What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are neuro-muscular-skeletal specialists dealing with biomechanical disorders of the spine.
Neuro- meaning nerves, like:
Pinched nerves
Sciatica
Tingling and/or pins and needles in the arms and legs
Muscles- such as muscle spasm, pulled muscles and pinching.
Skeletal- such as joints and bones
Biomechanical- Bio=Body, Mechanical=Movement
How does someone get altered mechanics/movement in the spine?
Problems associated with your spine can occur in two ways, as active injuries or passive injuries.
Active Injuries are the most obvious. They are injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents, whiplash, slip and fall, lifting, repetitive/overuse injuries (such as when working with computers, or as a butcher or factory worker), exercising or participating in sports.
Passive Injuries can occur without the patient being aware. They are injuries, which can be the effect of prolonged lying on the couch, poor sleeping positions, poor ergonomics at work, using too many pillows or relaxation positions.
Both types of injuries can result in biomechanical disorders associated with the spine affecting neuromuscular systems.
How does the spinal adjustment help?
The biggest effect of spinal adjustment is neurological. Your nerves are responsible for the control of every cell, tissue and organ in your body. The spinal adjustment will remove irritation of the nerve, improving the communication between your nervous system and the target tissue, thus allowing your body to heal optimally. Also, the adjustment will override the muscle spindle which determine the length of the muscle, therefore overriding muscle spasm. The restoration of movement of the spine breaks up scar tissue as well as improves blood flow to the discs, helping to maintain disc health.
Do I have to be manipulated to get better?
No! There are several techniques that are designed specifically for each patient. Manipulation may be a traditional form of treatment, however Dr. Campo also uses special tables and adjusting instruments to resolve your biomechanical problem.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." This is the result of chiropractic’s conservative and natural approach that makes it so safe and helps millions of satisfied patients avoid harmful drugs or unnecessary surgery.
What makes the sound during Adjustments?
Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. However, some techniques do create a "popping" sound. This audible release is the result of gas shifting in the joint.
What is an Adjustment?
Adjustments are used by chiropractors to reposition the bones that are out of proper alignment, or subluxated. Various techniques are used to adjust the vertebrae. Depending on the patient’s age, condition, and the doctor’s training and experience, any of these techniques may be used. The purpose of the adjustments is to remove any interference with the nervous system, which improves spinal function and overall health. Adjustments are safe for all ages and are completely natural.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
Under chiropractic care, the doctor develops a specific course of care for each individual patient. Depending on the patient’s age, spinal condition, and health goals, the care plan will be customized. The recommendations are based on the consultation, examination, and diagnostic tests performed by the doctor.
How long will I need Chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care can be divided into three distinct phases. Initial intensive care is for the symptomatic patient. As the chief complaint resolves, the patient is transferred to reconstructive care. This phase is to assist in the rehabilitation of the vertebral alignment, ligament elasticity, and muscle asymmetry. Finally, the third phase is known as the wellness or preventative phase. These visits help support the final stages of healing as well as work to prevent other small problems from becoming serious. Few, if any health providers can offer wellness and prevention as well as chiropractors. However, the duration of care is always up to the patient.
Will I receive any medication for my pain?
Because chiropractors rely on the natural recuperative powers of the body, medication is not commonly used with chiropractic care. Typically, chiropractors use ice or moist heat to help control pain or muscle spasms. When properly applied, these methods can have an analgesic affect without the unwanted side effects of many medications. Chiropractors and medical doctors now enjoy strong working relationships. In severe cases, referrals may be made to other health care professionals if services outside of the scope of chiropractic are needed.
Why do chiropractors take X-rays?
In order to properly diagnose a patient’s condition, x-rays are commonly taken. These x-rays are used to check vertebral alignment, disc degeneration, proper curvature, scoliosis, and other serious pathology. Many chiropractors use x-rays to document a patient’s progress as well. With the advancement of high-speed film and limited exposure, the amount of radiation used is far outweighed by the useful information gained by actually seeing the patient’s spine.
Can patients with arthritis receive chiropractic care?
Patients who suffer from various forms of arthritis may get significant results from chiropractic. Depending on the patient, results may vary; however, by keeping the spinal joints moving freely, the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis can be minimized. If your doctor deems necessary, a referral to another health care provider may be suggested. Additionally, studies show that those who enjoy chiropractic from a younger age reduce their risk of osteoarthritis later in life.
Can a person with previous back surgery see a chiropractor?
Unfortunately, research shows that up to one-half of those who have spinal surgery report a relapse of their original symptoms within months or years. This common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome," and it usually results in the necessity of additional procedures. Chiropractic care may prevent repetitive surgeries, or better yet, if used initially, may help avoid surgery in the first place.
Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Pregnant women frequently get amazing results from chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained in special techniques for adjusting pregnant women. Because of the inability to take medication for pain, the natural approaches of chiropractic are the logical choice for many pregnant women. More and more, obstetricians are referring patients to chiropractors due to the effectiveness of spinal adjustments for pain relief. Also, techniques designed to naturally turn a Breech baby are safe and effective. Lastly, women under chiropractic care have a significantly faster delivery than those who are not.
Do I have a Slipped Disk?
Discs are known as the "shock absorbers" of the spine and are made up of a fibrous outer ring and a jelly-like center. Commonly, a variety of disc problems throughout the spine may be referred to as a "slipped disc." A disc cannot actually slip because of the way it attaches into the bones above and below. Discs can tear, decay, bulge, or dehydrate, all of which can be serious problems. However, discs cannot slip.
Do I have a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is a rare occurrence. Most likely, the pain you are experiencing is an adjacent spinal bone out of its proper alignment, causing irritation, slight compression, or stretching of a nerve. These misalignments, called vertebral subluxations, can distort the impulses being sent between the brain and the body. Any interference to these nerve signals can produce disorders in the tissues and organs.
