Email  Doctorobrien@gmail.com   Phone: 612-578-5111

Why Does Chiropractic work:

 

     Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self regulating organism controlled by the nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and extend to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back and forth to your brain confirm if your body is working correctly. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a subluxation can interfere with this important exchange by irritating nerves and make vulnerable the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind-body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

 

What Is A Herniated Disc?

    The disc is a soft pulpy "shock absorber."  The disc has a fibrous outer ring that holds in a softer jelly-like material.  Disc herniation occurs when the soft jelly-like material protrudes through the fibrous outer ring.  A "Slipped Disc" is not possible due to the attachment above and below the disc.  A disc can bulge, herniated, tear, thin, and dehydrate with physical trauma and aging.

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What Is A Pinched Nerve?

     A pinched nerve occurs when there is direct pressure on the nerve from bone or surrounding tissues.  Direct pressure on the nerve is fairly rare, it is more common to have rubbing or chaffing due to subluxations, tissue spasms, direct trauma.  These irritations can alter organ, tissue, and sensory functions.  Nerves are like garden hoses, if you place your foot over the hose it cuts off the flow of water.  With nerves a loss of electrical impulse or conduction occurs, the greater the pressure the greater the deficit.

 

What Is A Subluxation?

     A subluxation is the misalignment of the bones in the spine and any joint in the body, arm, foot, finger, hip, etc.  Subluxations can cause neurological, vascular, and myofascial deficits.  Subluxations can be present before warning signs occur in your body.  It is important to have a thorough examination to determine the location and severity of subluxations.

 

What Causes Subluxations?

 

     Emotional stress can cause subluxations such as anger, grief, and fear.  Biochemical irritations such as Drugs, Pollution, Smoking, Alcohol and poor diet will cause subluxations.  Direct physical trauma such as improper lifting, falls, accidents, repetitive motions, and poor ergonomics.

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What Is An Adjustment?

 

     Chiropractors are the only Doctors who are Nationally Certified and licensed     to give adjustments.  Doctors of Chiropractic find the specific joint which has decreased motion or moving improperly, then apply a gentle quick thrust in the direction of the joint restoring the joint to its normal position.  Often a "pop" is heard or felt, this is simply the gas being released from the joint fluid.  After an adjustment it is common to experience immediate relief and improved joint motion.  Adjustments can be made to any joint in the body spinal, elbow, knee, jaw, hip, toes, etc.

Should I Adjust Myself?

 

     NO, do not adjust yourself!  Some people can "pop" their joints, but that is not an adjustment.  In fact worse damage can be done by moving a joint in the wrong direction with weakened muscles and ligaments.  Adjustments are applied in a very specific direction, force, speed, and take years to master.  Even Doctors of Chiropractic must consult a colleague for an adjustment.

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Should Newborns Get Adjustments?

 

     Yes.  Studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections, and erratic sleeping can be signs of spinal distress.  Childbirth is a very traumatic event on the newborn's body and the Mothers too.  Pediatric adjustments are very light in pressure and help normalize the nervous system.

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Can I Be Adjusted After Surgery?

 

     Yes.  After surgery the joints above and below the involved level will have instability due to the increased stress applied to them.  These areas will be the focus of Chiropractic treatment.

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How Much Care Do I Need?

 

     Depending on the type, severity, and length of time you've had the condition or injury Chiropractic Care could be a week to several months.  After a extensive exam a treatment plan is given to the patient.   It is our goal to relieve your pain and restore your body to where it was before the injury or condition.  Many patients discover that periodic chiropractic care can help avoid injuries or a relapse.