles and bones properly. Several chiropractors also offer drug-free physical rehabilitation services and pain management techniques that include the use of hot and cold therapies, braces and relaxation therapy, ultrasound treatments, and conditioning and strength exercises.

Here are some common injuries associated with skiing and snowboarding accidents, as well as chiropractic treatment options for each one:

Whiplash

The injury that occurs when your head is abruptly forced in one direction and then snapped into the opposite direction is called whiplash. This is a common occurrence in auto collisions, but it can also happen in skiing and snowboarding. The end result can be torn muscles and ligaments in your neck and even nerve damage.

As whiplash affects individuals differently, chiropractors begin whiplash treatment with an assessment of your injury in order for your personalized healing plan to be created. Then, based on your healing plan, practices such as muscle relaxation and stimulation, appropriate stabilization exercises, spinal manipulation and ergonomic training are utilized for your whiplash treatment. Whiplash treatment includes adjusting the neck, which is done when a chiropractor gently moves the joint toward the stiff area in the neck and shoulders (a relatively pain-free maneuver).

Shoulder Injuries

Dislocated shoulder. When your humerus bone, located at the top of your arm, is pushed or pulled out of the socket in your shoulder blade, you have dislocated your shoulder. A result of this injury is damage to the cartilage or ligaments, as well as inflamed muscles, which lead to a severely limited range of motion and strength in your arm. Visiting a chiropractor is a helpful sports injury treatment for this type of injury. To help relieve the pain and pressure in your shoulder, chiropractic treatment for dislocated shoulder includes manipulating the spine and gentle repositioning of your vertebrae.

Shoulder separation. Usually resulting from falling directly on your shoulder, this injury is caused by damage to the joint that holds your collarbone and shoulder blade together. Using a sling so that holding the weight of your arm is more comfortable is part of the chiropractic treatment. Applying heat or ice packs, ultrasound muscle stimulation, conditioning exercises and gentle spinal and shoulder manipulation are also included in chiropractic sports injury treatment for this type of injury.

Rotator cuff injury. A rotator cuff, which is comprised of four different shoulder muscles that control stability and motion, can be injured by falling with arms outstretched or receiving a direct blow. When skiing or snowboarding, that direct blow can come from a ski, ski pole, tree, or other object. Stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, moist heat and ice, and manipulation of the shoulder and spine are all a part of the chiropractic treatment for an injury to the rotator cuff.

Knee injuries. Very common injuries for skiers and snowboarders occur in their knees. To reduce the pain and inflammation in the knee, chiropractic sports injury treatment will first involve using sports tape or leg braces, cold therapy with ice, and soft tissue healing therapies (with the help of ultrasound, laser, or interferential treatments). Once pain and inflammation are more under control, chiropractic treatment, such as soft tissue massages, mobilization techniques and manipulation of the affected area and surrounding joints, will be implemented. Your chiropractor may even have you partake in leg exercises to help you regain strength and stability later down the line.

For progressive treatments that aim to properly heal your body over time, as well as help regain your strength and prevent a recurring injury, consider turning to chiropractic care for sports injury treatment. For various injuries, including those resulting from skiing or snowboarding accidents, chiropractic treatments that involve complementary or integrative medicine can also work well with sports injury treatment prescribed by your physician.

Statins - Just a Few Questions

Statins are drugs designed to bring down cholesterol. Recently, it was found that one cholesterol lowering drug may actually contribute to plaque formation. Merck and Schering said that not only did Zetia fail to slow the accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, it actually seemed to contribute to plaque formation. Research on pravastatin appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (December 18, 2002;288:1998-3007,3042-3044) shows that the drug does indeed lower cholesterol, but does not reduce the risk of death or heart disease in those with moderately high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

While that is bad enough, especially considering the fact that the manufacturers delayed releasing this information, there may be worse news when it comes to cholesterol lowering drugs. Statin drugs not only block the formation of cholesterol, they block the formation of other substances as well. One thing that is inhibited by them is the formation of CoQ10.

CoQ10 is an extremely important substance to the body. A study published in the journal Diabetes Wellness (May 2005;11(5):4) showed that giving coenzyme Q 10 to patients who take statins reduces muscle pain. Subjects received either 400 IU of vitamin E or 100 mg. of coenzyme Q 10. Eighteen of the 21 subjects receiving the coenzyme Q 10 (90%) experienced pain relief; this compared to three patients out of 20 in the vitamin E group. Co Q 10 levels decrease after taking a statin drug. In the June, 2000 issue of Archives of Neurology a study was published that showed a reduction in coenzyme Q 10 levels after the subjects took 80 mg. of a statin drug. The mean blood level of Co Q 10 in the 34 participating subjects went from 1.2 mcg/ml to .62 mcg/ml.

Patients who experience muscle soreness on these drugs are advised to discontinue-they may be experiencing rhabdomyolysis, which is a breakdown of the muscles. The heart is mostly muscle and has high contents of CoQ10. One five-year study, involving 126 patients showed improvement in congestive heart failure patients-without any adverse effects. Another study showed that coenzyme Q-10 supplementation improved blood pressure, reduced left ventricular hypertrophy and improved exercise capacity in heart patients.

An article appearing in The Lancet (1998;352(Suppl. 1):39-41) notes that the incidence of heart failure has dramatically increased in the last three or four decades. The prevalence of heart failure has increased by 70% between 1990 and 2000. Since statins adversely affect muscle and deplete CoQ10, it can make you wonder if there is a connection between statin use and heart failure.

Marketing for Introverted Chiropractors: How to Get More Business Than Extroverts

Are you a holistic health practitioner who is tired of being seen as being quiet, shy, or slow? As if you are less desirable or less valued than those who are extroverted? Maybe you're someone who contemplates things before you say them. You don't like to say much unless you have something really important to say. To recharge, you enjoy spending time alone rather than with a crowd of people. Chances are that you are an introvert.

As an introverted holistic health practitioner, have you wondered whether these qualities are stopping you from getting business? Extroverts love to socialize in large groups and draw attention to themselves. They have an easier time talking to a bunch of new people and being the life of a party than introverts do. In our society, an extraverted nature is often viewed as being more favored as an introverted nature (even though introverts are just as intelligent). As a result, they may attract clients more easily than introverts.

Another reason for this is that a lot of the training available for marketing a holistic business is focused on learning how to be out there and get known, so business will come to you. You are taught to go to events/conferences and put yourself out there. It's suggested that you talk to people you don't know about your business. Give them free things and then eventually they will become a client.

The problem is that most of these marketing strategies about getting known are taught by extroverts. Yet 30-50% of the population are introverts. And they're overlooked. It is never considered that maybe the strategies taught by extroverts don't work for introverts because they go against the natural style of introverts.

When introverted holistic health practitioners hear what they should or shouldn't do when learning how to market their practice, they either 1) get excited about the possibilities and then don't take any action, 2) feel like it's not for them and don't do anything.

The key is to use your introverted nature as an advantage. Introverts are creative, introspective, and can command presence when they speak up. Because they are more likely to have fewer friends and deeper relationships, they can use that natural style when developing relationships with potential clients.

If you've found yourself procrastinating marketing, consider that you may be procrastinating because you're not using your natural style to determine the marketing strategies to use. Determine your natural style, create a strategy that works, and do it well. Do it consistently. You will get even more business than extroverts.

Chiropractic Controversy

Chiropractic not to long ago had been viewed as controversial, fringe medicine. Traditional medical practitioners thought of chiropractors as hacks and never revered chiropractic as medicine at all. Chiropractors struggled for years to prove their science to the patients and moreover to their medical peers. However, over the past couple of decades chiropractic has slowly but surely pushed its way into modern day medicine.

The difference between traditional medicine and chiropractic medicine is the philosophy behind the medicine. Traditional medicine is based on understanding how the human body's components work and how pathologies originate. Based on this understanding conventional doctors localize the cause of the disease and treat it at its smallest region. This is in opposition to the chiropractic philosophy. Chiropractors treat the body in a holistic nature. With this understanding the body functions as a whole, every component and part are connected and work in conjunction with the rest of the body, therefore when pathologies arise the treatment is rendered to the whole body. Chiropractors understand that it is important to not just treat the symptoms, but to resolve the underlying problems as well.

This holistic nature has proven to be very effective in treating patient's problems. Thus explaining the influx of chiropractic care in modern day medicine. Additionally conventional doctors have started to show an interest in a holistic approach to patient care. Rather than compete with chiropractors, conventional healthcare can use chiropractic as complementary treatment to traditional medicine. In addition chiropractors have also taken a step to include some of the conventional diagnostic tools that traditional western medicine employs. Advanced diagnostic and radiographic exams allow chiropractors to better diagnose and determine treatment plans. Moreover chiropractors can detect and diagnose serious conditions that require a referral to a specialist.

More and more patients are deciding to try alternative treatment to conventional medicine. Part of their reasoning is due to the fact that traditional medicine has become impersonal and doctors prescribe too much medication. Alternatively patients like the holistic approach to their conditions and feel their treatment is based specifically on their problems. Because of the shift from conventional medicine to complementary and alternative care, insurance companies have had to change with the times as well. Now most insurance companies provide coverage for alternative treatments such as chiropractic care. In addition the US army requires access to a chiropractor for all of their active service men and women. Many athletes both professional and amateur endorse chiropractic care as well, at both high school and college level. Furthermore the US Olympic team has several chiropractors on staff for athletes to use during their training.

With more availability of chiropractic practitioners and the increased acceptance as an alternative medicine, chiropractic research has been done to show the effectiveness of its treatment. Even if patient testimonials aren't enough, studies have shown that chiropractic care can treat certain kinds of disorders, including some disorders that cannot be easily treated using standard medical techniques. This has helped to boost the reputation of a once fragile and undermined section of our healthcare field. This gives patients the ability to take a more active role in determining his/her own healthcare.
Chiropractic not to long ago had been viewed as controversial, fringe medicine. Traditional medical practitioners thought of chiropractors as hacks and never revered chiropractic as medicine at all. Chiropractors struggled for years to prove their science to the patients and moreover to their medical peers. However, over the past couple of decades chiropractic has slowly but surely pushed its way into modern day medicine.

The difference between traditional medicine and chiropractic medicine is the philosophy behind the medicine. Traditional medicine is based on understanding how the human body's components work and how pathologies originate. Based on this understanding conventional doctors localize the cause of the disease and treat it at its smallest region. This is in opposition to the chiropractic philosophy. Chiropractors treat the body in a holistic nature. With this understanding the body functions as a whole, every component and part are connected and work in conjunction with the rest of the body, therefore when pathologies arise the treatment is rendered to the whole body. Chiropractors understand that it is important to not just treat the symptoms, but to resolve the underlying problems as well.

This holistic nature has proven to be very effective in treating patient's problems. Thus explaining the influx of chiropractic care in modern day medicine. Additionally conventional doctors have started to show an interest in a holistic approach to patient care. Rather than compete with chiropractors, conventional healthcare can use chiropractic as complementary treatment to traditional medicine. In addition chiropractors have also taken a step to include some of the conventional diagnostic tools that traditional western medicine employs. Advanced diagnostic and radiographic exams allow chiropractors to better diagnose and determine treatment plans. Moreover chiropractors can detect and diagnose serious conditions that require a referral to a specialist.

More and more patients are deciding to try alternative treatment to conventional medicine. Part of their reasoning is due to the fact that traditional medicine has become impersonal and doctors prescribe too much medication. Alternatively patients like the holistic approach to their conditions and feel their treatment is based specifically on their problems. Because of the shift from conventional medicine to complementary and alternative care, insurance companies have had to change with the times as well. Now most insurance companies provide coverage for alternative treatments such as chiropractic care. In addition the US army requires access to a chiropractor for all of their active service men and women. Many athletes both professional and amateur endorse chiropractic care as well, at both high school and college level. Furthermore the US Olympic team has several chiropractors on staff for athletes to use during their training.

With more availability of chiropractic practitioners and the increased acceptance as an alternative medicine, chiropractic research has been done to show the effectiveness of its treatment. Even if patient testimonials aren't enough, studies have shown that chiropractic care can treat certain kinds of disorders, including some disorders that cannot be easily treated using standard medical techniques. This has helped to boost the reputation of a once fragile and undermined section of our healthcare field. This gives patients the ability to take a more active role in determining his/her own healthcare.

Chiropractic Intervention Helps Female Athletes Avoid Injuries

Professional ball players have traditionally used chiropractic intervention to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. Studies are prevalent showing the positive effects of chiropractic intervention in male athletes.

Now female athletes are receiving the same attention by researchers. A 2011 study in the "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics" reported on the results of a chiropractic intervention used with professional football cheerleaders during the 2010 season. The study focused on hamstring injury prevention, a common injury among cheerleaders, gymnasts, and other female athletes.

Doctors of Chiropractic provided the study participants with a "closed-chain, eccentric hamstring exercise protocol" for the season. Hamstring injury was assessed before and after the season. The protocol consisted of two specific exercises performed with an elastic band, two to five times per week. The results showed a statistically significant difference in successfully reducing hamstring injuries and related pain in the participants.1

The study is good news for female athletes across the board, including dancers, skaters, gymnasts, runners, and others who are prone to overuse and hamstring injuries. Now, traditional, best practice methods for preventing a hamstring injury--proper strength training of the hamstring muscles to ensure that they are equally balanced with the quadriceps muscles, and ample warm-up and stretching of the muscles before beginning exercise and training--can be combined with a specific intervention protocol designed to reduce hamstring injuries in females.

Chiropractors naturally advocate taking a proactive stance. Injury prevention is much preferred to injury rehabilitation. Proactive chiropractic care not only helps reduce the risk of injuries in athletes but can also help improve strength, balance, speed, agility, and flexibility.

Chiropractors are whole body practitioners and while they may provide a site-specific training program focused on a certain area of the body, generally this is only a piece of the puzzle. Chiropractors are physicians trained to look at the biomechanics of the body as a whole. Further, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physicians (CCSP) are Doctors of Chiropractic with a special certification in treating sports injuries and optimizing physical fitness. They regularly provide integrative whole body training programs for the athletes they treat, using protocols to help minimize the risk of injury and enhance sports performance.

Athletes under the care of a chiropractor or a CCSP are typically less prone to painful, frustrating injuries and recover more quickly when they do experience an injury. And because chiropractors are natural, hands-on healers, athletes under their care are often able to avoid surgery. Heat and ice therapy, electric stimulation, ultrasound, massage, rehabilitative exercises, and mobilizations or manipulations (adjustments) can often restore balance, alignment, and proper range of motion following an injury, without the need for more invasive treatment such as surgery.

Ultimately, prevention is the best medicine.

References
1. Greenstein JS, Bishop B, Edward J, Topp R. The Effects of a Closed-Chain, Eccentric Training Program on Hamstring Injuries of a Professional Football Cheerleading Team. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 Mar-Apr;34(3):195-200.

Chiropractors Aid RLS Symptoms

If you are one of the many people who suffer from restless leg syndrome, or RLS, know there is treatment available, such as physiotherapy. Many patients now seek an alternative solution for the syndrome. They have found that chiropractic medicine comes with benefits far beyond adding energy. RLS is neurological and it affects millions. Unfortunately, if left untreated, it will get worse with age.

What is RLS?

Before you seek treatment from a chiropractor, it is wise to know what RLS is and what symptoms are to be expected. RLS is leg pain that worsens when the body is at rest. A patient may have periodic involuntary movements, possible cramping, joint pain, and tingling. There are many disorders, and even pregnancy, that can possibly cause RLS, but only exams by physicians can show that. Consumption of large amounts of caffeine or alcohol also put you at a higher risk of RLS. Nevertheless, you will still have people who live healthy lives and do not have deficiencies, but still suffer from the constant movement from RLS. He or she will need to find another source of relief.

How Chiropractors can Help

Chiropractors have the ability to use a technique that will calm the nerves with physical touch. If the pain is extreme, they can use acupuncture needles or alternative techniques. Using the knowledge of your skeletal system, they can see previous injuries, such as nerve damage and make adjustments. You should know that when seeking relief from a chiropractor, it might take many adjustments before you will feel new again. With the proper educational application, however, you should feel better after one adjustment.

Why is Chiropractic Care Best?

Many types of medications are available if you suffer from any form RLS, but they come with many side effects and may not be effective.The technique that a chiropractor has will either be effective or not. There are rarely any side effects when one has their body adjusted. With adjustments coupled with diet changes and exercises, you are more likely to see a long-term success in treating RLS. The best part of using a chiropractor is that it can improve your health overall.

How to Select Care

RLS is a disorder that can be made tolerable. If changing your diet and going on a late night walk has not brought relief, then you should seek unconventional treatment methods from a licensed therapist. Look for requirements like being college accredited to administer treatments.Good doctors will do a thorough exam and know several types of techniques or therapy that are effective. Ask to see what their education is and what program they have taken that makes them experienced in treating RLS.

It is possible to treat RLS pain with medication. If side effects worry you, however, then you should check into therapy from chiropractic care prior to a medical physician. They have the ability to bring relief with just a few treatments.

Patients Fear Chiropractors! How Brochure Marketing Can Relax Them

It's terrible, but many people are still operating under poor understandings of what chiropractors are, and what it is that they do. Unfortunately, the average person still looks at a chiropractor as some 'quack' that snaps a joint back into place, puts a neck brace on them after an auto accident, sends a bill to their insurance company, and sends them on their way. That sounds terrible doesn't it?

We all know that Chiropractic is so much more, but the problem remains that if you are going to build a lucrative practice, it is important to promote a basic understanding of exactly what Chiropractors can do for patients, and more particularly, what your Chiropractic office can do for them. It is important to alleviate their fears that Chiropractic isn't real medical treatment and that it's more than popping joints back into place.

In order to get your advertising campaign off the ground running, the first thing you probably will do is saturate your market with flyers in order to make your presence in the community known. You will introduce your Chiropractic office, make a few key points about what it is you have to offer, and establish a reference point to base further advertising on. This is the beginning of 'branding' your practice. When people in your market hear the words "Chiropractor" or "Chiropractic" you want them to immediately associate it with your practice. But that still might not get them in the door because of some innate fear that Chiropractic isn't real "medical" treatment or therapy. This is where you can effectively use brochures to relieve their fears in order to substantially begin building up your practice.

Advertising with a flyer is the necessary first step in your advertising campaign but now that you are ready to literally 'flood' your market it is essential to design an informational brochure that will calm any remaining fears your targeted market may have regarding Chiropractics. There are three main tools that can be utilized when using a brochure for this purpose:

1. Information
2. Graphics
3. References

When advertising with a chiropractic flyer space is limited, however, brochures can go into much greater detail. There is plenty of room to be informative in a brochure so you can go into much greater detail. Use graphics (photos) to show them equipment that you commonly use and what it is used for. Show them your office! When you get them in the door they will feel much more comfortable because it will be a familiar space. And by all means, give them online references where they can go to research Chiropractics. If you don't have a website set up with informative articles, then simply direct them to sites such as the American Chiropractic Association that has a whole area set up for patients to read and learn about Chiropractics.

Because there is still a significant amount of misunderstanding and fear of Chiropractics in the community it is essential that you provide enough information to combat those fears in order to promote a successful advertising campaign. Brochures can address those fears by providing information, showing prospective patients what they can expect on their first visit and giving them references to research so they have a better understanding of Chiropractics in general. Brochures can be your 'sign on the dotted line' technique. Flyers introduce you and brochures close the deal.

Do You Have to See the Chiropractor Forever?

You are discussing your headaches or your low back pain, or some common malady with a friend and they respond by saying you should see my chiropractor for that. At this point, you dreadfully reply but once I go to the chiropractor won't I need to go forever?

I here this from patients every day in my office. Let me try and clear up this point. First, there is no addiction to getting adjusted. Once you have it done you are not suddenly going to have the subconscious need to go have another adjustment. However, once patients realize how much better they feel, how much more motion they have in their joints and how they are better able to withstand the stresses of daily life after they have received a few adjustments they often decide they want to continue to always feel this good.

Chiropractic works by finding and correcting misaligned vertebra or bones of the spine that cause pain and poor range of motion, poor functioning of surrounding muscles and sometimes the misalignments even disrupt organ function. Adjusting the spine helps to restore more normal motion and position to the joint and patients often feel an immediate increase range of motion and sense of relief after being adjusted. Removal of nerve interference allows the muscles and organs that receive those nerve messages to work better, therefore adjustments contribute to improved overall health and wellness.

Second, chiropractors don't hold a gun to your head and say you better get adjusted. I am being a bit sarcastic, but really you are in charge of your health. If you don't understand why a doctor is telling you to have treatment or what that treatment is supposed to do than it is your responsibility to ask. I think that perhaps many chiropractors fail to explain why a patient may continue to need treatment and what the objective is of that treatment.

For example, in my office if you simply want pain relief we explain that you will probably experience that within the first 5-10 adjustments. We also explain that for most individuals their problem will not be corrected or stabilized in that period of time and will return if they stop care. If they choose to do that it is their decision and they understand the risks. If a patient is following a longer term corrective care program we explain that our goal is to keep the spine in the most normal position with normal or optimal movement for as many hours of the day as possible so that the ligaments and other surrounding soft tissues heal in this position. This is the reason that adjustments are repeated initially at very close intervals to attempt to achieve optimal healing. When patients understand this then it makes sense for them to get adjusted 2 or 3 times a week for a period of time.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, chiropractic helps to improve overall health. There are studies that demonstrate improved immune function, heightened reaction time, better energy and more restful sleep following chiropractic care. Once patients experience some of these benefits, and they recognize that chiropractor's can detect minor problems in the spine before they cause any pain or symptoms, many choose to continue wellness or maintenance care. These periodic checkups often occur one or two times per month depending on the individual, their health, lifestyle and original problem. However, it is always up to the patient whether they want to continue with any form of care. It is your choice, usually based on the amount of education and understanding you have of the treatment and condition. After all, brushing and flossing the teeth, visiting the dentist one or two times a year, eating healthy food and exercise are all choices that we make based on our understanding and our health goals. Choosing to see the chiropractor is really no different.

How long you want to receive chiropractic care is up to you. Once patients understand how important good spinal alignment is to overall health because of the impact it has on the nervous system, most of them choose to have themselves and their children checked regularly to help maintain optimal health. Whatever you decide make sure your chiropractor is your partner and health coach to help you achieve your goals.

How Chiropractic Care Can Speed Up Auto Accident Recovery

Many people are involved in auto accidents every day and every year. While the majority of auto accidents are minor, it is very common for those involved to suffer some type of injury. Visiting a chiropractor after you have been in an accident is a smart move to make. Chiropractors are very skilled at treating back injuries, whiplash and neck injuries, injured or damaged muscles and soft tissues, and more, resulting from an auto accident.

On the road to recovery, the first step is realizing that a chiropractor can provide treatment for auto accident injuries. It has been shown that chiropractic care can speed up auto accident recovery. Not only can a chiropractor decrease your recovery time, but he/she can also help reduce any pain and discomfort your injuries may be causing you. See a chiropractor as soon as you are able to following your accident, so that he/she can put you on a plan for treatment and recovery. The sooner you see a chiropractor, the sooner your road to full recovery will begin.

Injuries can Occur in Minor Auto Accidents and Fender Benders

For many years now research and studies have been conducted to show that injuries can occur even in minor or low impact automobile accidents. Neck injuries (like whiplash) are the most common. Whiplash has been shown to occur in tests, where the sudden change in speed was only 2-1/2 miles per hour. This means that it is possible to suffer whiplash with any sudden stop and not even realize it.

Safety technology on cars is constantly progressing. Cars and their bumpers are built to withstand and disperse impact in the even of a collision. The human body, however, was not designed to withstand and disperse impact and jolts at typical driving speeds. In fact, if most cars were to wreck while idling forward, it would be at a speed greater than the human body was built to handle.

Impact is Absorbed

When an automobile experiences an impacting force, then the force and energy from that impact is absorbed by the entire vehicle, as well as by any occupants inside. When cars absorb impact, they experience damage. When the human body absorbs impact, it experiences damage as well. This damage usually consists of neck, back, and spinal injuries. It is also very common for auto accident injuries to be deeper and non-superficial. Internal injuries to soft tissues and muscles will oftentimes heal as scar tissue, which can lead to problems and pain even years after an accident. Spinal damage can lead to issues, such as neck pain, headaches, chronic muscle tension, stiffness, lower back pain, muscle spasms, spinal disc degeneration, and more.

Speed Up Auto Accident Recovery

To help speed up your recovery from injuries sustained in an automobile accident, visit a chiropractor. A chiropractor will put you on a treatment plan, which will speed your recovery time, reduce your pain, and prevent a potential lifetime of suffering. Chiropractors are well trained and skilled in helping people heal after car wrecks. Visiting a chiropractor may not be the only treatment you need after you have been in a wreck, but it should certainly be one of the treatments you receive on your road to a full recovery.

Chiropractic Posture Correction - The Key To Improving Body Alignment

Chiropractic posture correction has been sought by many people today and in this approach, a chiropractor just uses his hands to manipulate, adjust and align the body structures in order to lessen pain in the musculoskeletal system and to prevent any recurring pain due to neuromuscular system derangement.

Chiropractic posture correction is widely known especially in America. This is believed to have a great influence to our body. It mainly lies on the principle that our body has a natural healing process even without any medical treatment. The chiropractor methodically investigates the dynamics of functions and anatomy of spinal column. The chiropractic posture correction is intended to address any joints, spine, and musculoskeletal system ailments.

Cases of bad postures, traumatic injuries, stress, etc. could cause positional commotion of the spinal column. As part of the coping mechanism of our body, it goes along with the bad posture we practice every day. However, after some prolonged period, the body just gives up and responds by pain. The chiropractor utilizes his hands to helps refurbish the derangement and return things to normal. They help create adjustments to develop mobility, alleviate the rigidity and make every limited mobility relaxed.

Chiropractic posture correction in fact, carries a lot of benefits.

Some of the possible benefits are -

1. Chiropractic form of management don't have any invasive method in providing relief from the condition. It considers the power of the body and helps boost this power to restore health by itself.

2. The treatment doesn't cause any pain or discomfort. Discomfort and pain are only felt within two days.

3. Chiropractic treatment aids you in the proper alignment of body posture, which causes several ailments in the musculoskeletal system. It as well helps loosen the muscle up.

4. This alternative management for the reduction of muscle pain is also beneficial since it provides long-term relief to the individual.

5. Through this management for spinal nerve and nervous system, the normal body functions are almost fully restored; thus, giving the person total wellness.

6. The person will not manifest any adverse reactions or side effects in using this treatment.

Proper spine alignment is essential to the entire health of the person. This is why improper spinal column alignment and improper posture should utilize chiropractic posture correction. This treatment is not only a drug free way of dealing with spinal alignment issues but unlike common myths surrounding chiropractic care it doesn't have to be a really painful and invasive experience. When applied properly chiropractic treatments really does help to get a patient mobile again without the need for drugs or even surgery.

Chiropractic Patient Lifetime Value

The importance of patient lifetime value is often not realized by many chiropractors but it is an extremely important concept in terms of maintaining and improving the overall profitability of the practice. What is patient lifetime value? Patient lifetime value is the value of a patient while they continue to be a patient visiting a practice.

What's the best way to calculate the current patient lifetime value in your practice? The most exact way to calculate this, if the information is available, is to calculate the total revenue generated by your patients from the time they became patients until the time they stop visiting your practice. To calculate the lifetime value of all your patience, you would simply divide the calculated value by the number of patients in the calculation.

If you do not have the precise data available, another way to calculate patient lifetime value is to follow these steps:

1.    Review your patient records and determine and estimate as accurately as you can the average number of years a patient remains with your practice.

2.    Next, estimate the annual revenue generated per year from a patient and multiply that by the average number of years a patient remains with your practice.

3.    The resulting number provide you with an estimate of the lifetime value of a patient.

Knowing, or at least estimating, these numbers provides a chiropractor with a better understanding of how to increase practice profitability. One example is the impact of a small percentage increase in patient lifetime value.

If the chiropractor can increase the average number of years of patient remains with his practice by only a small amount( for example, 10%), the impact on practice profitability can be substantial. For example, if the annual revenue generated from one patient is $1500 and the average length of time a patient remains with the practice currently is five years, the lifetime value of that patient would be $7500. Assuming a practice has 500 active patients, the accumulated lifetime value of those patients would be $3,750,000. In this example, if a chiropractor increased lifetime value by 10%, $375,000 of additional lifetime patient value would be added to the practice. This is the equivalent of adding $75,000 of increased annual revenue to the practice.

There are many ways a chiropractor can increase patient lifetime value. For example, he can:

-         Follow-up on patients who stopped visiting the practice to encourage them to come back.

-         Provide better services to existing patients to increase their satisfaction with the practice and to encourage them to remain a patient of the practice for a longer time frame.

Patient lifetime value is an important marketing concept for chiropractors to understand because understanding this concept and how to increase lifetime value can dramatically increase practice profitability. Once a chiropractor understands these concepts, it is beneficial for him to educate practice staff to understand the positive impact providing a high level of service to patients can have on the practice. Now is the time to calculate patient lifetime value for your practice and to determine what steps can be taken right away to improve the lifetime value of patients for your practice.

Chiropractic Solutions for Prenatal Back Pain

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman's life. She is growing another human being inside her body. Unfortunately, this period also comes with a lot of aches and back pain. So much so that many women can find it hard to walk by the time, they are 28 weeks. Before the pain becomes severe, you will want to take the time to contact a prenatal chiropractor who can manipulate your body, easing the symptoms.

Chiropractors are ideal for women who are pregnant. They can bring relief from the beginning of pregnancy, to after the baby is delivered. In addition to easing prenatal back pain, women can see relief from headaches, leg pain, fatigue, ankle swelling, and neck pain. This relief comes from having the body put back into alignment.

Why Get Adjustments

When a woman becomes pregnant, they are not able to handle the stress that the baby's weight puts on them. Even the most fit woman will experience prenatal back pain. The abdominal muscles are stretched to their limits and the pelvic bones will move. Chiropractors are able to bring immense prenatal back pain relief by putting the spine back in alignment.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care

It is important when you are pregnant that you seek a chiropractor that specializes in prenatal care. The manipulation is very gentle and is observant to the needs of an expectant mother. Most tables will have a section in the middle that lowers allowing them to lay prone for as long as possible. Chiropractors who offer prenatal back pain relief will make sure that the mother is comfortable during every stage of pregnancy.

Procedure

When you go in for your first chiropractic appointment after you are pregnant, the physician will want to know what your delivery plans are. This will help them create a tailored program that best suits your needs. Women who are delivering the baby naturally will need to be as mobile as possible. This means the chiropractor will work on the back, pelvis, hips, legs, ankles, and feet.

For a mother who is planning on having a cesarean section baby, they will need to make sure that their back and core stay aligned. The physician will make sure that they are healthy enough to have surgery, and their recovery time will be as minimal as possible.

Nutrition

The chiropractor will also offer the best nutrition plan possible. Not just adjustments keep you pain free, but also your health and posture. By making sure your diet is healthy, you are taking a prenatal supplement, and taking a prenatal vitamin, you are giving your body the best chance at keeping the baby well fed. It also will help you limit the amount of weight you gain.

Gaining too much weight, or weight at a rapid pace, can put more strain on your back, pelvis, and legs. A physician that specializes in chiropractic care will know exactly what supplements are best for your body and that of your growing infant.

Post-Natal Care

After you have delivered your baby, you will likely experience back pain again. Labor and delivery is also very hard on the body. It is best if you go back to your chiropractor and have another adjustment performed. While you are there, let the physician align your infant. The process is just as hard on him or her, as it is on you. Chiropractic adjustments will help with the nursing and growing pains.

Seeking relief from all the aches and pains that come with pregnancy, labor, and delivery does not make you a weak person. In fact, it makes you a good parent because you care about yourself and your baby enough to make sure that you can handle the delivery. You will not only notice immediate relief from the back pain, but also see a reduction in your swelling, headaches, leg pain and more.

When you combine the chiropractic adjustments with holistic nutrition, you are giving your baby the best start possible. As well as giving yourself, the best chance at a quick recovery. Many offices can handle all areas of alternative treatments, truly allowing you to enjoy the nine months that pregnancy usually lasts, and then enjoy your beautiful baby for the years afterwards.

Positive Effects of Chiropractic Care

Imagine recovering twice as fast after surgery, no longer having the need for pain medications (or less medication) for numerous injuries/surgeries and conditions such as Fibromyalgia or Scoliosis, or boosting your immune system so that you get fewer colds/flu throughout the year. No, this is not a futuristic new age/science fiction novel. Through chiropractic care, it is possible to reduce or eliminate pain, recover more quickly, and is more affordable and less risky than traditional medical treatments.

Reducing the amount and intensity of physical pain is the number one reason individuals seek out chiropractic help. Chiropractic care can treat, or even eliminate, pain in all areas of the body. Back pain is the most commonly reported reason for patients to obtain chiropractic treatment. This method of care is not for back pain alone. Patients go to a chiropractor for a number of other reasons such as (but not limited to) headaches, carpel tunnel syndrome, knee injuries, arthritis, stress, and soft tissue injuries. By reducing pain and stiffness, patients are able to relax and concentrate on the rehabilitation process. It will also boost their immune system and give them more energy and a positive outlook on their physical condition(s).

When a patient is in an accident or has a chronic condition, the recovery time usually takes so long that they start to feel as if they will never feel good again. Chiropractic treatment aids speeding up the recovery process or get to a point that they can experience enhanced quality of life outside of a doctor's office or rehab center. By relieving pressure throughout the patient's body, they are able to heal at a faster rate and recover more fully. The body has many different entities, but it all works as one unit. If the "whole unit" is treated, then the individual systems will function more efficiently and recover from any ailment/condition. If a full and complete recovery is not possible, chiropractic care will allow the body to recover to its fullest extent. This is not possible if only certain areas are the main focus. The whole body must be treated for optimal results.

When thinking about medical treatment, most people cringe at the sound of words such as "rehabilitation", "medical care", or "medical treatment". This is because traditional medical care/treatment comes with a high price tag. People, and insurance companies, have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on basic medical care. The cost will double, if not triple, if more treatment is needed beyond basic care. It can be financially devastating to an individual and even more damaging to an entire family, especially if more than one family member is in need of medical care. This is why chiropractic care is becoming increasingly popular with patients, employers, and insurance companies. Chiropractic care is only a tiny fraction of the cost when compared to traditional medical treatment. Each session will run, on average, anywhere from $35.00 on up to $70.00. Most patients will only need a few sessions to get the same end result as months (even years) of traditional medical treatments. Not only is it saving the patient and insurance company money, there is less chance that they will need long term or repeat treatment. They will also spend a lot less time missing days or weeks from work.

Chiropractic care is gaining popularity because it is a non-evasive and drug free method of treatment. Traditional forms of medical care usually consist of prescription medication, trial and error treatments, and possibly surgery. Trial and error treatment can take a very long time, a lot of money, and possibly cause long term and irreversible damage. Prescription medications have numerous side effects ranging anywhere from mild skin problems to serious respiratory issues, and even death. These often leave the patient with more health problems than they originally started with. Chiropractic treatment simply realigns the spine and joints, which usually gives immediate relief and helps the bodily systems function properly.

It allows the body to go through the natural healing process and there are no damaging, life altering, or long term side effects or painful surgeries to endure. The main adverse symptom patients experience, besides immediate pain relief, is mild soreness at and around the sight where the manipulation took place. The risk factor drops considerably to around 2% to 4% when compared with traditional forms of medical treatment. Cervical spine manipulation shows that there were complications found in 2.09 people per million and 0.268 deaths compared to the complications in 15,000 people per million and the 6,900 deaths due to cervical spine surgery. Hence why chiropractic care is a much safer, less expensive, reliable, and preferred method of treatment.

It is imperative that, before getting any chiropractic treatment, you thoroughly research any chiropractor you are considering. They must not only be licensed, but highly skilled and experienced. After all, you would not get an operation from a doctor that has only had one year experience or is not properly trained/licensed. Chiropractic care is no different. Once you have found one that you are comfortable with, just remember Rome wasn't built in a day. Although it takes much less recovery time when using chiropractic care, it will still take some time for you to heal from your injury or condition. Take each day as it comes and follow the chiropractor's treatment plan. Also, come prepared when you go to your initial appointment. Just remember that a good chiropractor is always willing to answer any question you may have about them, their education, their experience, and your proposed treatment plan. Good and open communication between you and your doctor is just as important to your recovery as the treatments are.

Contact your primary physician today to discuss chiropractic care. If it is a good route to take in achieving optimal health, have your doctor refer you to a chiropractor they know and trust. Your body will thank you for it!

Chiropractic For Seniors: Seven Outstanding Benefits

Many seniors are unaware of the outstanding benefits that are possible through regular chiropractic care. I have compiled a list of seven of the most frequent benefits that chiropractic care provides for seniors.

1. Pain Relief

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective and safest forms of health care to treat pain due to spinal related conditions. Chiropractic is so effective because most causes of spinal disorders are related to abnormalities of the spine and the surrounding soft tissue structures. Doctors of chiropractic are specifically trained to identify and treat subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae) and their subsequent effect on the central nervous system. Anti inflammatory medication and pain relievers merely mask the symptoms and have many undesirable side effects.

2. Increased Range of Motion of the Spine and Extremities

Chiropractic care has been shown repeatedly to increase not only the range of motion of the spine but also in the extremities. Increasing a person's range of motion can positively and drastically affect lives in many ways. For some, an increased range of motion means being able to bend down to pick up their grandchildren. For others, it means they can garden without pain or get an extra 40 yards of distance out of their driver on the golf course. In many cases, an increase in range of motion immediately follows chiropractic adjustments. This is one of the reasons why many top professional sporting teams have team chiropractors.

3. Increased Balance and Coordination

Many problems in balance and coordination in the aging population have been shown to come from injury or degenerative changes to the cervical spine (neck region). Structures known as mechanoreceptors are located in the posterior (back) joints of the cervical spine and are responsible for providing the brain with essential information important for balance and coordination. Mechanoreceptors in cervical posterior joints provide major input regarding the position of the head in relation to the body. With aging, mild defects impair mechanoreceptors function and results in a loss of proprioception (sense of body awareness). With decreased proprioception, body positioning in space is impaired and the patient becomes reliant on vision to know the location of a limb. To compensate for the loss of proprioception (sense of body awareness) in the legs, the feet are kept wider apart than usual. Steps become irregular and uneven in length. As impairment increases, the patient becomes unable to compensate. With severe loss of proprioception, the patient is unable to get up from a chair or rise after a fall without assistance.

Studies have shown that chiropractic care can help restore balance and coordination by stimulating the joint receptors (mechanoreceptors) in the cervical spine. This stimulation is thought to restore or normalize joint receptor functioning which leads to improvements in balance and coordination. (Caranasos, MD, Isreal, MD. Gait Disorders in the Elderly. Hospital Practice. 1991; June 15:67-94.Guyton, MD. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1996; 714.)

4. Decreased Joint Degeneration

A subluxated (misaligned) spine is much like a misaligned wheel on an automobile. This misalignment will cause the spine (and the wheel) to wear out prematurely. Since all moving parts will eventually wear down over time, it is very important to get your spine aligned periodically. Chiropractic care decreases spinal degeneration and other arthritic changes by normalizing the spinal alignment and reducing spinal stress.

5. Increased Health and Well-Being

We commonly ask our patients what changes they notice once they are put of pain. Here are some regular responses we hear every day:
I feel great!

I can sleep through the night!

Now I can play in the garden!

I have so much energy!

Life is worth living now!

Yes, chiropractic is far more than mere pain relief.
Feeling good, staying healthy and doing the things that make us happy are what keeps us looking forward to each new day. Regular chiropractic care increase the quality of life and increase health and well being.

6. Decreased Incidence of Falling

Injuries due to falling are extremely common in the elderly population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are responsible for 90% of the 850,000 bone fractures which occur annually among Americans past the age of 65. Chiropractors reduce the risk of falls by normalizing the mechanoreceptors of the cervical spine by administering chiropractic adjustments. They also prescribe stretching and exercise programs to increase strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and coordination.

7. Keeps Seniors Out of Nursing Homes

While studying at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, I had the opportunity of meeting the president Dr. Ian Coulter. Dr. Coulter was involved with many research projects studying the benefits of chiropractic care and exercise.
In 1996, he published an interesting study in the Journal, "Topics of Clinical Chiropractic" called "Chiropractic care for the Elderly."
The key points he noted in this study were:

o 44% of those who used chiropractic care reported having arthritis compared with 66% in the non-chiropractic care group

o those who used chiropractic care were more likely to do strenuous levels of exercise

o at three years follow-up, less than 5% of those who used chiropractic care lived in a nursing home while a staggering 48% of those who did not use chiropractic care did live in a nursing home

o at three years follow-up, only 26% of those who used chiropractic care were hospitalized compared with 48% of those in the non-chiropractic group

There is no need for seniors to suffer needlessly. Chiropractic provides amazing benefits and has an outstanding record of safety and effectiveness. Ask your family and friends for a chiropractor that they recommend. Take action now and make an appointment to see if chiropractic can help you!

Chiropractic Care for the Elderly: Its Benefits

An elderly can be convinced to see a chiropractor once he is made aware of the benefits he can get from the treatment.

Elderly are relieved of their pain.

One of the most efficient and harmless management for pain brought about by a problem in the vertebra is chiropractic care. I said efficient because a lot of vertebral disorders are related with spine abnormality and the neighboring soft tissues. Adept and trained to examine and treat any displacements in the spine, chiropractors can help the elderly with the insufferable pain that they have.

Increased range of motion of the spine and limbs

The increased range of motion of a person can positively affect their lives in many ways. Having an increased range of motion to some elderly could mean being able to lean down to lift up their grandchildren. For others, it means having no pain doing some gardening chores or having an additional 40 feet away from their driver on the golf course or track. In a lot of instances, an instantaneous increase in the range of movement normally follows chiropractic adjustments. This explains why professional sports teams have a team chiropractor.

Improves Equilibrium and Synchronization

Balance and synchronization problems are common among the elderly because of cervical spine changes that cause its deterioration. Thus, we see irregular strides among the seniors and their feet becomes farther than the normal position. They also have a hard time getting up from a chair or going up and down the stairs. With chiropractic care, the elderly will be able to regain their lost equilibrium and synchronization.

Joint Deterioration is reduced

A misaligned spine will be exhausted or damaged in advance. Therefore, the spine must be checked regularly, as this will minimize its early deterioration. By normalizing the alignment of the spine and decreasing stress, chiropractic care minimizes spinal deterioration and other lesions.

Health and Welfare is Maximized

More than just relieving the pain, chiropractic care helps the elderly to feel good and healthy as it helps them to perform the usual things they love to do.

The Occurrence of Falling is lessened

Senior citizens are prone to getting injuries from falling. Most Americans whose ages are above 65 had suffered from incidence of falling. About 90% of 850,000 bone breakages are brought about by falls as reported by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. By regularizing the cervical spine's mechanoreceptors via manual manipulation, the danger of falling is minimized. Chiropractors also recommend exercise and stretching schemes to augment litheness, potency, maneuverability, equilibrium and synchronization.

Most of all, it helps the senior citizens to live on their own instead of living in a nursing home. Because chiropractic care brings back their health and wellness, they become more independent thus, regaining their self-confidence.

Senior citizens can indeed be happy in their age as they are relieved of their pains. Chiropractic care brings so much benefit to elderly people in a safe and efficient manner.

Chiropractor For My Horse?

First and foremost, chiropractic methods are often mistaken for acupuncture. However, this type of therapy is based upon the relationship between the animal's body and spinal column and its nervous system. It is not acupuncture.

Over the past decade various alternative therapies have been brought into the mainstream of veterinary medicine. One such alternative therapy is equine chiropractic care. Equine practitioners have remained skeptical, for the most part, in the benefits of this type of care. Admittedly, it is difficult for the veterinarian to imagine how the huge frame of the horse can be manipulated in such a fashion as to "adjust" a skeletal abnormality.

Recently, however, a few brave specialists have undertaken equine chiropractic care in such a manner that the veterinary profession is rethinking the whole issue. There are now documented cases where chiropractic manipulation of a horse was a welcomed therapeutic measure that brought relief where everything else had failed. If you yourself decide to give chiropractic a chance, please ensure you locate someone with the proper credentials. The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association should be able to assist you.

The equine vertebral column is a flexible structure that permits the horse to lower its head, arch its back, and bend laterally. The vertebral column is also subject to outside-of-self movements and forces from compression, tension, vertical pressure, and horizontal pressure. Some of these can include

• a faulty or poorly fitting saddle.


• Improper riding.


• Improper shoeing.


• Trauma.


• Any leg problem that causes the horse to compensate. This compensation travels through the spinal column.


• Even the type of performance work that the horse does can result in the need of an equine chiropractor.

Most horse owners seeking equine chiropractic treatment complain most commonly that their horse has a sore back. Or stiffness in the neck when turning in a certain direction. Stiffness through the body when turning in a certain direction, or failing to pick up a lead. For some, it can be merely a change in attitude about saddling.

Equine chiropractic care offers many benefits to the equine patient. It does not replace veterinary care. However, many horse owners now realize that these and other performance-related troubles sometimes cannot be diagnosed through standard physical examinations. There are also instances whereby anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, even joint injections and time off do not improve the situation with the horse. Many vets are now turning to equine chiropractic to enhance their diagnostic abilities.

It has been found that equine chiropractic care has been successful in

• detecting and treating gait abnormalities and other performance problems in the athletic horse.


• alleviating pain in their back and neck.


• reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.


• identifying horses that have chronic back and neck problems


• assessing the potential that a horse may have for success in a particular endeavor, whether race horse or trail ride horse.

But, how can you move bones on anything as large and strong as a horse? Some equine chiropractors use dynamic adjustments, while others adjust the spinal vertebrae through movement generated by the horse itself. When an adjustment is successful, many horses will show signs of relaxation. Horses may lower their heads, get a glazed look in their eyes, yawn, and seem to enjoy their treatment.

Remember, as with everything, equine chiropractic treatment does not replace veterinary care. However, it may enhance it. As always, it is your decision.

Can a Chiropractor Fix a TMJ Disorder?

Yes, a chiropractor can fix TMJ, according to many studies and reports that confirm this to be true. In fact, a chropractor will often provide significant relief and even a cure for TMJ symptoms.

A chiropractor will not only be better able to diagnose the problem that is causing TMJ pain, but he will also be able to give more direct relief and provide non-invasive and all natural treatments as well that have little or no side effects.

TMJ treatments that involve chiropractic treatment usually work by correcting any misalignments which may exist in the jaw, face, head, or neck bones. These misalignments may be contributing to the TMJ disorder, so a series of adjustments or manipulations that realign the bones. If done correctly, the procedure will be painless, quick, and should provide relief almost immediately.

In some cases, this treatment may be necessary to treat TMJ, as the only way re-correct the bones is through a series of adjustments and manipulations; massage and exercise do not necessarily realign the bones on their own.

The chiropractor may be best suited to fix TMJ cases that are caused by accidents to the jaw, face, and neck area that have pushed any of these bones out of place and subsequently caused the tmj, chronic spinal and neck problems (including bad posture and poor sleeping positions) that have contributed to the jaw bones becoming misaligned, or overall blunt trauma to the head, face, or neck region that have created misalignments. The chiropractor as a whole will not focus specifically on or directly treat any causes of TMJ that are dental in nature (such as a bad bite, teeth grinding, missing teeth, etc.); rather he will focus on the neck, jaw, and cranial bones as well as the spine to treat the TMJ.

Other treatments which may be offered by the chiropractor to fix tmj are massage therapy to treat weak muscles that have been affected by the misalignments, specific exercises to rehabilitate the jaw area that are often more effective, dietary and nutritional advice, and other natural and alternative treatments that are non-invasive and have no side effects.

Overall, a chiropractor is greatly preferred over a surgeon or other specialist to fix TMJ, as the surgeries and other invasive procedures which they will recommend are often very invasive, have a high risk of permanent damage, and are overall unnecessary for this particular disorder. But remember, as with any medical condition, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor in order to determine the best treatment option for your needs.

A Chiropractor's Role With Neck Pain and Stiffness in Ballet Training

When a ballet dancer's core muscles are weak, or when a dancer is working an intense schedule without enough recovery time, where does the strain go? Often to the neck and shoulders.

Ballet dancers (and other style dancers) will typically work with increasing tension and strain, aching muscles, and mild pain, until the condition develops to the point of an acute and sharp neck pain. They will start to feel an extreme stiffness of their neck, having difficulty moving it in any direction. When the pain reaches its worst level, it might be accompanied by shooting pain down into both shoulders and perhaps even to the elbows.

This kind of discomfort may develop very gradually, so there is not necessarily personal neglect involved. Usually the pain is less in the morning, although the stiffness is noticeable. With additional time and attention given to warming up the neck and upper back, a good part of a heavy rehearsal day, starting with class, could be danced well with tolerance of the discomfort. Most likely, however, as the day goes on, the pain increases, often described as a "stabbing pain", with certain movements. The neck stiffness can return despite the dancer being warmed up. The strain becomes visible to others, watching or coaching.

At this point a dancer will be forced to take time out to seek professional help. Upon examination by a chiropractor, for example, it will be found that the back of the neck and mid back muscles are in tight spasm. The muscles under the chin may be in spasm as well, holding the head at a downward angle. The dancer easily understands that he/she has made this condition worse by working with the head not centered over the shoulders. (When the postural plumb line is violated in any way, extra muscle gripping will show up, as the body always finds a way to compensate and "balance" itself).

What is alarming is that, by viewing an x-ray of this kind of neck, it can be seen that the normal curve is not only decreased, but has reversed! And, quite distressing news to a young ballet dancer, the front of the middle neck bones may be severely degenerated, because of the chronic pressure on the front of them.

This curve reversal is all too common among classically trained dancers. Traditional ballet positions demand that the neck appear tall and straight. Although no harm is intended, the muscles along the front of the neck get stronger and stronger. This development straightens the neck bones, and continues through the years of training, until the normal curve reverses. The front of the neck bones actually start to grind, and gradually arthritis sets in.

The goal of chiropractic care would be to re-mobilize the neck bones that are locked in spasm, along with releasing the chronic tension of the shoulder and upper back muscles. Early treatment can prevent the development of the reversed curve, and eventual arthritis. The tight neck muscles can be relaxed and stretched, relieving the compression that reduces the natural curve. Massage, machine traction and a supportive pillow for sleeping can all contribute to chiropractic treatment, countering the harmful tendencies that have become a habit for the ballet dancer.

The neck of a ballet dancer can be held in a tall and slightly straightened position without leading to harm. All ballet students need to understand how to relax and stretch properly, as well as how to strengthen the core muscles to prevent neck strain and back pain. Education will prevent ballet dance injuries.

Take advantage of the available dance education that is on line and in the stores. There is so much information! Dance smart!

Are Chiropractic Franchises A Good Choice For Patients?

It is always rough when trying to find a new doctor. Just think about all the skipped checkups that are pushed to the back burner because you don't have a doctor to call your own. Many people see the doctor once, and then that is their doctor. A lot of "shopping around" doesn't really happen after the initial visit is made. Again think, when is the last time you made an appointment with your local chiropractor and then made your follow up appointment with a different chiropractor? With all this considered, how does one make that initial decision when choosing the right chiropractor? Are chiropractic franchises a good choice for patients?

There are many real benefits to choosing a franchise over an office with one location.

1. If you move away, you might not have to change doctor's offices. Depending on how far away you move and the office locations of course, a franchise allows you to still feel at home with your doctor's office -even when you move.

2. Your records will be easily accessible from office to office. If you visit a different location and need immediate treatment, your records will still be accessible. Your patient records will be up to date and your relationship does not need to start from square one.

3. If you need immediate attention and your doctor is out, you will still be taken care of. Another chiropractor can step in and meet your needs. A franchise of chiropractors will all work closely together to make sure that the patients are always taken care of.

4. Not only is it harder for a doctor to be brought on board to a franchise team, but they all look out for each other and their patients. A chiropractor brought on by a chain deals with being under the scrutiny of many different doctors prior to hire and throughout their probationary period. They have a standard to live up to and keep. If one of the franchise locations loses a patient, the doctor is put under the microscope.

From personality and the ability to connect with patients to being able to adjust and improve a patient's problem area -a chiropractor that works for a franchise is a safe decision. They have the training and standards to live up to that make them a strong choice for patients looking for a new doctor. The real question is, which franchise will you choose for your chiropractic needs?

Chiropractic Care For Sciatica - What Do They Do?

Chiropractors are a conservative, noninvasive and drugless form of medical care. In fact, it is generally accepted that this kind of care should be done before any invasive procedure is pursued such as back surgery. Chiropractic care has been well documented in being successful for conservative medical attention. Sciatic pain is right up a Chiropractor's alley. Chiropractors are legendary in treating patients with back problems. They routinely diagnose (test) and successfully treat back and leg pain. Whether you have a pinched nerve, muscle, ligament or tendon ailments that may be causing your pain a chiropractor will take the proper time to examine your back and leg pain to determine the exact source of your sciatic pain. Essentially, chiropractors help your body heal itself.

It is important to understand that sciatica is not an actual diagnosis but rather an underlying symptom of your problem. A chiropractor will start by assessing the known five culprits (guilty parties) of the symptom sciatica. These five culprits include:

• Herniated disc problems
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing)
• Facet joint problems
• Nerve entrapment
• Presence of tumors, infection or metabolic complications

It is necessary for a chiropractor to determine if your pain is caused by a herniated or ruptured disc. This condition in medical terms is known as sciatic neuritis. Neuritis means the nervous system is involved (neuro = nerves and itis = inflammation). The diagnosis (evaluation) and treatment program will be for "disc injury".

If you don't have neuritis, then the chiropractor will check for spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is another common cause of sciatica that is a narrowing of the spinal column that can generate inflammation of nerves. If this is your diagnosis for your leg pain, then you will be treated specifically for that.

So far, you don't have a herniated disc or spinal stenosis so the chiropractor will look for lumbar facet symptoms. Your facet joints come in pairs at the back of each spinal vertebrae. These facet joints link the vertebrae above to the one below to form a functioning joint that allows for movement of the spine. This is not so different from knee joints only you have many of them up and down your spine between each of your spinal bones. This allows you to slightly bend your spinal column up, down and sideways as well as twist. Think of all the movements your spinal column can do when you work a hula-hoop. It's amazing. So facet joint syndrome is referring to pain that occurs in your facet joints. These joints are filled with synovial fluid just like your spinal discs. Your discs act as cushions between your vertebra and the fact joint allows your vertebra to move in a number of different directions. If this is your problem, the chiropractor has a therapy that works on this particular problem.

Don't have any of the above? Now the chiropractor will look for nerve entrapment syndrome. What this is about is mechanical imbalances in the spine and hip with damaged discs (but not herniated) with facet joint movement restrictions. This can lead to muscular tightness that may lead to nerve entrapment of the sciatic nerve. The muscles involved here are the piriformis muscles. Chiropractors will perform muscles therapies on these muscles to loosen them and restore balance to your spinal joints and release pressure on the sciatic nerve.

If none of the above is diagnosed, your chiropractor will refer you to another doctor to determine if you have any tumors, infections or metabolic problems.

Therefore, the goal of a chiropractor is to diagnose (find out what you have) and treat you for that specific problem in a conservative way (noninvasively, no surgery). This involves active hands on care to return full motion to the spine by treating disc, joint and muscle problems. Spinal manipulations may include thrusting techniques, non-thrusting techniques, instrument-assisted therapies such as the Graston technique for muscle problems, trigger point therapy, stretching and resistance techniques, electrical stimulation, ultrasound as well as alignments. The chiropractor's goal is to return normal back function. The chiropractor's job doesn't end there. Overly, the chiropractor knows that prevention of back problems is important and will instruct you on how to keep your back healthy.