Is the Chiropractic Adjustment Safe?

Chiropractor Chapel Hill, NC

Is Getting Your Back and Neck by a Chiropractor safe? Many people ask this important question before coming into our office. People understand that their spine and nerves are delicate and need to be protected- it seems dangerous to have your spine adjusted (colloquially `cracked` or `popped`) to improve your health- doesn’t it? And what is a chiropractor? Many people have heard that chiropractors `aren’t real doctors` because they don’t graduate from medical school, and they understandably question the hands-on nature of the adjustment when so many other doctors never touch them at all!

Nonetheless, chiropractic is an extremely safe treatment regimen that has helped millions of people worldwide achieve better health on many levels. The cracking noise many hear during an adjustment is the release of energy that was stuck in the spine and has been released. Chiropractors explain this to their patients. Following internship and graduation from a 4 year chiropractic postgraduate program, chiropractors take board exams similar to MDs and DOs. Chiropractors are licensed in every state and most countries worldwide. Chiropractic malpractice insurance is among the lowest in the healthcare industry. Most health insurance plans and medicare have recognized the value and safety of chiropractic care and cover it for their members.

Chiropractic care is a hands-on therapy that emphasizes balance and posture at the spinal level. Following history and examination, your chiropractor will identify problematic, inflamed vertebral units and apply therapy to these areas.  The chiropractic adjustment, when applied by a licensed, professional doctor of chiropractic (DC) mobilizes specific vertebral units with speed and a minimal force using hands-on techniques or with a precise instrument. Therapies such as massage, acupuncture, TENS or ultrasound relax and heal surrounding soft tissues provide additional support. Your chiropractor will provide home exercises and nutrition suggestions to empower you in maintaining your health. Acupuncture may be used to improve the healing response of the chiropractic adjustment, a very safe and quality treatment duo.

The major support of your body, the spine, is responsible for balance and posture. Misaligned vertebrae result in postural distortions and vertebral fusion over time resulting in painful immobility.  Additionally, spinal nerves exit between each vertebral unit at inter-vertebral foramen (IVF). Back pain or neck pain indicate a vertebral unit has become inflamed which impacts the spinal nerve at that level. Seemingly distant problems such as indigestion, headaches, shoulder, or knee pain can result from spinal nerve derangement and can be improved with spinal mobilization.

Everyone can benefit from having their spines checked by a chiropractor. Whether you have back pain or neck pain, headaches or discomfort anywhere in the body, or if you have concerns about your posture, you should make a spinal check appointment. Chiropractors appreciate referrals from their friends in the medical community who recognize the safety and value of this holistic treatment. Pain relieving drugs, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery have their place, but people who choose chiropractic first are relived at its safety and efficacy.

Our chiropractic and acupuncture office has been proudly serving the Durham and Chapel Hill community since 1995. For appointments call Acupractic Natural Healing Center, the offices of Dr. Lisa Oskardmay

(919) 929-1400       email:   schedule@acudocnc.com          Contact us!

Your spine and nervous system benefit from safe effective chiropractic care.

 

Storms Affect Arthritis

How does weather affect pain levels?  Many people say that they can tell when a storm is coming on because their arthritis flares up. Studies show that a 10 degree drop in temperature creates a commensurate increase in pain levels. A drop in barometric pressure makes people more physically uncomfortable. When it rains or humidity levels are high people also experience more pain. Arthritis can feel worse around the time a storm is brewing because factors that disturb the weather outside also increase inflammation in your body. Cold constricts already damaged joint surfaces causing more friction, humidity causes more swelling of already swollen areas and decreased barometric pressure irritates joints and muscles.

Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. A rheumatic condition, arthritis is associated with many things:  heredity and genetics, viruses, wear and tear, diet, immune system function, and stress. Joints affected may be widespread or limited to specific areas such as the hands, hips, feet, or back. Blood test markers such as ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) or CRP (C reactive protein) to measure inflammation will be elevated in arthritis. While stormy weather may make you want to stay in bed and eat comfort food, this may not be the best approach to reduce pain and inflammation.

When pain intrudes it is important to remember to move your body to reduce stagnation of systems that heal you. Prepare in advance to include a bit of movement in your daily plan on stormy days. This can include walking around the house, attending to chores, or venturing outside if weather permits. Movement will mobilize tissues, detoxify, and warm the body.

If cold worsens pain, try to stay warm. Wear warm clothes and socks and shoes in cold environments. If you can get to one, an infrared sauna can be very healing. A warm Epsom salt bath can deep heat your muscles, joints, and bones to reduce arthritis pain. Warmth will reduce cold in the body and help to detoxify.

When the weather is bad, eating well can improve your mood and mental state and reduce pain. To reduce inflammation, try to eat more naturally occurring fruits and vegetables which will provide you with lots of fiber and vitamin C and A to heal your joints and reduce swelling. Drink warm tea to reduce inflammation and warm the interior.  Increase the consumption of healthy proteins and fats, especially Omega 3 rich fish and flax oil to help improve the inflammation fighting Omega3:Omega 6 ratio.

As always, it is a good idea to drink adequate water throughout the day. Drink water rather than sodas, fruit juices, or alcohol to keep arthritis pain levels down. Especially avoid artificially sweetened beverages using aspartame as these increase inflammation in the body. Stevia is a better choice for non-sugar sweetener.

Chiropractic adjustments to the spine and extremities can help reduce pain and inflammation and acupuncture treatments to the meridians and channels of the body are supportive therapies if you need additional help. These healing treatments can keep arthritis flare ups at bay for the long run.

While preparing for stormy weather keep these tips in mind to help you survive any weather related event. Arthritis may help you predict an oncoming storm, but it doesn’t have to incapacitate you.

 

Serving the communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, and the rest of the NC Triangle

205 Providence Rd. Chapel Hill NC 27514 | Phone: (919) 929-1400

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