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| 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.
- 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.
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| 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?
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| Courtesy of Vibrant Life |
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.
If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the
comments section below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the
information in this blog, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and on
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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.
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| Courtesy of Vibrant Life |
