Cracking the Code on Chiropractic: Philosophy and Expectations

When most people think about chiropractic care, the most common association is as a treatment for back pain. While it is true that chiropractic may relieve pain symptoms, this is accomplished by activating the body’s self-healing ability. By adjusting the spine, chiropractors correct vertebral subluxations and relieve nervous system interference. Composed mainly of the brain and spinal cord, the nervous system’s job is to communicate with the body in order to keep a state of balance. This balance gets thrown off due to vertebral subluxations interrupting the communication. When your body needs to function, nerve interference prevents it from doing so optimally. Chiropractors restore the pathways of communication by detecting and correcting nerve interference with consultations, assessments, exams, and adjustments, as well as, educating patients on lifestyle changes and the causes of subluxation, the three T’s of chiropractic.

How is chiropractic different?

Chiropractic is a practice that is based on a very simple philosophy: the body has everything that it needs to heal and maintain life. What distinguishes chiropractic from medicine is that it follows the concept of Above-Down, Inside-Out. What this means is that the brain “Above” is the master conductor of the body. The brain sends messages “Down” into the body on the “Inside” and then, health will flow to the “Outside.” It refers to the functioning of the nervous system and how vital it is for the pathways of communication to be open.

Also, see our video here.

What should I expect?

A well-trained chiropractor will complete a thorough exam, which may include general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, neurological tests, and may take x-rays of the spine. These tests will determine the individual course of treatment. An explanation of what was found, what options are provided to help, and an estimate of how long treatment may take is discussed at the Report of Findings appointment.  This is also a great time to discuss any questions that may arise.

A series of manual adjustments is typically recommended to correct the misalignments in the spine. This may be more aggressive at first, to create the necessary momentum and optimize the healing process. We may also discuss nutrition and lifestyle changes that can play a key role in advancing 0the healing process. While chiropractic can relieve symptoms, it is important to understand that adjustments do not treat these symptoms. It is because the brain’s communication to the body is restored that the symptoms decrease or disappear. It is important to note that to maintain health, regular adjustments are recommended to keep the pathways of communication open.

How long does treatment take?

I like to be very clear with my patients; this is a very individualized process and all processes will take time as every person will heal at their own pace. Simply finding and correcting vertebral subluxations alone will not yield the best results. To get the most out of treatment, it is best to follow lifestyle recommendations to remove or prevent the three T’s. I am well-known for encouraging patients to get involved in their treatment as this allows them to have control over their recovery. The speed of a patient’s recovery can reveal what is being done between visits and help to uncover challenges that may arise.

While we recommend a very specific recovery and healing program designed to suit each individual, we have the utmost respect for our patients. After reviewing the 3 phases of care, the patient ultimately decides how long treatment will last.

The three phases are:

Relief Care

Relief care provides enough treatment for patients that are in pain and need help right away. This will provide enough treatment as to help the patient feel better, but may not correct the underlying cause of the pain symptom.

Corrective Care

This phase is part of a larger healing program that not only reduces symptoms and provides relief but also targets correcting the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Wellness Care

Wellness care is incorporated into the healing program after the best level of correction has been achieved. On a wellness care program, the focus is on maintaining patients’ bodies to keep them functioning optimally.

Whether you choose relief care, corrective care, or wellness care we are happy to help you on your wellness journey! Chiropractic works. How it is used is what makes the difference in each situation.

 

Resources:

http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.net/

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/chiropractic-pain-relief#1

http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/nurture-the-nervous-system.html