What is The Role of A Chiropractor

A chiropractor is a health care practitioner that is sought out as an alternative health care provider.  The job of the chiropractor entails diagnosing and treating any health problem that is associated with your muscular, nervous, and/or skeletal system.  A chiropractor must be licensed in the state for which he is working in.  A chiropractor is usually in a private practice and does not generally work with an associate.  The use of medications or surgery is not used in the chiropractic practice.  If the chiropractor feels that this is necessary for your condition, he or she will direct you to a physician.

Your body is a great machine.  The different parts of your body move much the same is a well-oiled machine does with precision and all in perfect alignment.  When part of a machine breaks down the other parts become misaligned and therefore your well-oiled machine does not function properly.  This too is how your body works.

When initially seeing a chiropractor you will be asked questions and examined for any problems that you are experiencing.  Most likely x-rays and lab tests will be conducted.

A chiropractorís role is to align the body to prior functioning capabilities and once he or she has done so, the rest of the body will be back in good order.  By means of manipulation, adjustments, and realignment, a chiropractorís job is to put everything back into place.  With his or her hands a chiropractor uses force over your joints, thereby moving the defective part beyond its normal capabilities.

When doing this a cracking sound may be audible.  A chiropractor will sometimes massage and stretch the area that is affected and this will result in muscle relaxation relieving muscle spasms.  In addition to manipulation, adjustments, and/or any realignment a chiropractor will sometimes use heat, cold, water therapy, exercise, ultrasound, or physical therapy to help with the problem.  Electrical stimulation may also be a form of treatment.  Some chiropractors use braces or straps for spinal difficulties.  Some specialize in a specific field of chiropractic practice such as sports.

Although chiropractic care is considered an alternative form of treatment in dealing with muscle, nervous, and skeletal system discomfort you should always talk to your primary care physician first and seek his or her advice prior to visiting a chiropractor.  In certain circumstances a chiropractorís services are not advocated.  Your primary care physician will best be able to advise you in this decision and whether chiropractic treatment would be helpful to you.

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What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a health profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical problems in the muscle and skeletal system.  They have a special emphasis on the spine.  The chiropractor works under the theory that the spinal cord and nervous system affect everything about the general health of a person.

Today chiropractic care is considered complementary or alternative medicine practice which is a characterization that many chiropractors, osteopaths and patients donít appreciate.  Chiropractic medicine emphasizes manual therapy and spinal manipulation to improve the overall health of the individual.  Chiropractors recognize the benefits of including exercises, lifestyle counseling and nutritional supplementation for those who donít receive a balanced diet in the overall plan of care for the individual.

Conventional and traditional Western medicine often downplays the benefits that patients receive when they help their body heal itself.  Fortunately, however, the practice of chiropractic medicine continues to grow and flourish as more and more research studies prove out the case studies reported in the literature of patients who are appropriately managed without pharmaceutical intervention.

During a spinal adjustment the chiropractor will use their hands to apply a controlled but sudden force to a joint by pushing it beyond the normal range of motion.  They also use massage, heat and stretching to relax muscles.  Others also include electrical muscle stimulation, exercises and ultrasound to speed healing of parts that are injured.

But the chiropractor also addresses an area of health care often neglected by the primary care physician in traditional medicine ñ which is prevention.  When an individual uses a chiropractor as their medical professional they will find that the practitioner is interested in helping the patient to reduce their risk of developing other injuries or illnesses and takes the extra time needed to educate their patients.

It may also be that people who are interested in receiving care from a chiropractor are also less likely to take the word of their doctor when told to do something but would rather do much of their own research and reading to confirm what the medical professional is recommending.  These patients may also have a greater interest in preventive care than others.

Seeing a chiropractor is considered generally very safe except in a couple of instances.  If you have osteoporosis or suspect you have this condition seek confirmation from your primary care physician before allowing a professional to manipulate the very bones that may break under pressure.  If you have back pain that is accompanied by fever, chills, sweats or unintentional weight loss then seek the advice of a medical doctor to rule out the possibilities of infection or tumor.

If you are considering seeking the advice and counsel of a chiropractor then there may be a few things you can do to get the most from your visit.   Treat this visit as you would any other doctor visit.  Before making an appointment with a chiropractor get a referral from someone you know and trust.  Today you probably know at least two or three people who routinely visit a chiropractor ñ just ask.  Ask the chiropractor for a consultation to determine if his philosophy, medical advice, focus and office staff are compatible with your believe system and you are comfortable with the care youíll receive in the office.

If you are seeing a primary care medical doctor make this a team approach to your health care.  Ask your primary care doctor for a recommendation and find the practice of a chiropractor who is willing to work with your primary care doctor to continue to help your body heal.

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Pinched Nerves and Chiropractors

Pinched nerve or subluxation is a term used by chiropractors to describe the misalignment of the spine that results when there is pressure or irritation on the nerve.  Subluxations of the spinal column are the most common type.  Because of the structure of the spinal column even the slightest misalignment can produce pressure any irritation on the nerves.  This affects the communication of the nerve impulses from the brain to the organs, cells and tissues of the body.

The greater the misalignment, the greater the possibility that it will affect the nerves to a greater degree.  The more severe the subluxation, the more discomfort and pain that an individual will experience.  The subluxation which affects the conduction of nerve impulses can often lead to disabling illnesses as well.

There are 31 pairs of nerve roots that come from the spinal column through openings between the vertebra.  Each nerve extends and ultimately controls, a specific area of the body.  Even minor subluxation can occur from ordinary everyday stress and strain of normal living.  In individuals who already have some degree of degeneration in the spinal column, even the simple act of twisting and turning can result in a pinched nerve.  When these pinched nerves are left unattended they can become chronic and result in severe painful condition.  It does not require a fall or significant injury to cause a subluxation.

When the nerve is compressed it can cause symptoms of numbness, tingling, burning and an achy soreness along the nerve path.  Many people choose to turn to chiropractic medicine in order to help their spines realign and relieve the pressure on the nerve.  Chiropractic medicine is based on the belief that the body is self-regulating and self-healing organism.  The brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of the body control these important functions.

Chiropractic medicine is believed to work by restoring the body's to an ability to be healthy.  When the spinal nerves are not compressed, and the body is under proper control, all of the cells, tissues and organs are designed to resist disease and stay healthy.  Although chiropractic medicine is well designed to achieve success for individuals who suffer from compressed nerves, orthopedic pain and injury the ultimate goal of chiropractic medicine is preventative medicine.  This prevention is achieved by aligning the body and allowing the nervous system to provide the appropriate control as well as encouraging patients to use proper nutrition to feed the cells of the body.

Without treatment, pinched nerve pain can last for months.  Although chiropractic medicine is designed to relieve nerve pain quickly patients do have options for treatment at home that will help to relieve the pain as their body begins to realign.  These options include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.  Patients should consider hot packs or cold packs to the site of the pinched nerve and can choose a particular temperature that seems to give them the most relief.

Individuals should limit the amount of weight they carry including small children and groceries.  Avoid all sports that require sudden movements or body contact such as football or basketball.  A diet that is rich in fiber to prevent constipation will also decrease the stress felt on the body when trying to have a bowel movement.  Individuals can also try very as relaxation techniques such as breathing deeply or meditation to help calm the mind and body.

Individuals should also pay attention to the type of mattress on which they sleep and the chair in which they sit all day.  Mattresses or chairs can increase pain and discomfort by placing body parts in positions which increases muscle spasms and pain.  Discuss the correct ergonomic positioning for your particular individual needs with your chiropractor to decrease your pain and discomfort as your body begins to heal.

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Misconceptions About Chiropractors

Misconceptions about the use of chiropractic medicine are numerous.  They include such questions as do adjustments hurt, are they safe, can I adjust myself, will I get addicted to chiropractic medicine and chiropractic results are just a placebo effect.

Many people believe that if they start going to the chiropractor they'll end up going forever.  But most people only want to be treated for a specific pain or illness and when that symptom disappears and they stop going.  Other people choose to use the chiropractor to correct the initial discomfort and underlying cause but then, to remain at an optimal level of health, they choose to continue to receive adjustments and keep their spine and joints in alignment.  The treatment approach used by an individual is totally their choice.

Another myth that's common is that people have heard that chiropractic adjustments will wear out the joints.  In fact, the reverse is true.  Chiropractic care can actually help prevent joints from wearing out.  Bones don't actually rub on each other; instead they are cushioned by cartilage and enclosed in a capsule with lubricating fluid.  Chiropractors focus their attention on areas of the body and spine which have limited movement in order to improve the function of the joints and therefore decrease the degeneration that normally happens as we age.

While chiropractic medicine is a recognized as a generally safe course of action, there have also been studies which have shown that with specific cervical spine adjustments that potential increases for the individual to suffer a stroke.  It is for this reason that traditional medicine specialists recommends that individuals not to seek the care of a chiropractor in order to treat chronic headaches.  This is because treatment for chronic headaches with the chiropractor involves consistent neck manipulations which can increase the risk of stroke.

A common myth about chiropractic medicine is that chiropractors are only effective for low back pain.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  The subluxations of the spinal column which results in pinched nerves and resulting pain, muscle spasms and decreased nerve innervation to body organs can happen anywhere on the spinal column from the neck to the sacrum.  While there is been more research done on chiropractic care for low back pain and manipulations done in the lumbar region, chiropractors have been working on individuals with neck pain and shoulder pain for years.  In the recent past chiropractors are also including cranial manipulations in order to improve an individual's health.  These manipulations are done on the skull.

Some people believe that spinal adjustments will be uncomfortable.  What most find after their first adjustment is that the fear of the adjustments was much worse than the adjustment itself.  Even spinal adjustments done to the cervical area, neck, are not uncomfortable to the patients.  What individuals may find is that following the adjustments muscles may be sore as they adjust to their correct position.

What has been found over the past decade is that experienced, professional chiropractors are able to give profound relief and participate in preventive care with their patients and their patient's medical physician.  There will always be physicians whether chiropractors, dentists or medical doctors, who are not experts and work on ethically.  These few bad apples tend to give the entire profession a bad name.

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Can a chiropractor help TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ, as it is most commonly referred to, can cause very painful neck and head pain.  It can also make it  difficult to open your jaw as it sometimes can become locked into one position.  A person who suffers with TMJ can have problems in chewing, biting, and a popping sound can be heard when opening or closing the mouth.  Other symptoms caused by TMJ affliction are temple pain, jaw pain, neck pain, ear pain, and cheek pain.  TMJ can occur due to inflamed muscles or tendons or when the discs become inflamed.

A chiropractor may be able to help a person who is afflicted with TMJ either by means of physical therapy or by education regarding exercise, healthy nutrition or changes in your lifestyle.  Your chiropractor might also suggest massage therapy or meditation aimed at relaxing the entire body.  He or she will probably suggest avoiding gum or hard foods as these food items can help to aggravate the TMJ condition.  Using correct posture while sitting or standing will also be suggested which helps to reduce tension in the rest of the body.  Moist heat and the use of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory will also provide some relief.

When you see a chiropractor the first step would be to assess the area of your neck and jaw.  He or she most probably will assess the spine area as well.  Naturally, each person is different so each case will be different with no two alike.  Some patients have more severe symptoms than others have and therefore, will require more treatments with a longer time span in feeling any relief from the planned treatment.  Of course, the longer you wait to seek help for your TMJ or any problem, the longer the healing time involved.

In addition to any treatment that a chiropractor performs, he or she will also want to take steps to prevent reoccurrence once you are recovering. He or she might suggest some simple exercises to help to relieve some of your pain symptoms caused by TMJ.  These exercises will work to help to relax your facial muscles and especially the muscles surrounding your jaw.

If your pain is severe and not helped by any of the means listed above, your TMJ may need to be treated with surgery.

If choosing to try chiropractic measures for your TMJ condition, please seek the advice beforehand of your doctor and/or dentist for guidance in your treatment.

Three Ways A Chiropractor is Different Than A Medical Doctor

3 Ways a Chiropractor is Different than a Medical Doctor
Having been handled by means of numerous practitioners and doctors, then you are likely well aware of the different letter combinations that sit behind any specified doctor's name, if you got loads of experience as a patient. The most widely recognized designation of this type is "Maryland," which stands for "Doctor of Medicine." Nonetheless, if you have back pains or any of a number of other common health states, your regular MD may decide to refer you to a "CD," or "Doctor of Chiropractic." So, what do those two letters mean, actually? And why can't your MD do what a chiropractor does? For your information, here are three ways a chiropractor is distinct than a medical doctor:
Pedagogy. Physicians and chiropractors must possess distinct knowledge and skill sets. Consequently, although they both begin in faculty receiving a general medical schooling (anatomy, physiology, etc.), their educations take quite separate paths after the first two years. Medical doctors, on the other hand, must finish four years of undergraduate studies before heading to school of medicine, which continues another four years.
Licensing. Chiropractors are required to obtain a licence with their State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Before going into a preferred specialization before practicing, medical doctors must pass then a licensing examination by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and the State Board of Medical Licensing assessment.
Treatment options and systems. Medical doctors are able to prescribe medications, whereas chiropractors are simply competent to recommend vitamins and food supplements. Additionally, physicians may perform surgical procedures (if they have functioned surgical residencies), while chiropractors use a non-invasive approach to treatment that includes manual manipulation of the spine.
Probably the most important thing to see is the fact that chiropractic care isn't a replacement for medical care, although it is frequently called "alternative medicine." Chiropractic healthcare is truly just a great strategy to support any medical attention you're getting, as well as to supplement your normal health routine. When in doubt, see a physician; when you've an alternative, see a chiropractor.


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Chiropractic Care and Headaches

Chiropractic Care and Headaches

Do you suffer from constant or severe headaches?  If so, you may do what most Americans do.  That is simply just reach for the medicine cabinet.  Yes, most over-the-counter products can relieve headache pains, but that relief is short-lived.  Instead of masking the pain with over-the-counter products, seek a proper diagnosis and long-term relief.  You can do so with chiropractic care.

What is chiropractic care?  It is a field of medicine.  Some classify it as alternative medicine.  It all depends on who you ask and their openness towards the subject.  Traditional physicians rely on their knowledge, medical tools, and medication to treat pain.  Chiropractors focus on manual therapy.  The hands and usually the hands alone provide it.  Common treatments offered by chiropractors include therapeutic massages and manipulative realignments.

Doesn't a chiropractor only specialize in back pains?  This is a common misconception.  Chiropractors tend to focus on the spine, but you may be surprised how many ways the spine and its condition impacts our body.  Many chiropractors have years of experience helping patients diagnose, treat, and manage all types of pain, including headache pain.

Why should you see a chiropractor if you suffer from severe or constant headaches?  Headaches have many causes.  Daily stress cause most, but there may be a more serious underlying problem.  For example, those who have chronic muscle contractions may experience a spinal distortion, a cause of headaches.  Car accident victims commonly suffer from whiplash.  If improperly treated, this can also lead to headaches.  Without treatment, the pain will continue and it may get worse overtime.

How does chiropractic care help headaches?  It all depends on their cause.  If everyday stress is to blame, a chiropractor may suggest relaxing exercises at home or regular in-office therapeutic massages.  If headaches are caused by spinal distortion, a vertebrae alignment may be performed.  This alleviates the pressure from nerves, which should reduce headache pain and frequency.

Will the headaches stop after seeking chiropractic care?  Yes and no.  First, it is important to remember that headaches are caused by many factors.  If your cause is due to spinal distortion, vertebrae realignment will help.  This will reduce the frequency of headaches caused by this specific problem.  But, you may get another headache from just having a bad day at work.  You and your chiropractor will work together to achieve long-term pain relief.  In addition to therapeutic massages, trigger factors will be discussed.  You will later need to avoid these triggers.

What should you ask your chiropractor after treatment?  Many patients mistakenly believe they are treated and no longer need to seek treatment.  Chiropractic care does not mean long-term care.  Before parting ways, however, pick your chiropractorís brain for suggestions to later prevent headache pain or lessens the severity.  As previously stated, trigger factors need to be eliminated.  Not only that, proper posture is important.  This is a chiropractorís specialty.  Ask them about natural ways to prevent pain, including relaxation and proper posture.

In short, headaches have many causes.  Daily stress is not the only cause.  Don't mask the pain.  See what you can do to get long-term and long-lasting relief.  So, the next time you get a severe, long-lasting, or recurring headache, donít head to the medicine cabinet. Instead, head to your local phone book.  Find the contact information for a local chiropractic care specialist and see what they can do for you.



Dr. Kip  Rode