Frequently Asked Questions:
From
Minneapolis
residents and Minnesotans in general.
Why
Does Chiropractic work:
Chiropractic works because you are
a self-healing, self regulating organism controlled by the
nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain,
down the spinal cord and extend to every organ and tissue.
Signals sent back and forth to your brain confirm if your
body is working correctly. Improper motion or position of the
moving bones of the spine called a subluxation can interfere
with this important exchange by irritating nerves and make
vulnerable the function of affected organs and tissues.
Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind-body
communications. Health often returns with improved nervous
system control of the body.
What Is A
Herniated Disc?
The disc is a soft pulpy "shock
absorber." The disc has a fibrous outer ring that holds
in a softer jelly-like material. Disc herniation occurs
when the soft jelly-like material protrudes through the
fibrous outer ring. A "Slipped Disc" is not possible due
to the attachment above and below the disc. A disc can
bulge, herniated, tear, thin, and dehydrate with physical
trauma and aging.
What Is A Pinched
Nerve?
A
pinched nerve occurs when there is direct pressure on the
nerve from bone or surrounding tissues. Direct pressure
on the nerve is fairly rare, it is more common to have rubbing
or chaffing due to subluxations, tissue spasms, direct
trauma. These irritations can alter organ, tissue, and
sensory functions. Nerves are like garden hoses, if you
place your foot over the hose it cuts off the flow of
water. With nerves a loss of electrical impulse or
conduction occurs, the greater the pressure the greater the
deficit.
What Is A
Subluxation?
A
subluxation is the misalignment of the bones in the spine and
any joint in the body, arm, foot, finger, hip, etc.
Subluxations can cause neurological, vascular, and myofascial
deficits. Subluxations can be present before warning
signs occur in your body. It is important to have a
thorough examination to determine the location and severity of
subluxations.
What Causes
Subluxations?
Emotional stress can cause subluxations such as
anger, grief, and fear. Biochemical irritations such as
Drugs, Pollution, Smoking, Alcohol and poor diet will cause
subluxations. Direct physical trauma such as improper
lifting, falls, accidents, repetitive motions, and poor
ergonomics.
What Is An Adjustment?
Chiropractors are the only Doctors who are Nationally
Certified and licensed to give
adjustments. Doctors of Chiropractic find the specific
joint which has decreased motion or moving improperly, then
apply a gentle quick thrust in the direction of the joint
restoring the joint to its normal position. Often a
"pop" is heard or felt, this is simply the gas being released
from the joint fluid. After an adjustment it is common
to experience immediate relief and improved joint motion.
Adjustments can be made to any joint in the body spinal,
elbow, knee, jaw, hip, toes, etc.
Should I Adjust Myself?
NO, do not adjust
yourself! Some people can "pop" their joints, but that
is not an adjustment. In fact worse damage can be done
by moving a joint in the wrong direction with weakened muscles
and ligaments. Adjustments are applied in a very
specific direction, force, speed, and take years to master.
Even Doctors of Chiropractic must consult a colleague for an
adjustment.
Should Newborns Get Adjustments?
Yes. Studies
suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear
infections, and erratic sleeping can be signs of spinal
distress. Childbirth is a very traumatic event on the
newborn's body and the Mothers too. Pediatric
adjustments are very light in pressure and help normalize the
nervous system.
Can I Be Adjusted After Surgery?
Yes.
After surgery the joints above and below the involved level
will have instability due to the increased stress applied to
them. These areas will be the focus of Chiropractic
treatment.
How Much Care Do I Need?
Depending on the
type, severity, and length of time you've had the condition or
injury Chiropractic Care could be a week to several months.
After a extensive exam a treatment plan is given to the
patient. It is our goal to relieve your pain and
restore your body to where it was before the injury or
condition. Many patients discover that periodic
chiropractic care can help avoid injuries or a relapse.
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