WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
HOW MANY ADJUSTMENTS WILL I NEED?
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO SEE MY DOCTOR OF CHIROPRATIC?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY SYMPTOMS HAVE DISAPPEARED?
IS THERE A REACTION FOLLOWING AN ADJUSTMENT?
IS THE SPINE THE ONLY PART OF THE BODY THAT CHIROPRACTORS ADJUST?
WHAT JOINTS MIGHT RECEIVE A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
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WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
The chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, yet dynamic thrust applied to a particular spinal joint in such a way as to generate movement in a specific direction. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper mechanics of the spine, which enhances joint function, corrects specific joint problems, and prevents injury due to improper spinal dynamics. This facet of chiropractic care principally affects problems that are musculoskeletal in nature. Because of the relationship between spinal nerves and organ function, the removal of nerve interference by the correction of spinal fixations and subluxations is thought to enhance many other areas of general health as well.
HOW MANY ADJUSTMENTS WILL I NEED?
Applied repeatedly over a period of time, spinal adjustments can help restore mobility to even the most chronic spinal fixations. Deep-rooted fixations that have existed for several years typically require months of care. Fixations of lesser duration and severity respond in less time. A recent, mild fixation will often respond in as little as one treatment.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO SEE MY DOCTOR OF CHIROPRATIC?
It is important to remember that spinal fixation is an ongoing process. The chiropractor's recommendation for treatment is based on the specific nature and history of the condition in each case. Chronic, long term fixations and subluxations may require intensive care for a number of weeks, followed by gradually diminishing frequency of care to encourage the changes that are desired. Acute, painful conditions need to be handled in stages. Most often, the pain and inflammation of the injury must first be treated with ice and physiotherapy for a period of time before attempts can be made to correct the spinal malfunction responsible for the condition. Such acute case management is typically carried out on a daily basis as first until the symptoms subside and adjustments can be administered several times a week. Milder conditions, of course, require a lesser frequency and a shorter duration of care.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY SYMPTOMS HAVE DISAPPEARED?
Symptoms often respond well before total correction has occurred. The objective of treatment is to obtain full function restoration of spinal joints, soft tissues, and neurologic activity. The Winona Chiropractic Center team considers the job done when spinal motion is fully restored and not just when symptoms have abated.
Because of our society's "crisis medicine" orientation, it is not uncommon for a patient to want to stop care when symptoms disappear. It is important to understand that until the spinal malfunction is fully corrected there is still a substantial vulnerability for the pain to recur. The condition never really goes away-only the symptoms do. As long as the spinal malfunction continues to exist to some extent, it may undermine body function and health and may ultimately cause symptoms once again. The best way to prevent recurrence is to continue care until an appropriate correction has been made.
Sometimes after progressive degeneration of spinal joints has begun, certain conditions cannot be totally corrected. Yet chiropractic treatment can improve function and relieve discomfort if administered regularly.
IS THERE A REACTION FOLLOWING AN ADJUSTMENT?
In the course of being treated for spinal subluxations, there are certain reactions you may experience. The most common is aching or soreness in the spinal joints or muscles. Do not become alarmed if you experience this type of reaction, as it is a natural response in certain tissues.
Reactions following a chiropractic adjustment vary greatly from person to person. These may vary from a great sense of exhilaration and well-being to the reaction just described. Most reactions usually subside within several days, and the beneficial effects of the removal of nerve interference and improved spinal function will enable your body to respond.
If you have any questions or any unusual reactions that concern you, do not hesitate to ask your doctor on your next visit or call 507-454-7870.
IS THE SPINE THE ONLY PART OF THE BODY THAT CHIROPRACTORS ADJUST?
The spine is only one part of the biomechanical structure of the human body. There are numerous other movable joints, each one subjected to demands similar to those placed on the spine, and each one is capable of malfunctioning. The chiropractor considers each of these movable parts in the evaluation of a patient's condition as well as the overall body dynamics. The doctors at Winona Chiropractic Center are qualified to perform adjustments in these areas as well.
WHAT JOINTS MIGHT RECEIVE A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
The sacroiliac joints of the pelvis are situated just below the spine and are intimately involved in spinal dynamics. Functionally, they can be considered a part of the spine.
The sacroiliac joints function under a great deal of stress. They bear the weight of the entire upper half of the body and they do so at a precarious angle that subjects them to intense gravitational pressure. Demands are made of them in just about every movement of the body, so they are almost constantly required to be in action.
As a result of these demands, the ligaments of the sacroiliacs-just like those in the spine-frequently become strained. If injured sufficiently, they can be the cause of varying degrees of low back pain and can also be involved in sciatic (pain in the leg). If the strain is more subtle, it may not be symptomatic, but the healing ligaments may become increasingly stiff and rigid.
Fixations of the sacroiliac joints are perhaps the most common in the body and can be at the root of a variety of painful conditions by virtue of the compensation they produce in the spine. Perhaps as many as 75 percent of chiropractic patients, regardless of where they hurt, have some degree of fixation of the sacroiliac joints that may be directly related to their symptoms.
The hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists may be mechanically impaired and in need of treatment. Chiropractic manipulation of these joints may correct painful conditions involving them or conditions elsewhere in which they play a role.
The feet also play an important role in the support and ambulation of the body since they are the platform upon which we stand and walk. The feet and ankles are frequently adjusted by the chiropractor. In addition, you may be in need of postural foot supports known as orthotics, which restore balance to feet chronically subjected to the effects of wear and tear.
The Winona Chiropractic Center's team hopes that this Q & A report has been helpful. If you have any questions, you are invited to speak with your doctor or call 507-454-7870 for more information.