1. Pain is the last symptom of dysfunction.
A patient’s back is often restricted or unstable for months or years before it presents as a problem and they show up in a chiropractor’s office. While medication may be necessary in some cases, if you take a pill and the pain goes away, the dysfunction that caused it still persists. Muscle, ligament and joint injuries often occur as a result of long-term bio-mechanical dysfunction, making the area more susceptible to future injury.
2. Athletes use chiropractors to stay well and perform better, not just for the occasional injury.
Athletes choose chiropractors because we are movement specialists. It’s far more common for major athletes and sports teams to keep chiropractors nearby to help prevent injuries, speed injury recovery, improve balance and coordination, and give them a greater competitive edge.
3. The body performs as a cascade of events that all start with proper control by the nervous system.
The nerves that travel through and control every function of your body originate at the spinal cord and their transmission may be disrupted if the joints of the surrounding spinal column are not moving properly. This disruption in biomechanical integrity combined with altered physiological function is what chiropractors call a subluxation. It is not uncommon for a chiropractor to treat a patient with mid-back pain who also suffers from irritable bowel system, a patient with a subluxation in the sacral region who has been unsuccessful in trying to conceive, or a patient with an upper back fixation and acid reflux.
4. Doctors don’t do the healing.
A chiropractor will never fix your back. We can, however, restore proper motion in the joints, which relieves tension on the nerves and muscles and allows your body to heal. As chiropractors, we believe that the body is perfect in its natural state, and all disease comes from a disruption in the body’s proper transmission of signals by the nerves. This affects its ability to heal and to defend against disease-causing agents.
5. Chiropractic is for all ages.
Many seniors aren’t aware that chiropractic care can help them with pain relief, increase range of motion, balance and coordination, and decrease joint degeneration. Chiropractors also check newborn babies moments after birth for misalignments that may occur as a result of the birth process. Parents also take their children to chiropractors to encourage healthy brain and nervous system development, to assist with colic, asthma, allergies, bed-wetting and sleeping problems.
6. We know about more than your backbone!
This surprises many people who had no idea that chiropractors give advice on nutrition, fitness, ergonomics and lifestyle, screen for conditions unrelated to the musculoskeletal system and refer out to other practitioners when necessary. Chiropractors are also able to complete specialties in other areas such as pediatrics, sports rehabilitation, neurology, clinical nutrition, and addictions and compulsive disorders.
7. Successful chiropractic patients accept responsibility.
A weak core from years of sitting at a desk may be to blame for the additional stress on joints, and adjustments may provide relief. However, once the condition is no longer exacerbated, a chiropractor may prescribe exercises to do at home. An evaluation of your nutrition may be needed if an inflammatory diet is suspected. Your success in remaining pain free may depend on more than just an office visit.
8. Chiropractic may help you get sick less.
Chiropractic adjustments are shown to consistently reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators associated with tissue damage and pain, and produce complexes which are important for healthy immune system defense. As far back as the deadly flu pandemic of 1917-1918, chiropractors noticed that their patients had fewer fatalities than among the general population. During that era, the estimated influenza death rate among patients of conventional medical care in the U.S. was estimated at 5 to 6 percent, while the fatality rate receiving spinal adjustments was estimated at 0.25%.
9. “I heard I’ll have to go forever” is a myth.
Generally, if patients come in with pain, once they have been treated for their initial complaint, there will be follow-up appointments to ensure proper motion is being maintained. Of course, many people still choose to see their chiropractor weekly because it keeps them feeling their best.
10. Adjustments don’t hurt.
The sound an adjustment makes is called a cavitation and is only space being created within the joint causing gasses to be released from the joint capsule, creating the popping or cracking noise. Adjustments, unlike having your friend stomp on you while you lay on the carpet, are applied specifically to improve the motion of your joints and limit the small dysfunctions that over time can lead to arthritis.
About Discover Health & Wellness – Ken Caryl
Dr. Dale Zagiba of Discover Health & Wellness Ken Caryl is located just off West Chatfield Avenue and Shaffer Parkway and serves the communities of Littleton and Ken Caryl. Discover Health & Wellness offers patients a natural and holistic approach to health improvement and pain reduction. Services at Discover Health & Wellness include chiropractic care, spinal correction, corrective exercises, lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, allergy treatment and spinal and postural screenings.
Visit http://discoverhealthandwellness.com/ for more information on hours, services and location.
Discover Health & Wellness, Ken Caryl
8081 Shaffer Pkwy, Ste B3
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 955-0570
