What is Chiropractic?

In this section, we've provided you with a lot of information about chiropractic care, what it is, what to expect, and more. Because we use Back Talk Systems, Inc.'s literature, materials and charts throughout our office. We regard them highly, and offer their pamphlets free to our clients. We've quoted Back Talk, Inc.'s literature here extensively. By quoting their material in this way, we hope to provide continuity between the literature available to you in our office and on our website.

Welcome to Chiropractic!

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and millions of nerves. Your brain is protected by the skull, and your spinal cord by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This can result in nervous system dysfunction and ultimately, ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to detect, reduce, and help prevent nervous system dysfunction” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

The Doctor's Education: Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated. After completing the same undergraduate study that other types of doctors get, chiropractic doctors receive still another 4 years of postgraduate college education. Before practicing, they pass a rigorous National Board Examination and meet stringent licensing requirements. To keep up with the latest research, doctors attend seminars, scientific symposia, and read professional journals” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

A Thorough Examination: After taking a complete case history to review important aspects of your health, a thorough examination will be conducted. You'll be asked to turn and bend, your posture will be checked, your reflexes and muscle strength will be tested, and other orthopedic and neurological tests may be performed. These tests are designed to show any areas of your spine causing problems” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

Diagnostic Imaging: Based on your examination findings, X-rays or other types of diagnostic imaging may be necessary. These images can help reveal pathologies, document the history of your spinal health, and guide your doctor in creating a care program based on your unique spinal condition. Today's high-tech equipment and ultra sensitive films help minimize your exposure” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

A Teamwork Approach: When you consult this office you are entering into a unique partnership. Your health today is the result of your habits, your thoughts, your actions, and all the circumstances of your life. Little can be done about the past, but we are here to help with the future. Learn as much as you can about the nature of true health and follow your doctors recommendations” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997). One of our long time patients, Gary, described this teamwork approach well when he stated, “After going to my chiropractor for a while, I began to see that I had to take charge of my health, it was not only my chiropractor's job to make me feel good all the time. My chiropractor was there to adjust my spine and support me with spinal care, in general, but I was responsible for how my back felt every day. For example, if I took the time to do my daily stretches, to get enough sleep and exercise, watch my nutrition (too much caffeine bothered me and made my back tight) and made my appointments with my chiropractor, then my back felt wonderful. When I didn’t do these, my back didn’t feel as well, and it was my fault, not my chiropractor's. We're a team.”

Can Chiropractic Help?

“If areas of abnormal spinal function are identified, your doctor will recommend a chiropractic care program of spinal adjustments. Your plan of care is based upon your age, condition, lifestyle, and unique spinal problem(s)” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

Specific Adjustments: The primary course of care will be specific chiropractic adjustments. This will help return individual spinal bones to their proper motion and position. There are hundreds of ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore better position and motion to ‘stuck’ or fixated spinal joints. They may require a quick thrust , or in other instances a slow, constant pressure. Sometimes, only one area of the spine is adjusted, and other times the entire spine will receive attention. Some doctors use only their hands, while others will use special tables or instruments. Sometimes, the patient's own body weight is used. Every doctor has a preference based on training, clinical experience, and the particular spinal problem of the patient. Some adjusting approaches can resulting in a faint ‘popping’ sound. This sound is created by the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint. The presence or ‘loudness’ of this sound has little meaning and varies with each patient” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

Chiropractic Care is Safe: Chiropractic adjustments are safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers, and back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. When compared with traditional approaches, chiropractic care is remarkably safe. In fact, millions of chiropractic adjustments are safely delivered to satisfied patients every day!” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

“Other Procedures: Your doctor may recommend additional procedures or suggest other ways to help reduce inflammation, provide relief, or enhance the healing process. These may include ice, heat, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation, nutritional advice, exercises, or other procedures” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

How Long Will It Take?

“Chiropractic results vary. Some patients get results quickly. Others find their recovery takes several months or longer. Children often respond quickly, while adults with long-standing spinal problems heal more slowly. The healing process takes time. There are three stages of chiropractic care. Periodic progressive examinations help determine the course of your care. Once you understand true health, you may want some type of ongoing chiropractic care. Like brushing your teeth, eating wholesome foods, and other healthy habits, a regular chiropractic checkup makes sense. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

Initial Intensive Care: This is usually where most patients begin their chiropractic care. Visits can be frequent, depending upon the severity of your condition. The primary focus is to reduce or eliminate your most obvious symptoms” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

Rehabilitative Care: With your ache or pain diminished, the objective is to stabilize spinal function and promote a more complete healing. Muscles and soft tissues of the spine are strengthened during this stage of care, helping to avoid a relapse” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

Wellness Care: With the maximum restoration of spinal function many patients enjoy regular chiropractic ‘checkups.’ This type of preventive wellness care can save time and money by helping to avoid little problems from becoming serious” (Back Talk Systems, Inc. 1997).

Back Talk Systems, Inc. (1997). Magazette: How to get faster relief and better results from your Chiropractic Care. (800) 937-3113

Click on this link and explore the "Patient Area" of Back Talk Systems, Inc.'s website for even more answers to your questions about chiropractic care.

 

3506 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA  23221
Clinic: (804) 359-6999 Fax: (804) 359-6987  Emergency: (804) 364-7201