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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.
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