By Dr. Jon Thomas, DC, PSc.D, Board
Certified Chiropractic Physician.
 |
| Mayor Lenny Curry has made an official proclamation that October is Chiropractic Month in Jacksonville. |
Painkillers are relatively easy to
get and very easy to become addicted to. For example, Kurt Angle, a retired pro
wrestler who won an Olympic Gold Medal in wrestling in 1996, recently disclosed
to Dan Le Betard on ESPN that he became addicted to opioids after a serious
neck injury. He said that at the height of his addiction, when he was taking 65
extra strength Vicodin pills per day, he finally realized he had a problem.
Fortunately, he seems to be on the road to recovery.
Vibrant Life Health Center is
joining Chiropractic physicians nationwide this October during National
Chiropractic Health Month to raise awareness of drug free pain management. The
campaign promotes the use of chiropractic to address pain problems before
turning to opioids and other risky treatments. Chiropractic is an
important and effective first line of defense against pain. People need to know
that there are alternatives to painkillers.
What is Chiropractic?
 |
| Courtesy of Wikipedai |
Chiropractic focuses on disorders
of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these
disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are frequently used to treat
pain in the back, neck, hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Chiropractic can
also be used for headaches. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills. They
are trained to recommend therapeutic exercises. They can also provide
nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling.
Chiropractic adjustments are the
foundation of keeping your Life In Balance. Everything that occurs in the body
is done through the Central Nervous System (CNS). Your CNS travels through your
spinal column which houses and protects it. When there are areas of your spine
that are not in proper alignment your CNS is interfered with. This interference
disrupts the nervous system from running your body properly.
There is a great deal of research
on how interference can lead to Dis-Ease in your body and to chronic long-term
issues. Chiropractic is the only method that can identify interferences,
correct them, and maintain an optimal nervous system. Many chronic and painful
conditions in the body are caused from malfunctioning joints. Chiropractors
have specific training to identify and correct abnormal movement and
musculoskeletal conditions.
Exams
Chiropractors are highly trained to
perform examinations that evaluate and identify specific issues within the
body. We utilize a broad range of techniques such as orthopedic exams,
neurologic exams, palpation, range of motion, posture, gate (walking) patterns,
and functional movement assessments. Chiropractors have methods to accurately
identify the specific cause of a person’s problem. A Chiropractor can develop
an effective treatment plan and identify any safety concerns that pertain to
treatment.
The Tools of My Trade
 |
| Courtesy of Vibrant Life |
The Cox 8 Table. Cox®
Technic is a spinal manipulation that relieves back
pain, leg pain, neck pain, arm pain, and a host of other
spinal conditions. It was developed by renowned Chiropractor Dr. James M. Cox.
In addition to the technique, Dr. Cox developed the Cox table which is regarded
by many as the gold standard for Chiropractic tables. The innovations never
stop and the table is now in its 8th
generation. It is the culmination of decades of clinical research. I’m proud to
say that the table in my office is a state-of-the-art Cox 8.
Tytron Scans
All of the organs in a human body
are controlled by the Central Nervous System. Nerves run from the brain, down
the spinal column, and they innervate various organs throughout the body
including the heart, the lungs, and even the skin. Each of the nerves leaving
the spinal column innervates specific areas of the skin, thus dividing the body
into a patterned form known as dermatomes.
The nervous system uses
vasoconstriction and vasodilatation of the capillary bed to help regulate body
temperature. Irritations cause the skin's natural temperature symmetry to fall
out of balance from the left to right side of the spine. These temperature
changes indicate when there is a point of interference along these dermatomes.
Once located, interferences can be corrected. The Tytron Scanner is what I use
to find where the interferences are in a patient’s body.
Adhesion Breakers Instrument
Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Instruments.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue
Mobilization Instruments (IASTM) have been used for centuries in Chinese
medicine. They have been further developed and improved in recent years by several
manufacturers. IASTM helps to correct the adhesions and scar tissue that form
due to injury and inflammation, which occurs during injuries, surgeries,
overuse, and underuse conditions. IASTM increases tissue elasticity and
fibroblastic activity to return the muscles and surrounding tissues to a status
as close as possible to a patient’s pre-injury status. The instruments I use
for IASTM, which are some of the finest in the world, are manufactured by
Adhesion Breakers.
Intelect Legend XT E-Stim Machine
Electrotherapy is the application
of electrical stimulation transmitted through the body via electrodes for
therapeutic purposes. With electrotherapy, the current flows through the
body from one electrode to the other and causes various physiological reactions.
The Intelect Legend XT is one of the most advanced therapy systems of this type
available. With it, we are able to provide a range of beneficial therapies to
our patients.
Life In Balance
The Life in Balance protocol for
each patient is based on the results of the extensive tests we perform. As each
person is unique, nutritional requirements for each patient are unique as well.
We will put together a specific protocol of nutritional supplements that will
address your deficiencies and also a specific plan for detoxifying your body.
The Life In Balance protocol will provide you with a specific plan, leaving you
with no worries about how to take your health to the next level!
If you’re suffering with pain in
any part of your body and you’d like to find out how Chiropractic can help, or
if you’d like to find out more about our Life in Balance program, please call.
---
This article discusses National
Chiropractic Awareness Month, which is in October. I’ve provided an overview of
Chiropractic and brief descriptions of some of the tools that I use in my
practice. I’ve also mentioned Vibrant Life’s new Life In Balance program, which
is helping patients to reach the next level of wellness in their lives.
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 and colleagues, and also on social media.
The Google Plus button and other
social media sharing buttons are below.
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.
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 Northeast Florida.
