Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease. This drugless profession places special emphasis upon the spine and its inter-relationships with the nervous system.
The practice of chiropractic is distinctive due to the emphasis on the reduction (re-alignment) of spinal or pelvic rearrangements (subluxations). This is achieved by specific spinal manipulations (adjustments), the purpose of which is to normalize the relationship of the vertebrae within its “normal” functioning framework. This procedure is administered with much skill and dexterity after a careful examination is made and the area of involvement determined.
Other considerations of health such as exercise, rest, diet, nutrition, food supplements, etc. will be discussed on an individual case basis.
How long will I take to get well?
This is a commonly heard question in any chiropractic office. There is really no definite answer to that question.
However, we have treated numerous other cases of a similar nature and will be able to give you an approximate estimate based on our knowledge and many years of clinical experience.
In most instances, your concept of “being well” is one that deserves some serious objective consideration. To a majority of people, “being well” means to be free from the symptoms that initially brought you to this office.
We have found that it is not uncommon for people to present themselves to our office after having spent weeks, even months or years in pain while doctoring with drugs and other types of palliative therapies. When this approach proved to be ineffective, they sought chiropractic care as a last resort, usually on the recommendation of a friend.
A typical visit to this office will include an initial case history, physical examination and other standard procedures, a chiropractic examination of the spine and related structures.
This special attention to the neuromuscular aspect of your health ailment, coupled with a sound understanding of the basic concept of structure and function is a necessary ingredient for health maintenance; we will outline a program for you to follow once you are asymptomatic.
Patient Instruction Sheet
The following suggestions should expedite your recovery.
FOR NECK AND ARM PAIN:
DON’T
- Lie in bed or on the couch with your head propped up reading or watching TV
- Hold the phone to your ear with your shoulder
- Poke or rub your neck and shoulders
- Put heat on your neck
- Roll your head around
- Carry a bag on your shoulder
- Sleep with your arms over your head
DO
- Put ice on your neck for twenty minutes every hour
FOR SHOULDER (BURSITIS) PAIN:
DON’T
- Carry a handbag on your shoulder
- Hold the phone to your ear with your shoulder
- Poke or rub your neck and shoulders
- Carry anything heavy
- Sleep with your arms over your head.
- Sleep on your stomach.
DO
- Stand in a hot shower with hot water running on your shoulder and exercise the arm for three to five minutes.
- After your shower, wrap your shoulder in an ice pack for ten minutes
FOR MID BACK PAIN:
DON’T
- Carry a handbag on your shoulder
- Hold the phone to your ear with your shoulder
- Poke or rub your neck and shoulders
- Carry anything heavy
- Stretch your arms behind your back
- Sleep with your arms above your head
- Put heat on your back
DO
- Put ice on your back for twenty minutes every hour
FOR LOW BACK PAIN:
DON’T
- Sit on a soft couch, recliner or in bed
- Put heat on your back
- Cross your legs while sitting
- Keep a wallet in your back pocket
DO
- Put ice on your back for ten minutes every hour.
- Wear the back brace you were given, especially when sitting or riding
- Sleep on your back with one pillow under your knees and one under your head, or on your side with a one pillow between your knees, one between your arms and one under your head.