Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

What Is Chiropractic?

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.”   The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypo-mobile – or restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.

Doctors of chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate or when it is not appropriate. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.

Chiropractic Facts

Dr. Daniel David Palmer

The first Chiropractic adjustment performed on the North American Continent was in 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer. His first patient experienced deafness following a back injury. Following care, the patient reported improved hearing. Dr. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which continues to train Chiropractors today.

Spinal manipulation has been practiced since the beginning of recorded time. Over 2700 years ago, the Chinese documented this form of treatment. Records indicate that ancient Japanese, Indians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Syrians, Tibetans, and Native Americans practiced hands on approach to health.

An estimated 19.5 million Americans visit a Chiropractor each year. There are over 50,000 licensed Chiropractors in the United States and another 30,000 worldwide.

Chiropractic is the world’s second largest health care profession. It promotes the body’s own ability to heal itself. Chiropractic uses no drugs or surgery, and is all-natural.

Regular Chiropractic Care maintains the integrity of the spine and nervous system to help prevent health problems. Chiropractic can also be a successful alternative to risky, invasive procedures.

Scoliosis is a disorder that causes an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. The spine has normal curves when looking from the side, but it should appear straight when looking from the front. Kyphosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent forward.

What is Scoliosis?

There is a normal kyphosis in the middle (thoracic) spine. Lordosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent backward. There is a normal lordosis in the upper (cervical) spine and the lower (lumbar) spine. People with scoliosis develop additional curves to either side, or the bones of the spine twist on each other, forming a “C” or an “S” shape in the spine.

Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys are. It can be seen at any age, but it is most common in those over 10 years of age. Scoliosis is hereditary in that people with scoliosis are more likely to have children with scoliosis; however, there is no correlation between the severity of the curve from one generation to the next.

Scoliosis Treatment

Chiropractic care can help improve this condition. Your chiropractor looks at your overall health examining your spine as well as other factors of your lifestyle. To help identify the problem’s cause, your chiropractor will discuss symptoms and previous injuries, your family’s health history, and recreational and work-related activities. Palpation, orthopedic, and neurological tests performed as well as x-rays to determine the extent.

Most exams for scoliosis include the Adam’s Forward Bending Test and have been adopted by many schools, whereas they test for this in physical education classes. It requires the person to bend at the waist as someone views the spinal alignment. If there is an abnormal prominence or hump, you will be referred to a chiropractor. Your chiropractor will measure the length of the legs to determine unevenness. She/he can also perform a range of motion test that measures the degree to which the patient has mobility at the waist. If needed, your chiropractor will refer you to a specialist for further scoliosis treatment.

In most cases spinal manipulation, physiotherapy, and electric stimulation have not shown to be effective treatments. However, an orthopedic brace can be used to prevent the curve from worsening and does not limit physical activity. Moist heat will help alleviate some pain. In extreme cases surgery may be required but only after the continuous observation has shown that a brace is not helping. Spinal fusion and instrumentation is a surgery specialized for people with scoliosis whereas rods and hooks are inserted to help align your spine and prevent further curving.

Regular visits to your chiropractor, to observe the progression of scoliosis, are an integral part of living a full and happy life. Scoliosis can be treated in various ways to help alleviate pain and restore normal functionality. Regardless of the treatment used, physical therapy may be added to scoliosis treatment to increase muscle strength and mobility. If you have any questions about your physical limitations, Consult your Chiropractor.

Scoliosis is a disorder that affects five to seven million Americans each year. Half a million appointment with the doctor’s office are for the reasons of scoliosis evaluation and treatment. What exactly is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a disorder that causes the spine or backbone to curve abnormally.

In a normal situation, our spine’s curve are normally seen when it is seen from the sides and it looks perfectly straight when viewed from the front. If you have scoliosis, additional curves are added to either side or the bones of the spine looks to be twisted. Scoliosis can develop at any age although it is more common among adolescents. In general, girls are more prone to scoliosis than boys are and it can be inherited. It is referred to as an idiopathic condition because the causes are unknown. When it comes to scoliosis treatment, chiropractic care is recognized as one valid method of treatment.

Verterbral Disorder

Chiropractic care is a treatment that involves non-invasive procedures and techniques. This means that when undergoing scoliosis chiropractic treatment you do not have to take any prescription drugs or go through a surgical procedure. The entire process is all-natural. This is because the main principle of chiropractic treatment is to focus on the body’s natural healing ability. Chiropractic treatment majorly deals with the manipulation of the spine. According to the research that has been conducted by the National Scoliosis Foundation, chiropractic adjustment has been to be a good alternative treatment to those who are suffering from scoliosis. Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis may involve several procedures depending on the severity of the condition. These treatments may include spinal manipulation, electric stimulation, active exercise methods, shoe lifts, postural counseling and so on.

So how can chiropractic care help you with your scoliosis? Chiropractic Treatment does not only treat the current problems that are associated with scoliosis but it can also help in alleviating and controlling the symptoms that comes with it. Scoliosis patients whose been treated with chiropractic care have been reported to have noticeable improvement concerning the size of the curves. Nevertheless, this does not happen overnight though, chiropractic for scoliosis requires multiple visits in order for the patient to experience its full benefits. A chiropractor can also monitor your progress to ensure that you are doing the right thing and to see if the treatment yields favorable results. A chiropractor will recommend you to check with another medical specialist if he or she thinks that is the best course of action for you regarding your condition. However, before you set-up an appointment with a chiropractor is sure that the treatment is indeed best for you.

It is not exactly news that chiropractic care is associated with health benefits and as well, as risks. It has proven an effective medical procedure around the world. However, like all medical procedure, it is not without its risks. Therefore, here are the known pros and cons of chiropractic care.

The Advantages: of Chiropractic Care:

• Improved range of movement and thus increases one’s flexibility.
• Stronger immune system for protection against common illnesses such as cough and cold.
• Faster recovery from injury and makes the body more resilient to injuries that might occur.
• The procedure is non-invasive, natural, and non-surgical and no prescription drugs involved.
• It is a very effective reliever of pain. Highly recommended for those people who are always under continuous pain e.g. post-surgery patient.
• The levels of lactic acid are significantly decreased.
• Better circulation of the oxygen in the body, so it pumps more nutrients to the cells and tissues.
• A chiropractor can reduced the tension and stiffness to the treated areas.
• It can treat digestive problems.
• Overall better help

The Disadvantages of Chiropractic Care:

• Spinal and joint manipulation has a chance to go wrong and may cause unwanted fractures or injuries. Therefore, it is important that you only have an appointment with an experienced chiropractor.
• The cost of treatment can be quite high.
• Some insurance companies do not have coverage for chiropractic care.

Prior to seeking Chiropractic Care, be sure that you are aware of its benefits and risks. Only proceed with the procedure if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. As an alternative medicine, chiropractic care is safe and the complications and side effects that might happen are actually very rare. Even so, you cannot gamble with your safety, so it is important that you only deal with a licensed and experienced health chiropractor and be sure that chiropractic care is for you.

Foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored. It can lead to complex problems that can affect the functioning of other parts of the body. Foot pain, knee pain, lower back pain and even neck pain can be directly related to the way your foot hits the ground when you walk. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. 

Heal,  Arch, and Foot Pain

Most people feel the pain of plantar fascitis after awakening, however long periods of standing or sitting, then walking can trigger the pain. The primary cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. This pain is generally centered under the heel, and can be caused by (but not limited to) activities that include:

Chiropractic Cares soul interest is in the relationship between impaired position/movement of spinal vertebrae and the nerve

Chiropractic Treatment

system, and the effect of this on health. In fact, the normal movement and position of all bones/joints and the appropriate tone and texture of all the connective tissues in the body directly affect well-being and performance. Chiropractic patients come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Using the appropriate techniques, conditioned athletes as well as weekend athletes,sedentary office workers as well as manual laborers, old and young alike may be helped.

What Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Need to Practice?

Healthy Living

The purpose of Chiropractic is to provide our patients with the most advanced conservative health care services available to help them achieve optimum health and performance. They include…

1. Fibromyalgia
2. Muscle Pain
3. Headache
4. Arthritis
5. Low Back Pain
6. Asthma
7. Addictions
8. Menstrual Cramps
9. Tennis Elbow
10. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
11. Assist in Stroke Rehabilitation

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is a health care discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, doctors of chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

Most chiropractic physicians use spinal manipulative therapy, which is a hand on approach to restoring joint function and alignment. During that process you may hear and feel the usual clicking sound of the joint being mobilized. Not all patients are able to have this type of chiropractic adjustment whether or not indicated due to a specific health problem or just apprehension. It is important to understand that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The purpose of chiropractic is not merely to relieve a symptom or address a cause of that symptom, important as these things may be to the patient, but to provide holistic care and to optimize health.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can work and it is not all in your head. The 2500-year-old healing art has its basis on the theory that there are patterns of energy flow called QI, (pronounced chee) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture may correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin and improve health and well-being. An acupuncture needle stimulates sensory nerves in the skin triggering electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which signals:

1. Nerve cells to release Endorphins (chemicals that stop pain and stimulate sense of well being. This is what causes the “Runners High”)
2. The mid-brain releases neurotransmitters (to block pain).
3. The pituitary gland to deliver Endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemical into the surrounding brain tissue and bloodstream.

This all adds up to pain relief, healing & a sense of well being without harmful side effects. More research is needed to better understand how acupuncture affects our health. In the meantime, a panel of scientists, researchers, and practitioners at the National Institute of Health has compiled a list of conditions, which can respond favorably to acupuncture without harmful side effects.

Wellness requires you to be a proactive agent for your body. You need to treat it well and not wait until you hurt before you decide to take care of it. Health is not merely the absence of disease any more than wealth is an absence of poverty. Health is not simply “feeling fine,” for we know that problems may progress for years without causing any symptoms whatsoever. As you know by now, heart disease for example, often develops unnoticed for many years before it strikes: in fact, the first symptom of heart disease that many people experience is a heart attack or death.

Now let us be clear that we are not under the illusion that everyone who creates a wellness lifestyle will be immune from pain, sickness, and disease. Many people do everything right and still get sick and die. Some will argue that there are many people who do everything wrong and live long, seemingly healthy lives. However, since we have no way to predict who is who, we have to do our very best to reduce our risk and promote our health.

Concerning your wellness, the three main ideas that you need to consider .

1. Health is not merely the absence of disease.
2. The body has an innate intelligence that runs a series of complex systems that rely on proper balance and coordination in order to function correctly.
3. By living a wellness lifestyle, you can enrich your life with vibrant health.

The Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic offers the following services to better serve patients.

• Full Spine and Extremity Adjusting; both manual and low force (non-popping) techniques available
• On Site X-ray
• Home Exercise Programs
• Spine and Joint Rehabilitation and Core Stabilization
• Physical Modalities for Pain/Inflammation Relief (Electric Muscle Stimulation, Ultrasound, Mechanical Traction)
• Nutritional Counseling
• Pediatric Care
• Scoliosis Screenings
• Educational Lectures and Classes in Office or For Your Business/Group
• Public Spinal Health Screenings

Call your MN Chiropractic today and begin the healing process…

1.  Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel D. Palmer as an alternative health care discipline to medical practice. The word “chiropractic” is derived from Greek, meaning, “done by hand.”2. Chiropractic today is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world next to medicine and dentistry.

3.  Chiropractic education consists of a minimum of two years of university study in pre-med sciences, followed by four years of full time chiropractic school. Chiropractic colleges are recognized and accredited by the U.S. Council on Chiropractic Education (C.C.E.). The curriculum is similar to that of medical school, except in chiropractic the emphasis is placed on the structural and functional analysis of the spine/extremities and corrective adjusting techniques, while in medicine the emphasis is placed on the analysis of body chemistry and pharmaceutical interventions.

4. Chiropractic has always presented itself as a natural and conservative source of health care, offering an alternative in some cases to the medical domain of prescribing medication and performing operations. Accordingly, chiropractors make no use of drugs or surgery.

5.  Chiropractic’s central interest is the relationship between impaired position/movement of spinal vertebrae and the nerve system, and the effect of this on health. In fact, the normal movement and position of all bones/joints and the appropriate tone and texture of all the connective tissues in the body directly affect well-being and performance.

6.  Chiropractic utilizes a “hands on” active approach. The principle treatment is adjustment/ manipulation of the spine and supportive soft-tissue techniques. There is a focus on lifestyle counseling, prevention, and patient responsibility for health (for example, in the areas of posture, diet, exercise, stress-reduction, etc.).

7. Chiropractic care is safe. The risk of serious injury following chiropractic treatment is considered remote – less than 0.01% according to medical studies. This compares with a much higher risk for invasive procedures involving injections, medications, and surgeries that, in most cases, should only be attempted after multiple forms of conservative care have failed.

8. Chiropractic care has been known to help many people suffering from a wide variety of nerve/muscle/joint-related conditions. If the chiropractor examines a person and finds joint dysfunction, nerve irritability and/or connective tissue abnormalities related to the problem area, it is likely that chiropractic care will help.

The term “Chiropractic” comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, which means “effective treatment by hand”.  It started over 100 years ago when the originator of Chiropractic, D.D. Palmer, moved a bone in a deaf man’s neck and enabled him to hear again.

Chiropractic is a type of natural health care based on a philosophy that if your nervous system is functioning at its best, so will your entire body.   The BASIC understanding is that when the spine is out of alignment, it pinches the nerves, which decreases vital communication from the brain to the body.  Chiropractic adjustments move the bones into position to remove this pressure and facilitate better health naturally.

For example, when your neck muscles tighten up from stress, car accidents, sports injuries, etc. you may not be able to completely turn your head, or you may get dizzy or have headaches.

A different example is if the mid-back is injured it can affect the nerves going to the stomach, the lungs, or the muscles along the spine. When this happens, you can have symptoms like acid reflux, asthma, or stiffness and pain between the shoulder blades.

There is always a source to the symptoms you’re feeling and Chiropractic looks at the structure of your body to establish this cause and then treats with adjustments to remove the pressure on the nerves and encourage proper function.

Doctors of Chiropractic (Chiropractors) practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health.  They have been educated to believe that a pill or liquid is what will make us ‘better’ and ‘healthier’. Such as weight loss… Americans would much rather take a diet pill than actually eat well and exercise!

What are the Difference between a MD (Medical Doctor) and a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)?
Chiropractors look at the body differently than MD’s or DO’s. We encourage movement, stretching, exercising, eating well, and getting adjustments to encourage the spine to help heal the body. MD’s may refer you to physical therapy where you will get training on exercises and stretching but you will also receive medications to cover up your pain.

Here is an example, if you fall and break a leg or arm; you would go to a D.O. to have it set and casted. If you dislocate your shoulder completely to get it set back into position, but then you can see a Chiropractor to help rehabilitate the muscles and ligaments and strengthen the area to prevent it from happening again.

If you have back pain from bending over or from a slip and fall, you should see a Chiropractor to check the spinal alignment and get it adjusted back into position.