Why should I see a Chiropractor?
Seeing a chiropractor is a natural, drug free way to find relief from neck, back and other joint pain. It is also an excellent way to maintain peak performance and support overall wellness. People around the country choose a chiropractor as a key member of their health care team. Structural care, healthy diet and lifestyle guidance and many more products and services provided by chiropractors complement most recovery and wellness strategies.
Is chiropractic effective?
Chiropractic is a non-invasive and effective way to correct joint dysfunction, reduce pain and muscle tension and promote healing. Normal, pain free movement enables you to stay active, get back to work, maintain self care and enjoy life. Balanced structure also minimizes physical stresses that can affect nerves along the spinal column. This further contributes to your overall healthy function.
What is spinal joint dysfunction?
Alterations in normal spinal structure and segmental motion can cause joint dysfunction. This can occur as a result of a minor slip, an accident or other sudden trauma, or even small repetitive injuries over time. When joint function is altered, other tissues such as muscles, discs and nerves can become stressed and exacerbate symptoms such as pain, spasm and restricted movement.
What is a chiropractic adjustment? Is it safe?
An adjustment or chiropractic manipulation is the introduction of a specific, controlled force into a joint area to aid in restoring normal movement and function. This assists in relieving pain and muscle tension and facilitating the body's healing processes.
Chiropractic is a safe, drug free approach to correct musculoskeletal conditions. And at Alternative Health and Allergy, the doctor takes a gentle approach. Instrument and table assisted techniques allow for more comfortable adjustments, without excess bending and twisting.
Sometimes a sound can be heard, like when you pull on a knuckle. This is just a release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint space. The sound does not happen with all adjustments and does not produce pain nor indicate injury.
It is not uncommon to feel mild discomfort while the doctor is working in tight, tender areas. Sometimes mild soreness may be noticed for a day or so after adjustment. Moderate complaints such as sprain, strain or disc injury are infrequent, especially with less aggressive techniques. Serious injury is extremely rare.
What happens at the first chiropractic visit?
At the initial appointment the doctor will discuss your concerns and goals. A review of your health history and an examination follows. The doctor will check posture and movement, feel for tenderness and muscle tension, and perform tests to see what contributes to pain. X-rays are only considered in the case of significant trauma, history, or exam findings, or when insufficient progress during treatment suggests the need for imaging.
If it is determined that chiropractic can help you, an adjustment may be performed after these steps. You can feel at ease knowing the doctor will explain what is recommended and get your permission before beginning treatment.
What can I expect from chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care provides treatment to help you move better, feel better and function better. You can expect we will listen to your concerns, answer questions, address imbalances and support your goals. Along the way the doctor will recommend healthy lifestyle practices and suggest ways to reduce aggravations.
The doctor will recommend a series of adjustments and any supportive treatments based on your specific needs and goals. For patients with acute or chronic injuries and complicating health, work or lifestyle factors, more frequent treatment is usually recommended, initially. Care then tapers over time as the condition improves. For those with mild complaints and who are in good health, the number of treatments needed to get relief tends to be much less. Some people choose to come for treatment just to reduce pain. Some choose to continue correcting and stabilizing involved areas to help minimize recurrences. Others choose to keep chiropractic as part of their wellness lifestyle and come for a tune up every 4-8 weeks. Whatever your goal, we will work to help you get there.
It is expected that chiropractic patients will experience less pain and greater ease of movement. Often, people notice better sleep, more energy and improved moods along the way as well. Unexpected changes sometimes reported include improved digestion, better elimination, freer breathing, and reduced immune stresses. When the structure is balanced and wellness habits are developed, the overall function of the body is better.