• Can I exercise my problem away?
• Sometimes, I move my neck and hear a cracking sound. Didn't I just adjust myself?
• What is a subluxation?
• Will chiropractic help me?
• How long until I feel better?
• What is a visit to the chiropractor like?
• Is chiropractic care safe?
• Is there a difference between spinal "manipulation" and "adjustment"?
• What does a doctor of chiropractic do?
• Who sees a chiropractor?
• Know any of these famous names?
Can I exercise my problem away?
If a spinal mechanical problem exists in your spine, which a chiropractor refers to as a "subluxation", exercise will not remove the problem. When a bone of the spine stops moving appropriately, it becomes fixated. This fixation is located in a range of motion of the joint that is outside the dimensions of the active range of motion. Each spinal joint has three ranges of motion. The active range is that motion that you can achieve on you own by bending or stretching. The passive range of motion is just beyond that of the active range; it is the range of motion that someone else can take the joint through once the active range is at its maximum point. Finally, the third range of motion is joint play - this is where the fixation of the joint occurs. It is impossible to reach this point with exercise. It is at this point that a chiropractor renders an adjustment. Although exercise is an important part of a person's health and well-being, it is contraindicated as a means of correcting a spinal problem. This approach is not only ineffective; it can also lead to further exacerbation of the problem. Taking care of a spinal problem is much easier than most people think. Delaying treatment only worsens the damage.
BACK TO TOP
Sometimes, I move my neck and hear a cracking sound. Didn't I just adjust myself?
No. A chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in a specific direction to a specific vertebra. It is impossible to adjust yourself. I have come across many cases where some people, men in particular, will quite often suddenly jerk their head to the right and left and produce a popping sound. This is more dangerous and is a sign that something is locked up in the neck bones. If your neck is aligned and there is no nerve pressure, there will not be that urge to pop or crack your own neck. It might give some temporary relief, but you have not actually gotten rid of the subluxation or problem. It could potentially be very dangerous. The same goes for untrained people who offer to crack your neck, such as barbers, masseurs and sinsehs. Now, that really is scary and dangerous!
BACK TO TOP
What is a subluxation?
"Subluxation" is a term used to describe a misalignment of bones of the spine. This misalignment puts pressure on the nerves that exit these bones. Subluxations upset the ability of the brain to control and coordinate the function of the body. They can be painless and often remain dormant for years before exhibiting any symptoms. Chiropractors are trained to correct subluxations with specific spinal adjustments.
BACK TO TOP
Will chiropractic help me?
Chiropractic care is beneficial to every man, woman, child. Even animals that have a spine can receive chiropractic care! Understanding that the brain and spinal cord make up your nervous system, one can understand that chiropractic care works by restoring balance to the body and giving it a better chance to heal itself. Everyone needs proper nerve function.
BACK TO TOP
How long does it take until I feel better?
Some patients experience relief almost instantly. Others discover that the healing process can take months. Healing is a process, not an event. Every patient recovers at their own pace. Factors which can affect the healing process include your age, overall health condition, muscle tone, diet and even your attitude.
BACK TO TOP
What is a visit to the chiropractor like?
On your first visit, you will fill up a case history, where you explain your problem to us and give us a picture of your past and current health. Then the chiropractor will go over it with you and gather more information. She will also go over any x-rays or MRIs you have brought in. This is followed by a complete spinal examination to determine where the problem is and what course of action needs to be taken.
All the results will be presented to you and a specific course of care recommended.
Treatment is by an "adjustment". An adjustment is a specific force introduced in the spine to correct any pressure on the nervous system. It is neither painful nor invasive.
After that, you will rest for a little while and the chiropractor will re-check your spine and legs to see that the problem has been corrected.
BACK TO TOP
Is chiropractic care safe?
Both the safety and effectiveness of the scientific practice of chiropractic care has been well documented. It is safer than taking muscle relaxants or having back surgery. A report printed in 1979 as a result of a New Zealand government inquiry reported that chiropractic care is "remarkably safe." The British Medical journal reported in 1999 on a research study for lower back pain that chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of treatment available.
The profession is delivering millions of adjustments daily to satisfied patients all around the world. Chiropractic care is non -invasive. Therefore, the body's response to it is more predictable than its reactions to drug treatments or surgical procedures. Chiropractic treatment should only be rendered by a professional with proper training and experience (a doctor of chiropractic).
BACK TO TOP
Is there a difference between spinal "manipulation" and "adjustment"?
There is a major difference between an "adjustment" and "manipulation". Manipulations are defined as forceful passive movements of a joint beyond its active limit of motion. These are non-specific, and have the objective of loosening joints and stretching tight muscles.
On the other hand, a chiropractic adjustment is the science of introducing a specific force in a precise direction to a verterbra that has subluxated. It is a dynamic thrust of controlled amplitude. The adjustement releases the vertebra back into its normal position along the spine, allowing proper nerve flow to and from the brain.
There are numerous ways to adjust the spine. Each of the various techniques require a specific force and vector. The adjustment is delivered either by the doctor's hands or a specially-designed instrument. Some adjusting techniques are quick, while others require slow constant pressure.
BACK TO TOP
What does a doctor of chiropractic do?
Chiropractic has a different role in the health care system than the medical model that many people are accustomed to. The medical approach emphasizes the repairing of the body through external means. Chiropractic is different; it does not use the outside-in approach of fixing a body with drugs or surgery. Chiropractic focuses on correction and restoration of health through more natural means. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that the spine and nervous system are directly linked to health. The brain is protected by the skull, and the spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Nerve impulses flow from the brain down the spinal cord and to every organ and tissue in the body. Nerve impulses respond back to the brain to confirm that the body is functioning properly. If there are problems with the function of these movable spinal bones, a variety of symptoms and pain syndromes can arise. A chiropractor looks to the spine and possible neurological involvement to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms. If necessary, chiropractors also will refer patients to other health care professionals. A chiropractor corrects the mechanical problems in the spine and thereby alleviates the interference with the nervous system. When these mechanical problems are corrected, the patient's body is able to heal itself without drugs or surgery. The body has been created with the ability to self-regulate and to self-heal. These functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord and other nerves of the body.
BACK TO TOP
Who sees a chiropractor?
For most Malaysians, an initial introduction to chiropractic care is due to an ache or pain. They come in for what chiropractors call "crisis care". They are experiencing symptoms and want to find relief and make the pain go away. Many patients have already tried many other treatments (e.g. injections, drugs, physiotherapy, exercise and even surgery) with few results and finally decided see a chiropractor. They are usually pleasantly surprised when something finally works!
However, pain and symptoms are the body's way of communicating with us on a deeper problem that lies below the surface. Chiropractors find the cause of the problem and not just treat the symptoms.
Many people who see chiropractors are also asymptomatic (they are not in pain and do not have any visible problems). They see a chiropractor to have their spines checked for "maintenance care" because they know that the body works better when the nervous system is functioning properly without any interference.
BACK TO TOP
Know any of these famous names?
--- Entertainers ---
"Chiropractic is a wonderful means of natural healing!"
Bob Hope
"I have a wonderful chiropractor. I believe a healthy spine is a healthy body."
Dixie Carter (Designing Women TV Series)
"Chiropractic has advanced tremendously over the past few decades. It has grown by leaps and bounds to become a specialized and accepted science."
Andy Griffith (Matlock TV Series)
"I leave my chiropractor's office feeling fresh and rejuvenated and back in line the way I should be. He has also been successful at getting rid of my tension headaches."
Katherine Kelly Lang (The Bold and the Beautiful Soap Opera Star)
"I like to go to the chiropractor at least once a week and have for the past 20-25 years. I feel better when I go; I have more energy."
Lou Waters (CNN Today)
Mel Gibson credits chiropractic with helping him keep in top physical form. In fact, during the filming of "The Passion of the Christ," there was a chiropractor on set for all the crew members and actors. The father of James Caviezel, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the movie, is a chiropractor!
Other entertainers who use chiropractic care: David Duchovny, Sylvester Stallone, Robin Williams, David Copperfield, Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Alec Baldwin, Richard Gere, Whoopie Goldberg, Macaulay Culkin, Demi Moore, Johnathan Lipnicki, Steven Seagal, Cher, Jerry Seinfeld, Clint Eastwood, Patrick Stewart, Linda Hamilton and Jane Seymour.
--- Sports Personalities ---
"Chiropractic helps athletes and people working out, engaging in a sport or even just performing daily functions such as walking and sitting, to operate at their peak level or performance without pain. I highly recommend that you pay a visit to your local chiropractor."
Dr Joyce Vedral (Fitness Expert)
"Bodybuilders and fitness people have been using chiropractors very extensively in order to stay healthy and fit. I found it was better to go to a chiropractor before you get injured. We are a perfect team - the world of fitness and the world of chiropractors."
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Actor/Bodybuilder)
"I do believe chiropractic has really benefitted my game. Over the last three years, I feel I have become more exposed to, and knowledgeable about, the benefits of chiropractic care for me and my game. I realize how your body can get out of balance and chiropractic helps relieve me."
Fred Funk (PGA Tour Professional)
"I have to have an adjustment before I go into the ring. It came to the point where I wanted an adjustment everyday. I do believe in chiropractic. I found that going to a chiropractor three times a week helps my performance. The majority of boxers go to that edge."
Evander Holyfield (Heavyweight Boxing Champion)
A research study conducted in 1991 by Dr Anthony Lauro and Dr Brian Mouch, published in the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation, indicated that chiropractic care might improve athletic performance by as much as 16.7% over a two-week period. The report also concluded that subluxation-free athletes react faster, coordinate better and execute fine movements with improved accuracy and presicion, amounting to better performance overall.
Other sports personalities who use chiropractic care: Tony Lopez, Muhammad Ali, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, John Smoltz, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, Barbara Bunkowsky, Tiger Woods, Patti Rizzo and Sandra Palmer.
--- Authors ---
"Chiropractic works in harmony with the basic healing forces of the body, whereas the allopathic, western medical establishment doesn't have nearly as holistic a vision."
John Robbins (author of 'Diet For A New America')
Other authors who use chiropractic care: Dr Norman Vincent Peale, Candice Pert, Anthony Robbins and Mark Victor Hansen.
--- Recording Artists ---
"In my profession as a musician and composer, and with a demanding touring schedule, my health and well being are as important to me as my music. Without chiropractic guidance, I would not be able to travel the 100,000 miles every year that I do in perfect health."
Graham Russell (Air Supply)
Rosanne Cash, a prolific country Singer, has "sung" the praises of chiropractic. She served as a National Chiropractic Chairperson for the "Stars of Chiropractic" program to spread the word about how great chiropractic is.
Other recording artists who use chiropractic care: Van Halen, Madonna and members of The Beach Boys, Grateful Dead, Extreme, Bon Jovi and The Eagles.
--- Royalty ---
The late Princess of Wales, Diana Spencer.
--- Supermodels ---
"Chiropractic makes me feel a few inches taller each time I come out."
Christie Brinkley
BACK TO TOP