What is Chiropractic?

     Today most people have heard of Chiropractic, or know a friend who goes to a Chiropractor, or may go to a Chiropractor themselves.  But what is Chiropractic really?  It's probably not exactly what you think it is.  There are many definitions out there and most of them are correct in some way or have some aspects that are true. I define Chiropractic as the Art, Philosophy and Science of correcting spinal subluxations with adjustments to remove interference from the nervous system so that the body may function optimally. 

     From this definition you can see that Chiropractic deals with more than just the bones and muscles, but really with the entire nervous system.  Because of this, Chiropractors are often referred to as Neuro-Muscular Specialists. 

    
In the human body the Brain is the command center and controller of everything that occurs, from your heart rate to breathing to muscle movements.  The connection between the brain and the rest of the body is the Spinal Cord.  The spinal cord is protected by the Vertebral Spinal Column.  This is a collection of bones that stack on top of one another with a hole in the middle to surround and protect the spinal cord.  The vertebral spinal column is divided into four (4) different sections: the Neck or Cervical Spine; the Middle Back or Thoracic Spine; the Low Back or Lumbar Spine; and the foundation of the backbone or Sacrum / Pelvis.  Each section serves the same purpose, to protect the spinal cord and to provide a foundation for the body.  

     At every level or between every vertebrae a Spinal Nerve Root exits the spinal cord on each side to innervate the skin, muscles and organs in that section of the body.  For example, the cervical spinal nerve roots exit at the top of the spine and innervate the head, neck, shoulders and each arm to the fingers.  The thoracic nerve roots exit in the middle of the spine and innervate most of the organs in our thoracic cavity and abdomen.  The lumbar nerve roots exit in the lower spine and innervate the organs of the lower abdomen and both legs to the toes. 

     The spinal cord and the nerve roots are very delicate and susceptible to mechanical and chemical stresses or irritations. These stresses or irritations can be caused by the spinal vertebrae becoming slightly out of place or not moving properly.  This is called a Subluxation.  You may hear this term used frequently by the Chiropractor because this is the basis of Chiropractic.  Correcting a spinal subluxation will relieve the irritation and/or stress on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots and will allow appropriate nerve flow and connections to be reinstated, therefore allowing the nervous system to function properly and the body to function optimally.

     Chiropractic allows the body to use its "Innate Power" or in-born energy to heal itself.  By correcting the problem, not covering it up with pain masking drugs, Chiropractic uses the power of the body to heal the body! 

What does a Chiropractic Treatment Consist of?

 *Intake Forms - Your first visit will begin with you filling out some paperwork dealing with your spine related problems as well as your insurance and office policies.

 *Consult & Examination - After your intake forms are completed the Doctor will go over them briefly.  You will then be taken to a treatment/examination room and there you will meet the Doctor.  A consult will follow where the doctor asks you many questions about your spinal problems and other related issues. Please answer these questions honestly and to the best of your knowledge as every answer will give the Doctor a little more information about the problem and an eventual diagnosis and treatment plan.  A complete chiropractic and physical exam follow the consult.  This is when your body will give the Doctor more info about exactly what is going on and what the problem may be.  Again, please follow the Doctor's instructions and answer all the questions honestly.  After these steps are completed the Doctor will have a much better idea about your complaint will be able to form a diagnosis and treatment plan to help you get better.  Also, a Re-Exam is performed on a monthly basis to see the patient's progress in treatment.

 *X-Rays - If the Doctor believes you may be hurt badly or it is necessary to help with your diagnosis, X-Rays may be taken after the exam is completed.  Remember, if it is not absolutely necessary, X-Rays will NOT be taken.  Some people may not be allowed to have X-Rays taken, such as women who are pregnant.

 *Treatment/Adjustment - If it is your first visit and the consult & examination/x-rays have been completed, it's time for your first treatment/adjustment.  If it is not your first visit then after you are shown to your room, your treatment/adjustment will begin soon after.  Treatments/Adjustments vary for each patient depending on that patient's diagnosis and treatment plan. A treatment may consist of Hot Moist Packs (HMP), Cryotherapy (Ice Packs), Ultrasound (deep heating tissue therapy), Electric Stimulation for muscles and nerves, Massage, Cervical Traction, Flexion-Distraction lumbar spine traction, Activator, Active Release Technique (ART) for muscles, Stretching, and of course, the ADJUSTMENT!  All of these different aspects are useful in the treatment of many spinal problems.  The Adjustment or Chiropractic Manipulation is a part of every treatment and is the most important aspect of the treatment.  This is a force induced into the spinal column to correct subluxations in order to remove nervous system interference so that the body may heal itself and function optimally. 

     Chiropractic IS the Adjustment and the Adjustment IS Chiropractic!!!

How Often and How Long Do I have To Come?

 The answer of this question depends on many things:

1. What is the patient's spinal problem/condition?

2. What is the patient's age, lifestyle and physical condition? 

3. What is the patient's treatment plan?

4. Is the patient compliant? (Does the patient come to all scheduled    treatments and follow home exercise instructions?)

5. What is the expected outcome of treatment?

          There are three types of Chiropractic Care:

I )  Initial Intensive Care - This type of care will first and foremost help relieve the patient of their pain.  Office visits will be frequent and adjustments will be combined with other procedures to help offer quick relief.  Depending on the above criteria, repeated visits over weeks or months may be needed to reduce or eliminate symptoms.

II )  Rehabilitative Care - This type of care deals with improving the patient's spinal biomechanics after symptoms have disappeared. Muscle, nerve and soft tissue damage are still often present after symptoms have improved.  Stabilization of the spine and complete healing will help prevent repeat onsets of the same conditions/problems.  Visit frequency is reduced but home exercises and other self-care procedures will be implemented into the patient's daily routine.  With the aches and pain gone, real healing can now occur. Stopping care now may put the patient at risk for a relapse. Remember, Pain is always the last symptom to appear and the first symptom to disappear. That doesn't mean everything is fixed/healed properly.

III ) Wellness Care - This type of care is probably the most important, as it keeps the patient healthy and prevents relapses of the previous problem/condition. After maximum improvement is reached, periodic regular "spinal check-ups" are strongly recommended.  These visits are preventitive and will help detect and correct any new problems before they become serious. Health conscious adults choose this type of care for themselves and their families.  Wellness Care can help atheletes stay in peak condition, control stress levels, help maintain a positive outlook and mood, and just make you feel like your at 100% of your potential!

Along with other preventative health measures, Wellness Care can save the patient time and money by helping them STAY Well.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic will prescribe a treatment plan that is right for you and your spinal condition.  


*More Patient information about chiropractic can be found at the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors website.


***Thought you should know........
Chiropractic care is one emerging area in which patients with certain aggressive malignancies, including  mesothelioma, have introduced into formal and traditional treatment regimens.