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•
What is
chiropractic?
• What do
chiropractors treat?
•
What is a
subluxation?
•
Has the U.S. Government taken
a position on spinal manipulation?
• What
information should I bring to my first appointment?
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic
is a branch of health care that is based on the premise that good health
and mobility rely on a normally functioning nervous system and a healthy
spine. It is the science of locating nerve interference and
adjusting spinal vertebrae to remove that interference. The goal of
chiropractic is to bring you optimal health. It is a natural method
of health care that has helped patients for well over 100 years.
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WHAT DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT?
Chiropractors
do not "treat" any specific disease or condition. We focus on
identifying and correcting the "source" of problems, rather than just
eliminating symptoms. We basically correct joint restrictions and
thereby restore joint function. This helps the body to begin healing
itself without having to use drugs or surgery. Many people enjoy
long-term relief from back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches,
arthritis, arm and leg pain, and much more!
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WHAT IS A SUBLUXATION?
Subluxation is
a relationship between 2 adjacent vertebrae in the spine that has been
altered. Usually the alteration is a vertebrae that has lost its
normal position or function in relationship to the other. This may
be due to any physical, emotional or chemical stress to the body.
Most commonly it is a result of a trauma, postural overstrain or
repetitive micro strains over time. The vertebrae of the spine have
joints and these joints have synovial folds, or surrounding protective
tissue which can become entrapped if put under abnormal stress.
Because these joints are rich in nerve fibers, a dysfunction in a joint
can cause pain, spasm and swelling.
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click here for an animated look at what a subluxation is!
FEDERAL GUIDELINES ON LOW BACK PAIN TREATMENT
On
December 8, 1994, The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, released an extensive
study of diagnostic and treatment methods for acute low back pain. This
condition is the most common health complaint experienced by working
Americans today, and a condition which costs the economy at least $50
billion a year in lost wages and productivity.
The
AHCPR panel -- a 23-member committee of 11 medical doctors, nurses,
experts in spine research, physical therapists, a psychologist, an
occupational therapist, 2 chiropractic doctors and a consumer
representative -- concluded, among other things, that:
- spinal
manipulation was the only recommended treatment that relieved
symptoms, increased function and hastened recovery for acute low back
problems in adults;
- conservative
treatments such as spinal manipulation should be pursued - in most
cases - before surgical intervention.
- prescription
drugs such as oral steroids, antidepressant medications and colchicine
are not recommended for acute low back problem.
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WHAT
INFORMATION SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
If you have already had tests
(such as x-rays) regarding your problem, bring them and any reports to the
office. Be prepared to discuss: when the problem started, how long you
have had it, what makes the problem worse or better, treatments you have
tried so far and how well they have worked, and any other information you
believe is relevant. Bring notes regarding comments or questions you want
to ask the doctor. If your health insurance company requires a referral
before treatment, please obtain one. Bring your insurance card and know
the amount of your deductible or co-pay.
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