Doctors Corner

Chiropractors have licensed doctors who specialize in the location and correction of Spinal Subluxations using the Spinal Adjustment. We are trained in musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment relating to pinched nerves. These pinched nerves are due to mechanical imbalances of the human frame. Chiropractors have many years of study in the muscular, spinal, and nervous systems and their relationship to normal body functions. This makes us highly qualified to care for numerous chronic and severe conditions.

Dr. Spine Clinic

Chiropractic And The Workplace

So many of us in today’s ever-adapting world of technology spend most of our workdays hunched in front of a computer striking key after key trying to finish that last assignment of the day. With our shoulders forward, head facing down while our low backs reverse their natural curve can be disastrous on health. According to the British Chiropractic Association, the seated posture alone actually doubles the load of pressure put on the spine. Add to this an 8-10 hour workday, constant use of handheld technology, and ‘poor’ seated posture and it’s no wonder the incidence of work-related neck and back injury is on the rise. Fortunately, there are several simple tricks to avoid these nagging pains and injuries.

Probably the most important of which is a proper seated posture when at your desk. This means your lower spine should be tucked up to the back of your seat throwing your shoulders back while your ears are located just above the shoulders. This posture helps to redistribute the weight load on your spine taking pressure off the lower cervical and lumbar vertebrae. It will also take much of the strain off the upper back and lower neck muscles. If you find yourself creeping ever closer to your computer screen as your eyes begin to tire, try instead to pull the screen towards you. Another helpful hint is to find a lumbar support pillow, this helps by keeping the lower back in its proper curvature forcing the rest of the spine to follow. Bad posture over time can lead to spinal misalignments, sprain/strains, muscle imbalances, headaches, and disc bulges resulting in conditions such as sciatica.

These conditions are often tough to treat using the conventional medical model. Often the only option is multiple different medications to control the pain or relax the muscles which in turn can lead to gastrointestinal issues, liver toxicity, heart troubles, or addiction. The trouble with these medications is they do not treat the root cause of the problem. However, Chiropractic care works by carefully and painlessly manipulating the spine to restore it to its proper alignment allowing the body to return to homeostasis and alleviating the symptoms.

A Dr. of Chiropractic will work with you to not only treat your condition but also teach you ways to prevent it from coming back. Proper spinal care is necessary for one’s body to function at 100% because our nerves supply every tissue in our body. When the spine is not maintained properly it can lead to a variety of different conditions.

For example, poor posture can lead to misalignments in the cervical spine causing interference with the tissues located near the brainstem. These tissues may become inflamed causing more compression of nervous and venous tissues leading to a cervicogenic headache or a migraine. A Dr. of Chiropractic will locate these misalignments and correct them through a series of adjustments to restore normal motion within the spine.

The long-term effects of poor posture in the lumbar spine can be seen with conditions such as sciatica. Often this is caused by the reversal of the lumbar curve causing an improper weight distribution, especially in the lower lumbar vertebrae. This can lead to disc herniation which can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves exiting the spine. A Chiropractor will work by trying to restore the natural curve of the lumbar spine by manipulating the area using very precise techniques. This allows the disc to absorb back to its original position taking the pressure off the cord and surrounding nerve roots.

Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions including spondylitis, arthritis, disc bulges, migraines just to name a few. The spinal adjustment is paramount in allowing the body to heal itself. Along with these necessary adjustments, you may be taught exercises, advised on postural correction, supplements, or dietary advice. All of these factors go into the promotion of a healthy spine which will ensure a healthy lifestyle.

Following your initial workup and a first adjustment, there are a few things that you may need to know.

• While the initial adjustment may have caused little to no pain 24-48 hours post adjustment there may be some minor discomfort in the region that was adjusted.
• If you do experience any increased tenderness simply apply an ice pack to the area for 15 to 20 minutes. This can be repeated as needed with 15-minute intervals in between each application.
• Do not use heat packs following the initial adjustment as this may increase the amount of inflammation in the tissue.
• If possible, take a rest and avoid any sudden movements to the spine. This will allow the first adjustment to settle easier.

Chiropractic And The Slipped Disc

A disc herniation commonly referred to as a slipped or bulged disc is a condition of the spine that can cause a tremendous amount of pain. Patients often complain of severe back pain that can radiate down the arms or legs. Many times people with this condition are referred to undergo costly and risky surgery to relieve the symptoms. Chiropractic care is a medical profession developed over 100 years ago in the United States that offers a safe and effective cure for conditions of the spine such as a slipped disc.

Chiropractic care is unique in its approach to treating conditions of the spine. It is a safer and much cheaper alternative to the surgical approach. It works by making simple adjustments to the spine and allowing the body to heal itself. It is safe and effective only when done by a trained Dr. of Chiropractic.

Dr. Spine Chiropractic clinic employs a licensed Dr. of Chiropractic who has successfully treated many slipped discs. A slipped disc is best treated using a combination of light manual adjustments to the vertebrae with the addition of a technique known as flexion and distraction. The manual adjustments are very specific to the misaligned vertebrae that are commonly found in spines that have slipped discs. After the vertebrae are aligned to their normal positions the patient will often undergo flexion and distraction. This painless technique helps to decompress the spine and allows the slipped disc to return to its normal alignment. Once this has been done the pressure on the surrounding nerves is relieved and the pain disappears.

During the treatment plan, a patient with a slipped disc will also be given a series of small exercises to help strengthen the back or neck to avoid a reoccurrence in the future. This is done in conjunction with postural and nutritional advice all aimed at treating the body as a whole. Each of these pieces together helps to facilitate the speed and effectiveness of the treatment and allows for faster healing time and pain-free patients.