Spine | Chiropractic Professional Resource

A Note On Chiropractic History

March 24, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Chiropractic practice is a form of alternative medicine. It is used to heal people through ways that are not similar to the traditional medicine. Chiropractic medicine mainly deals with treatment of health problems related to the spine, or the nervous system and make the patient much healthier and comfortable in the condition he is in.

Chiropractic was found by D.D Palmer during the late 1880s. The first experiment or the cure he had conducted was on a deaf janitor when he found that the janitor had lost his hearing while stooping to do work. He concluded that it was due to the injury caused to the spine that the janitor had lost his sense of hearing.

D.D Palmer cured the janitor by setting the lump between the shoulder and spine back to normal. The lump was perhaps a result of the injury to the spine. With the cure of the janitor he got confidence and two years later the he opened a school for chiropractic. Since then it has been popular for treating the health issues related to the spine or musculoskeletal system.

The experts in the field of medicine were skeptic about the practice of such an unconventional form of medicine, and even today there are medical practitioners who remain silent on the benefits of the chiropractic therapies and practices. But the fact is it has helped many people to get cured of their injuries or other issues related to health.

Chiropractic is popular in the west and people have opted for this as a form of treatment. The benefits of the practice can only be determined when it is taken seriously and it has a scientific base.

Filed Under: Chiropractic Care, Spine Tagged With: Chiropractic, Nervous system, Vertebral column

Sciatica and ways to deal with it

September 22, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

So many people report instances of severe pain at the back and lower leg portions. This condition is medically known as Sciatica. Sciatica occurs when a bone from the spinal disc slips and moves to the radicular nerve. This radicular nerve is connected to the Sciatic nerve. This is one reason why this medical condition is also referred to as radiculopathy.

In most cases, the person starts experiencing a pain in the back area, which slowly moves into the buttock muscle and finally, the back of the leg. People affected by Sciatica normally complain of a weak leg, tiredness or numbness of the leg most of the times, difficulty in sitting and walking, a pain in the buttock area and lastly, severe difficulty while sitting than during walking.

There is no one particular area that gets affected in case of Sciatica. It is the whole back portion that needs attention and exercise for people diagnosed with sciatica. Chiropractic therapy is usually recommended for people suffering from this condition since the chiropractor understands what amount of pressure needs to be exerted on the back and for what periods of time.

If need be, one could take the help of cash advances to meet the medical expenses. Moreover, the involvement of a chiropractor could mean that you need to have a series of sessions to provide you relief and just one single sitting.

Non-surgical treatments like ice and hot bag therapy, pain management therapy and regular exercise could also be other options to look at. Some medical practitioners also advise acupuncture and usage of over-the-counter drugs to alleviate your back pain.

Whatever be the modus-operandi of the treatment, it is important to remember that sciatica will get better only over a period of time and there is no quick-fix solution to these back related problems. In certain extreme cases, surgery might be an option.

Filed Under: Spine

The B.E.S.T. Technique in Chiropractic

September 18, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

In chiropractic medicine, there a number of techniques and theories for patient care and spinal adjustment. However, one of the more interesting techniques if not the most well known is called the B.E.S.T. technique.

The B.E.S.T. technique was invented by Milton Ted Morter, Jr., in the mid-70s and stands for Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique. Morter, a chiropractor by trade, claimed that the B.E.S.T. technique coordinated the whole body’s inner workings and biological systems in one program of spinal adjustment, nutrition, and bio-electric manipulation.

Morter claimed that many of the illnesses and maladies found in most people were not the result of injury or sickness but rather of a bio-electric imbalance in the body that caused one’s polarity to be reversed. Morter said that a body’s polarity reversal is manifest in temporary, minute unequal leg length. However, the chiropractor can equalize patient leg length by the application of hands to certain spots on the body called “contact points” where the chiropractor can feel the patient’s “pulsation” or the bio-electric orientation of the body. If the bio-electric orientation of the body is reversed or disproportionate in some way, the chiropractor can use his or her hands (which have positive, negative, and neutral pulsation points) to reverse the flow of energy and return the patient to a balanced bioelectric state, thus restoring equal leg length and combating the illness.

Morter also recommended a diet in which a person eat much more alkaline-forming foods and less acid-forming foods, believing that a balanced diet made of the four food groups was actually leading most people to self-destruction. As a result, Morter advocated saliva and urine testing for body acidity levels in order to determine the amount of supplements a person should ingest in order to maintain a higher amount of alkaline in the body.

Of course, Morter suggested that the B.E.S.T. technique was not a simple regimen for curing illness but rather a change in lifestyle that would lead to more happiness and enjoyment of life. He recommended monthly spinal and bio-electric polarity adjustments, coupled with regular urine testing, for the entirely of one’s life.

Filed Under: Chiropractic Care, Cure & Care, Spine Tagged With: Chiropractic, Health care, Spinal adjustment

Chiropractic Use of Spinal Decompression

September 16, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Spinal decompression is the act of relieving stress on the spine in order to alleviate the symptoms of disk bulge and herniation, spinal stenosis, and other spinal illnesses. Traditionally, spinal decompression was achieved through surgery. Although the procedures are minimally invasive, they are not usually considered medically necessary, and can be quite expensive. But in the 90s, Dr. Allan Dyer pioneered the use of non-surgical spinal decompression, and now thousands of people each year are treated for pinched nerves and herniated disks through non-surgical spinal decompression in chiropractors” offices, even if the practice of non-surgical spinal decompression has not been definitively proven effective.

In 1985, Dyer built the first non-surgical spinal decompression table, but it was not in wide use until he built and introduced a better version of the table in 1991. Originally the device was controlled pneumatically, but today spinal decompression tables are controlled electronically for maximum and precise effect. Basically, the table consists of mechanical traction that pulls and manipulates the spine to release pressure on pinched nerves or herniated disks. In theory, through multiple decompression sessions, a patient’s spine will decompress to the point where the nerve of disk is released and thus relieves all pain.

Although Dyer was not a chiropractor himself, spinal decompression tables have become popular therapies in chiropractic offices across the country. Because chiropractors deal with issues of the spine, although do not often perform surgery, spinal decompression tables have found to be a good fit in chiropractic offices. However, because chiropractors are not surgically trained, some patients and experts question chiropractors ability or expertise in operating the equipment to its maximum or intended effect.

Although many patents have experienced the fantastic benefits of non-surgical decompression therapy, the scientific proof of effectiveness is still unconfirmed. In a number of studies done throughout the 90s and 2000s, non-surgical decompression was found to have the same effectiveness of surgery. In addition, many studies have found that the use of spinal decompression tables has had a negligible or inconclusive effect on the long-term health and pain of the patient.

Filed Under: Chiropractic Care, Cure & Care, Spine Tagged With: Chiropractic, Health, Invasiveness of surgical procedures, Surgery

Interesting Facts About Back Pain

August 13, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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Back pain causes a majority of missed work. In fact, it is the second most common reason for doctors’ visits, the first being upper-respiratory infections. Studies indicate that Americans spend $50 billion a year on costs related to back pain. This estimate may actually be low, as it tracks only the costs that are easily identified. It’s also believed that at least 80% of Americans will deal with back pain in their lifetimes!

There are a variety of back pain causes. Ruptured disks, irritated joints, sprained ligaments or strained muscles can easily occur, leading to pack pain. It’s also common for sports injuries or accidents to be the cause of severe back pain, but it’s actually just as likely to hurt your back doing something as simple as bending down the wrong way to pick something up. Poor posture and obesity can lead to back pain. Even psychological issues like stress can compound such pain. Physical conditions like arthritis, blood clots, bone loss, or kidney infections can also be the underlying cause of pain in the back.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is an ideal solution for back pain. Chiropractic has been considered an alternative solution until recently in the medical community. Chiropractic care is a safe, non-medical method for the relief of back pain. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain, and proper adjustments by a chiropractor can help to increase the effects of physical therapy and lessen the need for medical intervention. Your chiropractor will also recommend various lifestyle changes to help prevent back pain from occurring to begin with.

Though chiropractors treat more than just back pain, this persistent and prevalent problem is the reason so many patients seek chiropractic care. It is estimated that approximately 31 million Americans suffer form back pain. Here are some interesting information you may not know about back pain.
Back pain causes a majority of missed work. In fact, it is the second most common reason for doctors’ visits, the first being upper-respiratory infections. Studies indicate that Americans spend $50 billion a year on costs related to back pain. This estimate may actually be low, as it tracks only the costs that are easily identified. It’s also believed that at least 80% of Americans will deal with back pain in their lifetimes!
There are a variety of back pain causes. Ruptured disks, irritated joints, sprained ligaments or strained muscles can easily occur, leading to pack pain. It’s also common for sports injuries or accidents to be the cause of severe back pain, but it’s actually just as likely to hurt your back doing something as simple as bending down the wrong way to pick something up. Poor posture and obesity can lead to back pain. Even psychological issues like stress can compound such pain. Physical conditions like arthritis, blood clots, bone loss, or kidney infections can also be the underlying cause of pain in the back.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is an ideal solution for back pain. Chiropractic has been considered an alternative solution until recently in the medical community. Chiropractic care is a safe, non-medical method for the relief of back pain. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain, and proper adjustments by a chiropractor can help to increase the effects of physical therapy and lessen the need for medical intervention. Your chiropractor will also recommend various lifestyle changes to help prevent back pain from occurring to begin with.

Filed Under: Chiropractic Care, Cure & Care, Spine Tagged With: Arthritis, Back pain, Chiropractic

Important Information About Posture

July 29, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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When a chiropractor evaluates your current condition, he or she will take two main things into consideration These are the condition of your spine, how well it is functioning, and the posture, or structure, of your spine.

Proper posture or positioning is required to eliminate strain or stress on muscles, joints, ligaments and bones. Posture goes even further to affect internal organs, blood vessels and nerves. If your posture is not aligned correctly, these organs, vessels and nerves can be compressed or irritated, leading to pain, discomfort or other conditions.

Balanced posture lets your body function optimally because there is less stress and pressure on the spine and the ligaments and muscles that support it. Even just two centimeters out of alignment can cause up to ten times the stress on your neck, shoulders or back. Ouch!

Compounding this stress on a daily basis can lead to serious health problems of the spine. These include arthritis or other degenerative conditions, nerve irritation, disc injuries, as well as muscle and ligament weakness. Just imagine how much better you can feel simply by improving your posture and lessening that strain on your spine.

There is a simple test you can do to check your posture. You’ll need someone to monitor you while you go through the steps. First, stand on a hard surface with your eyes closed, then march in place for two or three steps. Stop and then, keeping your eyes closed, nod your head up and down, as if looking at the floor and ceiling, two or three times.

Next, your assistant should observe you from the front. Imaginary points from the bridge of your nose to your ankles should line up. Turn to the side. Points from the middle of your ear down to your ankles should be in line. If your assistant is unable to draw an imaginary straight line, your posture is not balanced

Filed Under: Chiropractic Care, Health Care, Spine Tagged With: Chiropractic, Health, Posture

Anatomy of the Spine

July 27, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

The anatomy of the spine is divided into three main sections. These are the cervical, the thoracic and the lumbar spine. A bone called the sacrum, which is part of the pelvis, is located beneath the lumbar spine.

Each of the three primary sections is made up of individual bones, known as vertebrae. There are a number of vertebrae making of the spine – seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae and five lumbar vertebrae.

Each vertebrae is made up of many parts. The vertebra’s body bears the majority of weight. It also acts as a resting place for the fibrous discs that separate each of the vertebrae. The spinal canal, through which the spinal cord passes, is the large hole located behind the body of the vertebra. This canal is surrounded by lamina.

You’ll feel the bone known as the spincous process as you run your hand down your back. There are two transverse processes, which are at a 90 degree angle to the spinous process. The back muscles attach to these transverse processes.

Four facet joints are associated with each vertebra. One pair of joints face upward, while the other pair faces downward. The purpose of these four facet joints is to provide stability to the spine by interlocking with the adjacent vertebrae.

Invertebral discs separate each vertebrae and provide cushions between the bones. There are two parts to each disc. The annulus is the hard outer layer that surrounds the soft, moist center known as the nucleus.

When a disc ruptures or becomes herniated, it causes the nucleus to be forced through the annulus, sometimes compressing a nerve root. The nucleus can be forced out either side of the annulus, sometimes it can even come through both sides. The pain involved in such rupture or herniation depends upon how much nucleus is released and whether there is nerve compression.

Filed Under: Health Care, Spine Tagged With: Spinal cord

More Spinal Care Tips

July 23, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

In addition to maintaining care when sitting or standing, there are many ways you can avoid spinal injury while engaging in various everyday activities. For those who work at a computer all day or who are on the road for long hours, there are special concerns. Follow these guidelines to keep you spine in optimal form.

Sitting in a chair that is appropriate for your height, weight and frame is crucial to spinal health for those who do office work all day long. If your chair is uncomfortable, check with your employer to see if it is possible to get a new one or swap with a colleague. Adjust your chair so that your knees are above your hips or use a low stool to place your feet on. Position your hands so they are just above the keyboard when outstretched from the elbow. This may require raising your armrests. Always sit straight. Slouching puts undue pressure on the spine.

Many people have questions about proper driving alignment. You’ll want your seat positioned so that your thighs rest comfortably and your feet can reach the pedals. Sitting too far back requires reaching and stretching that is not good for the back and spine. Be sure the headrest is directly behind your head in case of an accident. Sit straight. Your back should be against the seat. Some vehicles have manufacturer’s lumbar support built in. Your chiropractor can recommend proper support if your car doesn’t come equipped. Keep both hands on the wheel.

Finally, the mattress you sleep on has a lot to do with spinal support. Choose one that is comfortable. It shouldn’t sag. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees for support is the best position. Back sleepers should place a pillow beneath the knees and a cervical pillow under the neck. Exit the bed on your side, sitting up all the way. Also older beds are less supportive, if yours is old ragged and no longer providing the support and comfort you need and deserve then it may be time to buy a new double bed.

Filed Under: Health Care, Spine Tagged With: Health

What Is Subluxation?

April 11, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

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A subluxation is a problem area of the spine in which the bones of the spine are misaligned or do not have normal range of movement. This kind of a problem puts pressure on the nerves of the spinal area, causing a lack of communication between the brain and the body. A sublaxation of the spine affects the entire nervous system.

Spinal problems can be caused by a variety of everyday actions. Heavy lifting, yard work, sleeping on a poor quality mattress or sitting at a desk for long hours can add stress to the spine, causing subluxations. Accidents are often the cause of ore acute spinal injury. Even children can suffer from the effects of subluxation due to a rough birth experience or while learning daily activities such as walking and playing.

It’s probable that subluxations exist prior to the onset of any symptoms. The symptoms you may notice are varied. Such symptoms can include headache, neck pain, stiffness in the shoulder or neck, back pain and numbness in the extremities. Many people suffer with these kinds of aches and pains for years, not knowing that they can be alleviated.

Chiropractic adjustments of the spine can be very effective at alleviating such discomforts. It’s best to see a chiropractor at the first signs of pain because doing so will increase the odds that only a few treatments will be needed for a proper adjustment and to begin feeling better. Long-term sufferers often find that repeated trips to the chiropractor are necessary for the vertebrae to return to normal position and to remain in proper alignment. Once subluxations are corrected, the nervous system can again work properly, allowing the body to heal itself.

Regular adjustments by a chiropractor can help subluxations from returning and to prevent new ones from occurring. Chiropractors are the only medical professionals trained to correct subluxations, helping to return you to optimal health.

Filed Under: Cure & Care, Health Care, Spine Tagged With: Nerve, Spinal adjustment, Subluxation

Common Chiropractic Terms

March 24, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

If you’re considering seeking chiropractic care, it’s probably a good idea to become familiar with some of the lingo you’ll hear. Chiropractors possess the same general medical knowledge as other medical doctors, but their speciality is manipulation of the spine. Thus, some of the terms your chiropractor uses may be initially unfamiliar to you. Here are some common chiropractic terms and their definitions.

Acute – Relatively severe, but lasting a short time.

Adjustment – A form of manipulation using a high force and quick application of force.

Cervical – Refers to the seven bones in the vertebrae of the neck.

Chronic – Lasting for a long time, persistent.

Disc – A cushion of cartilage separating vertebrae of the spine, absorbing shock and protecting the nerve system.

Health – Beyond the absence of disease, refers to a state of optimal wellness.

Herniation – Condition in which material making up the intervertebral disc shifts in position, irritating the nearby nerve.

Lumbar – The five bones which make up the vertebrae of the lower back.

Nerve System – The communication center of the body, made up of the central and the peripheral nerve systems.

Nerves – Branching off of the brain and spinal cord, these extensions carry information to various parts of the body.

Palpation – Examination of the spine with the fingers.

Range of Motion – Refers to the amount of movement occurring at a particular body region.

Sacrum – Bone at the base of the spine, triangular in shape.

Spinal Column – Bones of the back that protect the spinal cord and allows for various ranges of motion.

Spinal Cord – Extension of the brain consisting of 31 pairs of nerves that communicate with the body.

Transverse Process (TP) -

Vertebrae – Individual bones of the spinal column, consisting of three areas – cervical, thoracic and lumbar.

Filed Under: Chiropractic Care, Spine Tagged With: Chiropractic, Health, Spinal cord