spine Archives - Acupuncture and Chiropractic in Chapel Hill

Chiropractor Chapel Hill, NC

When a person has back or neck pain, they see and hear new words related to the issue they might not initially understand. Understanding the vocabulary of back pain will help facilitate communication with providers. It will also help one understand the diagnosis and proposed treatments. Terminology related to the spine and its anatomy might sound intimidating, but a little knowledge can go a long way to improve treatment outcome. Additionally, it can be helpful to understand other terms used in a chiropractic or other provider office.

The Vocabulary of Back Pain

The back is made up of vertebrae which are bony segments separated by cushioning discs which provide shock absorption and height. The spinal cord is an extension of nerves from the brain, and the vertebrae protect it as it passes from the head (cervical vertebrae in the neck), through the back (thoracic vertebrae) to low back (lumbar vertebrae), to the tailbone (sacrum and coccyx vertebrae). Nerves arise at each level of the spinal cord. Pain at the level of the spinal cord can arise from problems at a vertebra or nerve.

Each vertebra has several important parts that can suffer injury or disease and cause pain. The vertebral foramen, for instance, is the space through which the spinal nerve passes. The facet is the posterior (back) side of the vertebra that touches the vertebra above or below. Postural distortions such as hyperlordosis can occur and cause increased spinal curves when seen from the side putting more pressure on vertebrae and nerves. A vertebral subluxation occurs when vertebrae parts are injured. Hallmarks of vertebral subluxation include pain, tenderness and slight dislocation of the vertebra and surrounding tissues and a change in laxity or tightness of connected ligaments.

A chiropractic office, such as Acupractic Natural Healing Center in Chapel Hill, NC will do an exam and give a ‘report of findings’ to help patients understand the cause of your pain or problem and also to propose a treatment regimen.

The chiropractic adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude movement applied by a chiropractor to correct a subluxation. The chiropractor will use a specific technique to mobilize or adjust the spine. The Diversified technique involves hand placement on the back or neck with a quick specific thrust. A practitioner using Activator technique utilizes a handheld instrument (activator) to apply the thrust. Some other types of adjustments techniques are Gonstead, Sacral Occipital, Drop Table and Atlas Orthogonal.

If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Chapel Hill, NC call us today at (919) 929-1400, email us at schedule@acudocnc.com or visit our website at acudocnc.com to schedule your appointment today.

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!