Prone AdjustingIt is not unusual for people’s vertebrae to shift as they move about their daily activities. In fact, some people might even have discomfort that stems from their vertebrae shifting out of alignment. When people visit the chiropractor, there are a variety of techniques that the chiropractor might use to adjust the vertebrae and move them back into position. One of these techniques is the prone adjusting technique. This is a pleasant method that the chiropractor will use to move specific vertebrae back into position. Before visiting the chiropractor for this procedure, there is information that patients should know. Did You Know… Many people don’t realize that there are numerous procedures that the chiropractor can use to adjust the vertebrae in the back. Every procedure has its place in the chiropractic field and the prone adjusting technique is just one of several methods the chiropractor might employ. Furthermore, many people also don’t realize that the prone adjusting technique is used to adjust specific vertebrae in the back instead of the spine as a whole. Whereas some techniques adjust every vertebra in the spine, the prone adjusting technique is used to target specific vertebrae that need to move back into place. Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are common questions that many patients have prior to undergoing a prone adjusting technique. Some of the most common questions are answered below. Will this procedure hurt? This is a common question prior to every procedure. Most people also don’t realize that the prone adjusting technique does not cause the patient any pain or discomfort. Therefore, patients should rest easy during the procedure. This allows patients to relax during the procedure and release their stress as the chiropractor adjusts the vertebrae that might be out of position. If the patient is relaxed, the procedure has a greater chance of being performed successfully. Why did my vertebrae move out of position?There are a wide variety of causes for moving vertebrae out of alignment. Some people’s vertebrae will shift out of position more often than others. These are individual-dependent and are best addressed on a case by case basis by the chiropractor. For more information on why the vertebrae moved, contact a chiropractor. Will my vertebrae move out of position after the procedure?It is possible that the vertebrae could shift again after the procedure. For some people, one adjustment might be enough. For other patients, more than one adjustment might be required. For ways to prevent the vertebrae from moving in the future, speak with a chiropractor. Preventative medicine is the best medicine and these techniques are best addressed with each patient individually. Is it appropriate for me to receive more than one type of adjustment?It is not uncommon for people to require multiple types of adjustment to address a variety of issues. Some patients have issues that are best addressed with multiple chiropractic techniques. A chiropractor will discuss this in detail with each patient at the visit. Care After Auto Accidents According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2 million people visit emergency departments annually for treatment of injuries sustained in auto accidents. Even more walk away from their collisions with a few ‘bumps’ and ‘bruises.’ Unfortunately, many never consult with a chiropractor about their injuries because they either believe they are uninjured or otherwise believe the emergency department effectively handled their care. The truth is accident victims can have musculoskeletal injuries without any symptoms. Of those who do, they are often sent home from hospital emergency departments with pain medications – which do nothing to treat the underlying injury. Did you know… you only need to be traveling approximately 5 to 10 miles an hour during a collision to sustain damage to your muscles, joints, bones or connective tissues? The same principle applies to injuries you sustain when other drivers run into you. Both low-speed and high-speed collisions put you at risk for injury. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSI was in an accident. Should I seek chiropractic treatment?Yes. A car accident can leave you writhing in pain, or it could leave you with little to no discomfort at all. Regardless of how mild or severe, your symptoms may be, it is important to seek out chiropractic treatment immediately following an auto collision. Chiropractic treatment is effective for relieving pain, muscle stiffness, whiplash, and misalignment caused by collisions. Furthermore, early treatment typically yields the fastest recovery time, because treatment is administered before the body has the opportunity to isolate injuries or accumulate scar tissue. What should I expect at my chiropractic appointment?Your initial chiropractic appointment will consist of an examination and a review of your medical history – including any injuries you may have sustained in your accident. You may then be x-rayed to check for spinal subluxations or neck injuries that may or may not have begun causing pain or muscle stiffness. Your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan for you based on the results of your exam. It is likely to include frequent spinal adjustments and possibly some physical therapy or spinal decompression. Is there anything I can do to accelerate the healing process?In the first 24 hours following your accident, it may help to apply ice to injuries in order to minimize swelling and inflammation. Visit your chiropractor as soon as possible, and take care not to physically exert yourself – regardless of how good you feel. Often, musculoskeletal pain doesn’t set in until days or even weeks after an accident. So slow down, take it easy, and get to your chiropractor’s office as soon as possible. You will be informed if there is anything you can do to better facilitate the healing process. Joint pain is a common problem, and there is a host of treatments and medications available claiming to offer symptom relief. But few of those treatment options work to address the cause of joint problems rather than just the symptoms. Chiropractic treatment can be a viable remedy for joint problems and pain affecting all areas of the musculoskeletal system. Manual adjustments can encourage joints to line up and function properly, effectively reducing chronic pain for many patients. Did you know… that there are at least 360 joints facilitating movement in the human body? When just one of those joints becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause intense pain and immobilization. According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least, 30 percent of adults have experienced joint pain or stiffness at least once in the last month – many of them much more frequently than that! Frequently Asked QuestionsShould I see a chiropractor for my joint problems?Yes. Chiropractic treatment and manual joint adjustments can be effective for alleviating joint pains of all types, from sprains and strains to fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain, contact your chiropractor to find out if chiropractic treatment could benefit you. What should I expect during my chiropractor to do about my joint pain?Your chiropractor will first diagnose your pain by finding the source of the problem. If you have an injury, such as is common among athletes, you may be advised to continue chiropractic adjustments and supplement with physical therapy. If your joint pain is related to an underlying health condition, try modifying your diet to avoid inflammatory foods that could be contributing to your condition. Is there anything that I need to do to care for my joints between visits?Yes. If you are overweight or obese, your weight could be putting excess pressure on your joints, resulting in chronic pain. Change your diet and exercise habits with the goal of obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight. You can also help prevent joint pain by wearing joint braces or resting the joint periodically throughout each day. If your joints are inflamed, try applying ice to them for a few minutes each day. Nearly everyone has occasional headaches, but some people suffer with them chronically. Recurring headaches and migraines can severely limit quality of life. Most people who have frequent headaches are not suffering with an underlying health condition, but rather are experiencing headaches as a side effect of stress, poor sleep habits, overuse of caffeine, or even poor posture. Chiropractic has been shown to help alleviate the frequency and intensity of headaches among many chronic sufferers. Did you know… that severe headaches and migraines can affect anyone at any age, but women between the ages of 18 and 44 are most likely to suffer with them chronically? There are three classifications of headaches – cluster, migraine, and tension. Each can be triggered by internal or external factors, such as muscle tension, stress, strong fragrances and consumption of certain foods. A chiropractor will work with patients to help identify to a source of chronic headaches and create a plan for relief. Frequently Asked QuestionsShould I visit a chiropractor for headache relief?If you are suffering from chronic headaches and are looking for a more natural means of treating your pain than over-the-counter medications, you could benefit from chiropractic treatment. According to the American Chiropractic Association, a Duke University study found that chiropractic treatment is highly effective in the relief of tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck, which are the most common type of headaches. In fact, tension headaches can recur on a near daily basis when left untreated. What should I expect at my appointment?Your first visit to a chiropractor will include a complete analysis of your symptoms, including the severity and frequency of your headaches. You’ll also answer questions about your family health history, as well as your dietary and sleep habits. Together with your chiropractor, you will work to identify potential headache triggers through a process of elimination. Your visit may also include a chiropractic adjustment to correct misalignment to your neck and spine, which also could be contributing to your headaches. By adjusting your back, your chiropractor could relieve stress on your body’s musculoskeletal system. After just a few adjustments, you could experience significant improvement in your headache pain. Is there anything I can do between appointments to alleviate my headaches?Yes. Be sure to get plenty of sleep each night and take steps to minimize your stress. Drink plenty of water each day to avoid headache-causing dehydration, and spend time each day stretching and participating in mild to moderate exercise. Many people think of a podiatrist when it comes to foot care, but chiropractors treat pain and disorders of the feet and ankles as well. In fact, chiropractors are especially helpful in relieving pain stemming from conditions like plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. If you visit a chiropractor with chronic foot pain, you can be assured that you will be offered conservative and non-invasive treatment options that have been proven effective in relieving pain, as well as the underlying conditions responsible for discomfort. Did you know… that 25 percent of all the bones in your body are located in your feet? In fact, your feet not only have 26 bones, but they also have 19 muscles, 33 joints and 107 different ligaments! Considering the average person walks approximately 10,000 steps each day, it’s no wonder these bones can fall out of alignment. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSShould I see a chiropractor for foot care?You should see a chiropractor for foot care pertaining the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues of the feet. Chiropractors do not specialize in other disorders of the feet, such as infections or ingrown toenails. To find out more about chiropractic foot care and whether it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with your chiropractor today. What should I expect at my appointment?You can expect drug-free and surgery-free treatment options designed to reduce chronic foot pain. Your chiropractor may order an x-ray of your foot to determine whether your symptoms are related to a biomechanical problem. If they are, your foot will likely be adjusted in the office, potentially resulting in immediate symptom relief, less stiffness, and increased mobility. Is there anything I can do between appointments to facilitate better foot health?Yes. Wearing the appropriate footwear to support your feet is important for overall foot health. If your problem is ankle-related, a brace may provide the support you need to avoid injury and live pain-free. Knee pain is a highly common complaint among Canadians – especially those who are active in sports or are victims of repetitive use injuries. There are many causes of knee pain, including arthritis, inflammation, and injuries to the connective tissues. Many people suffering from knee pain want alternative treatment methods besides pain medications or surgery. Chiropractic offers a conservative and non-invasive approach to treating knee pain, and many patients begin to experience relief right away. Did you know…that many patients with knee pain are simple cases of improper arch support? Shoes make a big difference in the amount of pressure that is transferred to your knees when walking or running. If your arches are not properly supported, they cannot absorb shock as your foot strikes the ground. By simply wearing arch-supporting inserts inside your shoe, you can better distribute pressure and help prevent chronic knee pain. Frequently Asked Questions Should I see a chiropractor for my knee pain?Yes. Chiropractors are experts in pain relief and safe manipulation of the musculoskeletal frame. Chiropractic treatments are always the least invasive, so it makes sense to try those before pursuing more aggressive treatments. If your knee pain cannot be treated with chiropractic care, your chiropractor will refer you to a specialist who can assist you. What should I expect during my appointment?Your chiropractor will first examine your knee for signs of swelling and may order x-rays or other imaging to aid in the diagnostic process. If your knee is inflamed, you may need to rest it and ice it until swelling subsides. Next, your chiropractor may restore mobility to your knee with an adjustment similar to those you may receive for back pain or neck pain. Finally, your chiropractor may recommend massage and physical therapy to alleviate pain and restore function to the joint. Is there anything I should be doing to help alleviate pain between treatments?In addition to using adequate arch support, consider wearing a knee brace during physical activity to provide added support. Your neck – also referred to as the cervical spine – is a delicate accumulation of vertebrae, nerves, and muscles that work to support your head. The neck is very flexible and capable of rotating from side to side, up and down. Though the neck is not weak, it is susceptible to injury and pain. Neck pain is a common complaint and is often the result of poor posture, whiplash, or even stress. Even a simple fall or sports injury are enough to cause a sprain or compress a disc. If you are experiencing neck pain that won’t seem to go away, chiropractic treatment may be your solution. Did you know… that a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic treatment results in significant improvement in pain levels among patients who experience chronic neck pain? Millions of Americans suffer from neck pain every day, many of whom could find relief by visiting a chiropractor. Of those who do seek treatment, many find that chiropractic not only relieves chronic neck pain, but it also helps alleviate other symptoms, such as headaches and migraines. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSShould I see a chiropractor for my neck pain?Yes. Chiropractors are trained and experienced in all types of musculoskeletal pain. Diagnostic testing and an in-person consultation will make it possible for a chiropractor to determine whether your chronic neck pain can be treated with chiropractic. If your chiropractor believes it will be best served by a different type of medical practitioner, he or she will give you the appropriate referral. What should I expect at my chiropractic appointment?Your chiropractor will perform a neck adjustment or cervical manipulation treatment. This is a manual procedure that takes just seconds to complete but is capable of delivering instantaneous results. Many patients experience immediate relief of chronic neck pain, as well as muscle stiffness. You may hear popping as your chiropractor completes the cervical adjustment, but the treatment is not likely to be painful. Is there anything I can do to help prevent neck pain in the future?Yes. You may experience less neck pain by periodically visiting the chiropractor for preventative adjustments. In addition, your chiropractor may suggest getting frequent massages or practicing better posture to protect yourself against recurrent neck pain. Chiropractors treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system, but they are especially helpful in treating back pain. Chiropractors do not actually target pain relief itself so much as they attempt to treat the underlying conditions responsible for pain. Instead of merely masking a pain with over-the-counter or prescription medications, many patients who see chiropractors for back pain can achieve relief with simple spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes. Even the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research recommends that people with chronic back pain seek out conservative treatment options first, including safe and effective spinal manipulation. Did you know… that the leading cause of disability around the world is lower back pain? In the U.S. alone, an estimated 31 million people are suffering from some type of back pain – many of them chronically. Although inflammatory diseases and other conditions can be a source of back pain, the vast majority of symptoms are caused by mechanical discrepancies in the spine. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSShould I see a chiropractor for my back pain?Yes. Although not everyone is a candidate for chiropractic treatment, those who are often found significant pain relief with ongoing treatment. Contact your Essex County chiropractor today for more information or to schedule a consultation. How will a chiropractor treat my pain?Your chiropractor will first attempt to identify the cause of your pain – whether it is related to posture, weight, stress, or the result of a car accident or other injury. You may be advised to make certain modifications to your daily habits and to visit periodically for spinal manipulation, which is designed to relieve pain, muscle tightness and joint immobility. Your treatment may persist for several weeks or months until your pain subsides. What should I expect after treatment?Most chiropractic adjustments are not painful. However, it is normal to experience some mild to moderate soreness in the first one to two days following your treatment. Otherwise, you can return to your usual routine as soon as you leave the office. Chiropractic care is a branch of medicine pertaining to the health of the spine, nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and other techniques to address the underlying conditions that are responsible for symptoms like back pain, neck pain, and chronic headaches. Chiropractic care is generally practiced free of the use of medications or invasive therapies and treatments. Instead, patients are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles and eating habits to coincide with chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises. Patients who follow the instructions of their chiropractors often experience less muscle tightness and overall pain. Did you know… that the use of chiropractic can be traced back as far as 2700 B.C.? Archeologists have discovered ancient writings from China and Greece that detail the use of spinal manipulation in an effort to alleviate lower back pain. Even the great Greek physician, Hippocrates, wrote extensively about his endorsement of spinal care. Today, chiropractic care is used around the world for the treatment of various diseases and conditions of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSAm I a candidate for chiropractic treatment?The only way to know if you are a candidate for chiropractic treatment is by consulting with a chiropractor for a complete clinical assessment. If you are not a candidate for chiropractic care, or if you require medical treatment beyond the scope of chiropractic, you will be referred to the appropriate specialist or practitioner. What should I expect at my chiropractic appointment?Like any doctor visit, you will be asked to complete paperwork about your medical history and reason for visiting the chiropractor. You may be treated to massage or electronic muscle stimulation to help your body prepare for a chiropractic adjustment. The purpose of the adjustment is to manipulate the spine, neck and other areas of the musculoskeletal frame into an optimal position. You will hear a lot of loud popping and cracking during your visit, but you may experience greater mobility and less pain immediately after. Will I need to follow any special instructions after my chiropractic appointment?Your chiropractor may advise you to adopt healthier habits. For example, he or she may suggest using a back support for desk work to support a healthier posture. Other recommendations may include wearing better foot support, minimizing stress and changing your normal sleep position. What is K-Laser Therapy?Laser Therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal. The effects of laser energy include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation, and decreased swelling. Watch this short video to find out more. |