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What is a subluxation?
The traditional meaning of the word subluxation comes from the Latin words meaning, "to dislocate" (luxare) and "somewhat or slightly" (sub). A subluxation traditionally has been thought of as a slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the spine). It is obvious, using the information from the section on Clinical Biomechanics of Posture (CBP) that this is an out of date view. If a bone were actually out of place and "pinching" a nerve this would be a medical issue. In CBP we address what we call "global subluxations." These are misalignments of regions of the spine as opposed to single bones. These disturbances may irritate nerve roots, tension the spinal cord, and also irritate blood vessels, which branch off from the spinal cord between each of the vertebrae. This irritation may cause pain and dysfunction in muscle, lymphatic and organ tissue as well as imbalance in the normal body processes.
What is the cracking noise when you do an adjustment and is it necessary?
Most people hear about going to the chiropractor to get their "back cracked." This can be frightening for some people. I have even had a patient ask me, "how long will it take for my bones to heal after you break them?" Obviously there is a misunderstanding. Within your joints there is something called synovial fluid. Among other things this fluid helps to lubricate the joint so that it moves smoothly (Like WD-40). Within this fluid there is carbon dioxide in a liquid state. When we do an adjustment we take the joint to tension in the direction that it is not functioning correctly, do a light impulse and often times it will gap the joint. When it does it changes the pressure within the joint, and the carbon dioxide goes from a liquid state to a gas state, creating a pop (much like opening a bottle of champagne). Unfortunately, a lot of people think that if they don't hear a pop an adjustment did not happen. This is far from the truth. The main goal is the results we are looking for, not how loud of a pop we can get.
Should I go to a chiropractor if I feel fine?
Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help you maintain its required level of health and fitness. Keep in mind that symptoms are the last thing to arrive and the first thing to leave. For example, the number one first symptom of heart disease is a heart disease is a heart attack. Cancer can go undetected for years without any symptoms. In other words you can have a "back problem" without experiencing symptoms. Just as angina and/or a heart attack is not the problem in heart disease (it is the damage to the heart and blood vessels), pain is a symptom of the real problem which is improper spinal alignment. The good news is that those who have no symptoms and are found to need correction tend to respond much more quickly to care.
Is it true that chiropractors do not prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Yes. Chiropractors do not include medication or surgery in their treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the body has a built-in capacity to restore health within certain limits, and base their care on this principle. Occasionally, the use of medication can interfere with the body's healing mechanisms, produce side effects, and create dependence and lead to drug-induced disease or complications. The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. Chiropractic's principles make it possibly the safest and most appealing of the healing arts.
How does chiropractic care help the pregnant patient?
Because of the additional weight and stress on the framework of the body in pregnant women, chiropractic adjustments can help lower the incidence of pain in the lower back and legs, and between the shoulder blades. In some cases, fewer headaches and problems with nausea and elimination may also result. Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular course of their daily practices. In this office the mirror image postural work is exceptionally important for making the mother to be more comfortable throughout the process. I know my wife sure appreciated it.
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