Chiropractic Care
Back pain is as common as mud. Almost everyone has either suffered from it, knows someone who has, or will, in the future, suffer from it. Most times, it is a simple ache from overexertion that goes away with over the counter pain medications. But for many, it is a chronic problem. Each year, millions of people go to a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) for treatment, and the numbers are steadily growing each year. Once thought of as the bastard child of the medical communities, studies are dispelling the old myths and mindsets by offering up studies, clinical tests and testimonials to the validity and effectiveness of chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is not just "getting your back cracked." It takes a whole body, holistic, natural approach to treating the cause of many types of pain. It also deals with muscoskeletal issues, biochemical and vascular relationships, and nutritional and emotional well being. And, while the medical community has, in the past, looked down upon the chiropractor, they in turn, do not hesitate to recommend their patients to an MD, should the condition present cause. As the majority of back pain sufferers has grown, some MD's are, in fact, referring their patients to DC's for treatment, when their methods seem to have little relief for the patient.
Look at it like this: Your spine is the housing for all of the nerves running from the brain to the body. Some have alluded to a garden hose, running from the faucet to the sprinkler system. I look at it as the computer and the cables that run to various peripherals and power sources. If the housing for the power cables (or the water source) is damaged, it effects the flow of the power, or water, and the needed element arrives poorly, or not at all. The same ideal holds true with the spine and the nerves. When a back is broken, that alone does not cause the paralysis and organ failure that can occur. It is the damage to the nerves inside the spine that causes these deficiencies.
When one mentions going to a DC, the first image that most people have is of an adjustment, or manipulation of the spine. "Cracking" the vertebre in the back releases oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide that build up in the vertebral joints, causing pressure than can result in distorions of the vertebral joints, or subluxations. (This is not the only cause of subluxations, but one of many varying causes.) You know how good it feels if you have been sitting a long time, say in a movie or play, and you stand and stretch and feel the spine crack. The DC is doing basically the same thing for you, relieving a pressure build up that can cause the distortion of the spine, which in turn can cause a variety of pains.
However, this is not the only treatment option when you see a DC. A visit is much like any visit to a physician. Filling out forms, a discussion of the primary complaint, x-rays and examination all occur. Once the DC knows what the complaint it, and sees where the root cause is located, they will use various forms of treatment to correct the problem. Massgae therapy, adjustments, deep tissue massage are all a part of the palette of chiropractic care. Ultrasounds, heat, ice, traction, and dietary management are also tools. The number of visits you may have to make to the chiropractor will depend on several things, including the cause of the pain, how it is best treated and, most specifically, what you yourself do to aid in your healing process.
DC's are there to guide you in creating a "whole you" that is active and pain free. Life in the new century is not going to be a stress free or pain free existance. That is just not realistic. We have two choices in dealing with pain. One is to put man made chemicals into our body that, while offering temporary relief, does little to correct or remove the problem. It is a mask that hides the true problem. The second choice is to seek help in helping the body through natural methods. The DC can adjust you, massage you and give you heat and ice treatments in the office, but when you leave, you must be aware of what you are doing to help your body to heal. A good portion of your recovery relies on you. Exercise, stretching, proper diet and posture will all go a long way in healing your aching body. When life does come down a little too hard, the DC is there, ready to help in ways you cannot do on your own. But, if you rely on just their treatments, you will be there several times a week, for a long time.
Some MD's have questioned the safety of adjustments, especially concerning the neck. Studies have proven that the ratio of strokes and/or death as a result of a neck adjustment is extremely minimal. DC's must under go 4 years of college, and 4 years in a Chiropractic school, as well as passing board exams to practice before they are allowed to open a practice of their own. They are highly trained in the manipulations of the spine, neck and joints. But, as with any physician you see, if you have questions or are uncomfortable with the prognosis offered, seek a second opinion. More than any other medical treatment, you should feel comfortable, relaxed and completely at ease with your chosen DC.
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Have a pain free day!
Peace,
Raven's Child