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1) Does the adjustment hurt?
Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. There are
certainly times when posture correction is uncomfortable. This is similar to
working out, or performing a strenuous task of which you are unaccustomed.
However, every effort is made to work within your tolerance, to make as much
change as possible, in as short a time as possible, with minimal discomfort.
Many times, patients have had an abnormal posture for many years. When this is
the case, the muscles, ligaments, and joints are accustomed to their current
position. Changing that position is important, and at times uncomfortable.
However again I stress, never in such a way as to be intolerable to the
patient.
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2) Is regular chiropractic care
necessary?
Regular chiropractic care is necessary to correct
spinal subluxations to help maintain sound health and fitness. Your spine is
under constant strain during waking hours. Improper lifting techniques, poor
posture, accidents, falls and bumps, and other causes can contribute to spinal
strain. Timely adjustments can help restore the neuromusculoskeletal integrity
of the spine to normalize the bodily equilibrium and increase
resistance.
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3) How old should a person be before he or
she begins chiropractic care?
Chiropractic patients range in
years from birth to old age. Regardless of age, the vertebrae can become
misaligned. For example, the birth process may cause trauma to the neck and
spine. Left uncorrected, the vertebral subluxation may disturb the delicate
spinal cord and nerves which control the youngster's muscles and organs. In
some cases, an uncorrected subluxation may lead to a deformity of the spinal
column. An early chiropractic checkup may detect many spinal problems while
they are still easily correctable.
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4) How will the adjustment help
me?
Chiropractic adjustments by themselves do not actually heal
the body. When any of the 24 moveable spinal vertebrae become misaligned, a
basic imbalance or disruption can occur in the nervous and blood vascular
systems, which may contribute to stress in the body. Chiropractic adjustments
help eliminate that imbalance or disruption so that the body can function at
its true potential.
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5) Does an adjustment have to make a noise
to be effective?
No, it is a common misconception that your
joints must make a noise to be properly adjusted. However, more often than not
when your vertebrae are adjusted, the smooth articular (joint) surfaces become
separated, creating and then releasing a small vacuum, making a noise. This is
the sound made when you crack your knuckles. Your chiropractor is concerned
with the position of your vertebrae, not with the noise that may
occur.
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6) Should I go to a Chiropractor if I feel
fine?
Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help your body
maintain its required level of health and fitness. Your chiropractor can
recommend a preventive spinal-care program and advise you on correct posture,
dietary information and back exercises. Regular spinal checkups can help detect
and prevent spinal stress due to subluxations.
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7) How does chiropractic care help the
pregnant woman?
Because of the additional weight and stress on
the framework of the body in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can help
lower the incidence of pain in the low back and legs, and between the shoulder
blades. In some cases, fewer headaches and problems with nausea and elimination
may also result. Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular
course of their daily practices. It is wise, however, to first inquire about
the experience of your chiropractor in caring for pregnant women and what he or
she recommends for you.
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8) Do I Have A Pinched Nerve?
Many patients consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they
have a pinched nerve. Because of the way your spine is designed, abnormal
spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional tensions, or chemical
toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots
called a subluxation. While commonly associated
with the spine, the pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is actually rare.
Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15% of spine related problems are caused
by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue! This can result in numbness,
burning, or a "pins and needles" feeling. More frequently, nerves are irritated
(facilitative lesion). This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped,
stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal
joints.
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9) Do I Have A Slipped Disc?
Technically, a disc can't "slip." The intervertebral disc is a pad of
cartilage- type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a
connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A soft, jellylike center
is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs help allow normal
turning and bending. Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae
above and below, a disc cannot "slip." However, trauma or injury to the spine
can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite
painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent
nerve roots and spinal cord. While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients
have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing
chiropractic care for their disc-related health problem.
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10) What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a
self-regulating, self-healing organism. These important functions are
controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body. The skull
protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine
protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve
roots. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the
tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors call this the
Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Vertebral,
meaning the bones of the spine. Subluxation, meaning less than a total
dislocation. And Complex, meaning consisting of more than one part.
Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures, the art of
reducing their impact to the nervous system, and the philosophy of all things
natural.
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11) How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy.
When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues,
and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The
chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and help remove
interferences to your natural state of being healthy. A common interference to
the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column
(subluxations). A loss of normal motion or
position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous
system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses. With
improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system function. Your
chiropractic doctor can help remove interferences that may be impairing normal
health. Since the primary focus of your care is improved nervous system
function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not
normally thought of as "back" problems.
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12) What Do Chiropractic Doctors Do?
Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous
system function begins with a case history. This gives the doctor a background
about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition,
and other details affecting your current health. After reviewing your history
and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and
chiropractic examination is performed. X- rays may be taken to uncover
structural and functional problems associated with the spinal column. These
examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous
system deficit. The findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of
chiropractic adjustments may be recommended. Progress is monitored with
periodic examinations and follow-up reports. Since the word "doctor" comes from
the Latin word meaning teacher, regardless of your doctor's unique clinical
approach, he or she has a strong commitment to patient education.
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13) What Type Of Education Do Chiropractic
Doctors Get?
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated.
The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology,
pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and
related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to
locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous
system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each
candidate passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply
to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more
difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A Chiropractic
education never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for
license renewal and to stay current on the latest scientific research.
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14) What Is An Adjustment?
A
chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise
direction, applied to a joint that subluxated, or not moving properly. This
re-alignment of the joint, helps restore the spinal bones gradually to a more
normal position, motion and therefore nervous function. The whole purpose of
this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous
system function, and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief
and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others
require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical
experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of
a variety of adjusting approaches.
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15) Are All Patients Adjusted The Same
Way?
The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem
and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are
based upon years of training and experience. Some patients who complain of
headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a
compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be
experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem is
in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different subluxation patterns.
Patients notice that their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and
precision. Each visit builds on the one before. And while visits may seem
similar, each patient's care is uniquely different from every other
patient.
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16) Can I Adjust Myself?
Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a
specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to
adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to
create a "popping" sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a
chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is
usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine
even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! The best way to
enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a
Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another
colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.
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17) Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care
is "remarkably safe." Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the
result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or
addictive drugs. A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of
the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will
be used to determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic
care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and
effective.
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18) Can I Speed The Healing Process?
While there aren't any shortcuts to speed your body's natural healing
process, there's a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick
recovery. Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be
suggested to help retrain the muscles that support your spine. Proper rest is
an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate amount of
rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach. During the healing
process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you eat
balanced meals, and if you're overweight, now would be a good time to slim down
and reduce unnecessary stresses to your spine. Perhaps most important of all,
keep your appointments and follow your chiropractic doctor's recommendations
for optimum results.
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19) Why Do Children Need Chiropractic
Care?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many
parents have their newborns checked for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Later, learning to
walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems.
While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen
damage to the child's spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor. Many
childhood health complaints that are brushed off as "growing pains" can often
be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these
problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults.
Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine.
Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments
and seem healthier than other children.
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20) Am I Too Old For Chiropractic Care?
More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors,
especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication
and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural
chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function
can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients
report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often
associated with the aging process. The adjusting technique used by your doctor
will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser,
the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more
obvious.
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21) How Long Will I Need Chiropractic
Care?
Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may
require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These
long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue
damage, and degenerative changes to the spine. Most patients find that periodic
chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active,
have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of
preventive visits is helpful in the maintenance of good health. Some patients
seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While
this style of "crisis management" is usually more costly and time- consuming,
our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals.
How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
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1) Computer use
2) How to ice
3) How Best to Sleep
4) How to Sit Properly
5) Why Traction
6) Why is traction necessary?
7) What can you expect to feel while
in traction?
8) When will I be able to stop traction?
9) How is home traction different
than traction in the office?
1)
Computer Use
The use of the personal computer has had a profound
impact upon mankind in many ways. Due to the nature
of its use, and the necessity for prolonged sitting,
and deep focus on the subject matter at hand, the risk
of injury to the spine is great. Therefore, caution
and common sense must be employed to minimize the damage
to the individual, and maximize productivity at the
same time.
Fundamental guidelines:
1. Take breaks every 15-20 minutes. This should involve
getting up, and walking about the room. This will provide
a break from using your eyes, promote circulation, and
allow the spinal tissues to be exercised to avoid postural
strain.
2. Maintain upright posture at all time. Avoid slumping,
or sitting with your feet up. Look straight ahead at
your monitor screen. The ideal position is the middle
of the screen slightly above eye level. This is different
than many ergonomic specialists agree, in that this
position is higher. However, this head and neck position
is the most favorable for your overall health.
3. Place your feet firmly on the floor in front of you.
If you require one, use a foot stool. That is, if your
chair and desk configuration does not allow you to have
your thighs at a ninety degree or greater angle to the
floor, then you may need a foot stool or support.
4. Use a trackball or trackpad instead of a mouse. A
wireless mouse can also be valuable if compatible with
your system. Modify the settings of the input device
to allow maximum travel with minimum movement of your
hand and or arm. Over time, this can be most beneficial
to your overall physical stress level.
5. Use a headset if you are ever on the phone while
using the computer. In fact, you should use a headset
whenever possible. This will most assuredly reduce strain
on your neck and shoulder muscles.
6. If you have bifocals, and you seldom look away from
your screen to focus on other things, you should consider
a pair of glasses dedicated to computer use only. In
many patients, the repetitive nodding required of bifocal
is very challenging to the muscles of the upper neck.
If your optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist requires
input from me on this subject, please have them contact
me. I will explain why this may be necessary for you.
7. Organize your time to be most productive, and plan
your exercise sessions. Many progressive employers in
the past have confirmed the reduction in lost work time,
and increased productivity due to the implementation
of a general workout program for their employees. You
should consider the increased opportunities provided
by physical fitness
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2)
How to ice
1. The application time for icing should not exceed 20 minutes
per session. The tissues that have been exposed to the cold
of the ice pack must be allowed to return to normal body temperature
prior to the reapplication of the ice pack. Normally, a frequency
of 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off works well.
2. There must never be direct contact between the ice pack
and your skin. You must place a towel, or fabric (preferably
cotton) such as a T-shirt between the ice pack and your skin
to prevent burning.
3. Apply the ice pack to the areas described by Dr. Francis
or his chiropractic assistants. If you are unsure about how
to implement this important part of your treatment program,
please ask the doctor or the staff to explain further.
3) How Best to Sleep
Naturally, one of the essential components of living a healthy
life is to sleep well. It is also important to apply the principles
of good body mechanics to this important restorative activity.
One of the common ways the spine becomes subluxated, is by
maintaining an abnormal position for an extended period of
time.
Those of you who are "baby boomers" may have been "taught"
a bad habit which is a serious insult to your spinal health
by your own mothers and fathers. During the 1950's and through
the 1970's, medical doctors and nurses believed it was safest
to put a baby to sleep on its abdomen to avoid the child choking
if it were to vomit. However, we know from research, this
position actually contributes to SIDS or "Crib Death" by stressing
the cervical nerves which power the diaphragm.
In addition, this position requires the child to turn its
head to one side in order to breathe. Most often a favorite
side develops, and therein lies the problem. The neck muscles
and joints develop a pattern which deviates the spine from
normal alignment. Most of you have retained this habit from
your childhood. It is a difficult pattern to change, however
it can be done with effort on your part. Begin employing the
postural sleep positions recommended here immediately. If
you have been a "stomach sleeper" for some time, you should
have your spine checked right away for subluxation. return to
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This position is the most favored position for most people.
The alignment of the neck, head, torso and pelvis is symmetrical,
and well balanced. Note the head is not elevated by the pillow.
ONE pillow should be the norm. This person has also wisely
incorporated the use of a pillow between his legs to minimize
stress upon the lower back and pelvic muscles.
This picture demonstrates the proper alignment of a patient
who prefers to sleep primarily on their back. Again, note
the proper position of the head relative to the torso, and
the relaxed position of the shoulders. This patient also has
used a pillow under the knees to minimize stress on the lower
back muscles and ligaments while at rest. Unless there is
a need for the patient to maintain this posture due to an
increase in the lower back curve from the side (hyperlordosis)
this application is optional.
If you have not had your posture and spine evaluated as yet,
consider this: Although these recommended postures are generally
applicable to everyone, if you know the status of your spinal
position and health, you may actually begin helping to resolve
your problems while you sleep. The corollary is also true.
If you have an abnormal position, and you combine this position
with some improper sleep habits, you are compounding the problem.
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4) How to Sit Properly
Most of us sit for a substantial portion of the day. Often
patients will deny this is the case, until I take them through
this simple question and answer sequence. You should answer
the same questions yourself.
1. Do you eat breakfast? What position are you in while you
eat?
2. How do you get to work? Drive? Bart? Bus? Train? Some combination
of these?
3. Once you get to work, what is the primary position you
perform your duties in?
4. Do you eat lunch? If so, how do you eat? Standing? Sitting?
5. When you finish your day, how do you return home? Are you
sitting then also?
6. When you eat dinner, I presume you sit down also right?
7. If you read, watch television, or play games (board, card,
or video) I bet you do it sitting down...
You see, unfortunately, most of us sit far too much for our
own good.
In order to minimize the long term damage which occurs from
sitting, proper mechanics need to be employed.
This diagram illustrates a normal head, torso, and pelvic
weight bearing posture in a seated position. The closer you
get to this ideal, the healthier your spine will be. return to
top
5)
Why Traction
What is traction and why do we do it? Remember back to the
day that I explained to you the results of your x-rays. I
showed you the line corresponding to the position of your
spine, and compared it to the line that represented where
your spine should be. The only way to return the normal curves
to your spine is to perform this procedure along with your
adjustments. This has been proven both clinically (in Doctors
offices) and through scientific research projects.
Traction is not easy, but as with most things that are really
valuable it is definitely worth the effort. The purpose of
extension/compression traction is to put a sustained force
into the spine (focused directly on the spinal ligaments)
over a period of time to cause them to gradually stretch towards
the normal spinal position.
6)
Why is traction necessary?
The subluxated (abnormal) spinal position involves the adaptive
changes of the ligaments, muscles, and in long standing cases,
even the vertebral bones. It is necessary to apply a force
over time to stretch the ligaments back to their normal position.
Due to the fact that ligaments stretch rather slowly the traction
force must be introduce gradually. Also, because it does take
some time for your body to get used to the new healthy position,
we must proceed so as to work within your tolerance. return to
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7)
What can you expect to feel while in traction?
Extension/Compression Traction should never be more than uncomfortable.
In other words, it should not hurt. When you are able, based
on your tolerance, you may ask the staff for more tension
to allow for faster changes to your spine. Usually this will
be when you get to the maximum traction time in the office
of ten minutes. Some common sensations experienced during
traction are: pressure in the neck or mid-back, difficulty
swallowing, the sensation of mild pins and needles feeling
in your fingers like when your arm falls asleep and then is
waking up again. A few people report feeling mild nausea immediately
following traction. These sensations are not unusual, but
they certainly are not normal, and you should inform the staff
or the doctor if you do experience any of these symptoms.
It is normal to feel some mild to moderate soreness the day
following traction. This will be minimized if you utilize
ice as instructed by the staff. If you are not clear about
this practice ask for clarification immediately.
8)
When will I be able to stop traction?
Remember, you chose to get restore your spine to as near normal
as possible. Congratulations on a very wise choice. Your health
is dependent upon many factors; having your structure as normal
as possible to allow for normal function is an essential part
or a healthy lifestyle. We will reexamine and re-Xray your
spine to determine your progress. Each case is different,
and has its own special requirements. Because many people
have had their subluxation (abnormal spinal position) for
some time, often many years, traction and adjustment may be
necessary to maintain progress once maximum correction has
been achieved. You may ask the Doctor for the specifics of
your case. return to
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Again, congratulations on choosing the best possible care
for your body.
9)
How is home traction different than traction in the office?
The use of the Dakota Traction Unit is as a supplement to
the traction you perform in the office. Once your spine is
a near normal as possible, the use of the home traction unit
is helpful in maintaining the improved position of your spine,
and the flexibility of your muscles in between adjustments
and in office traction. Remember, traction at home should
never be more than uncomfortable either. In fact, the goal
for home traction should be to increase your time to up to
20 minutes per day, before you increase the tension of the
harness. Time is more important than intensity in this case.
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