Chiropractic is a form of health care based on the study of the nervous system and its role in sustaining excellent health. A chiropractor’s main concern is with anything that may be causing interference to the nervous system. A chiropractor will address any external (ie. nutrition, exercise, environment) or internal (i.e. thought processing, biochemical) factors that may result in decreased function of your nervous system and overall health. By detecting and analyzing these stressors/interferences, called subluxations, a chiropractor will then use specific adjustments to reduce those interferences, thereby freeing the nervous system which allows you to more clearly and accurately perceive your changing needs. Resultantly, your healing capabilities are restored and increased energy and vitality follow. Chiropractic is a safe and effective way to create excellent health.
A subluxation is a term used by chiropractors to describe anywhere in the spine where the nervous system function may be compromised. This often is a result of cumulating events physical, chemical and emotional. Subluxations can be detected by thorough evaluation including thermalscan, Surface EMG, Range of Motion, and palpation of the spine.
Once a doctor of chiropractic has detected and analyzed any subluxated areas in your body, specific intentional forces are delivered to those areas and over time there is a progressive release of the compromise and a freeing of nervous system function. These applied forces are referred to as adjustments.
After an adjustment you may experience a feeling of peace and relaxation. Often patients experience a very deep sleep the evening after an adjustment. Others who come to chiropractic with specific health concerns may feel a lessening of some of those issues. Some people feel no different after an adjustment. This does not necessarily mean that they are not Benefiting from their adjustments, it just means that they are not feeling any external reaction. A small minority of people may feel discomfort or soreness, or some uncomfortable feeling. This is the body’s way of letting them know that they are being challenged physically to change.
First visit: The first visit is approximately 1 hour. Paperwork will be filled out. Patients will then have a one on one consultation with the doctor and a thorough examination.
Second visit: The second visit is approximately 45 minutes. The doctor will go over the patient’s particular case and provide handouts and recommendations for care and goals. There will be an explanation of our office policies and, if applicable, patient insurance information. The first adjustment will occur on this visit.
Follow up visits: You should allow 20- 30 minutes for follow up visits. This allows time for check in/out, a few restful minutes before and after your adjustment and sufficient coaching time with the doctor.
As you continue your chiropractic care and your spine and nervous system continue to release deep-seated stresses as part of your healing process, you may begin to notice:
- More freedom of movement
- Better balance
- More awareness of your spine, its movements, areas of tightness and restrictions
- Improved breathing ability
- Increased awareness of when your body is under stress
- More emotional relaxation, and generalized feeling of well being
A cracking or popping noise may occur with an adjustment depending on the particular technique that the doctor uses. Typically a manual adjustment is the technique that may cause this noise. The popping is nitrogen gas release from inside of the joint that relieves pressure when it quickly opens and closes. It is not a bone breaking or a ligament popping. The noise is simply a by-product of the type of technique applied. There are many very effective chiropractic techniques that don’t elicit any sounds. Should you have any concerns about the “noise” that may release with certain adjustments the doctor will be happy to discuss this with you in detail.
We at LWC maintain that the only way to get maximum results is to address the “Eat Well, Think Well, Move Well”™ philosophy. If we do not address nutrition and exercise and healthy thought process concurrent to your spinal adjustments we will not achieve the goals we are seeking. Therefore;
- Eat a well balanced, healthy diet
- Stretch back and leg muscles
- Sleep on side, with a pillow between the knees and hugging a pillow to the chest, or on the back with a pillow placed beneath the knees.
- Avoid stomach sleeping as it puts excess pressure on the neck and important nerves that pass through the neck.
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain good posture
- Have your workstation evaluated for ergonomics
- Promote positivity
- Practice stress reduction
- Schedule regular spinal checkups