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Independence from Pain through Chiropractic

By Dr. Jon Thomas, DC, PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.

Wikimedia Commons
The beginning of July is a time when Americans reflect on the many freedoms they enjoy, freedoms that people in other nations may not have. As Americans, we are very fortunate to have the freedoms we have, and we should never take them for granted. With that in mind, I’d like to wish a very Happy Fourth of July to all the patients to whom we provide services at Vibrant Life Health Center. The same goes for our employees and all of our business associates.
Freedom from Pain
One freedom that has not yet been added to the Bill of Rights is the right to live free of pain. Perhaps, someday in the not-so-distant future, our political leaders will recognize the deep-seated need many people have to be free of pain. I’m just kidding. The government, unfortunately, can’t guarantee freedom from pain.
One of the things that really can help with pain is Chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic has proven to be effective for providing relief from pain in virtually every part of the body, including:
  • Lower back, middle back, and upper back
  • Shoulders
  • Neck
  • Elbows
  • Wrists
  • Knees
  • Ankles
  • Hips
  • Elbows
Many patients suffer from pain for a long time before seeking treatment of any kind. Some think that whatever is ailing them will eventually get better over time. Some think that if they’re patient enough and “tough it out” the pain will go away. Some have tried traditional medicine, including painkillers which can be highly addictive, and they just don’t think that anything will work for them. Since nothing has worked for them, they think that nothing ever will work for them.
Some people have suffered from pain for so long they no longer remember what it’s like to not be in pain. It’s hard to believe, but some people do live that way. The good news is that you don’t have to live that way. Relief is available! After receiving their first adjustment from a trained Chiropractor, many people can hardly believe the level of relief they experience. Most wish they had gotten Chiropractic treatment much, much sooner.
Daniel David Palmer
Courtesy of Wikipedia
A Short History of Chiropractic
According to the American Chiropractic Association, the word ‘Chiropractic’ comes from the Greek words cheir (meaning ‘hand’) and praktos (meaning ‘done’). In essence, it means “done by hand.” The name was chosen by Daniel David Palmer, the developer of Chiropractic.
Palmer recognized that various forms of manipulation had been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. However, no one had ever codified a philosophical or scientific rationale to explain the effects of spinal manipulations. Palmer’s primary contribution to the health field was the art and science of Chiropractic, which was based on his study of anatomy and physiology. 
In September 1895, Palmer examined a janitor who had become deaf 17 years earlier after he felt a change in his back. Palmer examined the area and gave an “adjustment” to what he believed to be a misplaced vertebra in the upper back. The janitor’s hearing improved.
DD Palmer continued to develop the practice of Chiropractic. In 1897, he established the Palmer School of Cure, which is now known as the Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa. Many people became interested in Palmer’s new healing art. Kansas became the first state to license Chiropractors in 1913.  
By 1931, thirty-nine states had given chiropractors legal recognition. Today, all 50 states recognize Chiropractic as a health care profession. Many other countries also recognize and regulate Chiropractic, including Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, Japan and Switzerland. 
How does Chiropractic Treatment relieve pain?
Courtesy of Vibrant Life
A great deal of the pain human beings experience is due to some part of their body being out of proper alignment. Like the front end of a car, body parts have to be properly aligned to function correctly. This is especially true of the spine, which is the part of the body to which all the other parts are attached. Chiropractors refer to misalignments of the spine as subluxations. A subluxation can affect nerves. When that happens there may be pain right at the subluxation point as well as other areas of the body connected by nerves to that spot.
Spinal manipulation differentiates Chiropractic treatment from other medical practices. Chiropractors are highly trained to perform adjustments to bring the spine into proper alignment. There are several techniques. The more techniques a Chiropractor masters, the more tools he or she has at his or her disposal to help patients. This enables the practitioner to choose the technique which will best address whatever problem a patient is having and to do so in a way that is most comfortable for the patient. For example, I have been trained in numerous techniques, including the following:
The Cox® Technique, a non-surgical, doctor-controlled, hands on spinal manipulation performed with the patient lying on The Cox® Table.
Extremities Techniques optimize function and performance, balance, energy, muscle performance and development, and more.
The Thompson Technique utilizes a “Segmental Drop Table” to enhance the motion force imparted towards the segment or area to be adjusted.
Activator Technique involves low force and high speed activation of the skeletal structure. This technique incorporates the latest advances in orthopedic, neurological, and Chiropractic science.
Diversified Technique is the most commonly used adjustment technique by chiropractors. Like many Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulative techniques, Diversified is characterized by a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust.
FAKTR is a technique for treating soft tissue problems. It is effective for many conditions, ranging from headaches, back pain, shoulder problems, pain in the elbows, pain in the feet, and pain in just about any part of the body.
Neuromuscular Re-Education is a “stand-alone” hands-on technique/approach to the evaluation and functional treatment of soft tissue injuries.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. Contracting the muscle via electrical stimulation helps strengthen the affected muscle.
Active Tissue Therapy applies tension to injured tissue while it is in active motion. This allows us to break down scar tissue and improve healing, function, and strength.
As you can see, Chiropractic is used for much more than low back pain. Chiropractic is also very effective for addressing pain in the extremities. Also, since many headaches are actually the result of misalignments of the spine, including the neck area, Chiropractic is very effective for treating headaches as well.
Since every part of the body is connected to the spine, Chiropractic can also be very effective for addressing problems in other parts of the body, parts of the body many people would not normally associate with the back. For example, some gastrointestinal problems are the result of subluxations which are affecting the nerves leading to the GI tract. Efforts to treat some GI problems without addressing associated nerve problems aren’t likely to produce the desired results.
If you are suffering with pain in any part of your body, and especially if you’ve been in pain for a long time, I urge you to look into Chiropractic treatment. Pain that is left untreated can affect every minute of every day. Pain can also keep a person from getting a good night’s sleep. Chiropractic can provide relief, in many cases instant relief. Even if you’ve tried Chiropractic without getting a positive result, you may want to look into it again. Different techniques produce different outcomes. Also, as with other professions, some doctors are better at what they do than others. 
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In this article, I have discussed a very short history of Chiropractic and how Chiropractic gives people freedom from pain. I’ve listed many, but not all, of the techniques I use with patients. I’ve also discussed the fact that Chiropractic is effective for treating problems in parts of the body other than the back.
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At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Courtesy of Vibrant Life
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weightlifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Jacksonville.

2 comments:

  1. What's even better about chiropractors is that they don't just cure what ails you, they also help to keep you healthy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. There's nothing quite like back pain. Freedom from that kind of pain without prescriptions is best.

    ReplyDelete