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Archive for Chiropractic

Apr
11

What’s the Difference Between a “Straight” Chiropractor and a “Mixer”?

Based on philosophy and scope-of-treatment, chiropractors have historically characterized themselves as either “straights” (alternatively, “straight chiropractors”) or “mixers”. This distinction is related to how strictly and exclusively a practitioner follows the teachings of chiropractic’s founders, D. D. Palmer and his son B. J. Palmer.

A straight chiropractor believes in Palmer’s philosophy that vertebral subluxations are at the root of all illness. Palmer took a vitalistic and metaphysical approach to treatment, believing that subluxations interfere with the body’s “innate intelligence”, which makes us vulnerable to illness. He promoted a hands-only approach to correcting subluxations and did not diagnose or treat disease. Palmer rejected the systematic diagnosis of disease that uses the deductive reasoning of the scientific method. Straight chiropractors consider the medical diagnosis of disease to be unnecessary because they view these conditions as secondary effects of vertebral subluxations. In essence, they believe that disease symptoms will disappear once the underlying subluxations have been corrected properly. Most straight chiropractors do not wish to have any association with mainstream health care. The number of straight chiropractors is estimated at only about 15 percent of doctors of chiropractic.

A chiropractic mixer takes a broader approach to chiropractic and may incorporate other therapies into his or her practice, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, physical therapy, nutritional supplements, ice packs, biofeedback and herbal remedies. As the name implies, mixers will often combine a variety of diagnostic and treatment methods to care for their patients. It would not be unusual, for instance, for a mixer to use x-rays to get an accurate view of your vertebrae, perform a traditional adjustment, treat you with K-laser therapy, then suggest herbal supplements you can take and prescribe specific exercises for you to do at home to help speed healing.

Mixers are also generally more comfortable with using modern diagnostics and with the concepts of evidence-based medicine. This means, in part, that they use imaging, tests and the patient’s description of their symptoms to help decide on a course of treatment. A straight chiropractor, on the other hand, takes the approach that just finding and correcting all spinal subluxations will correct any imbalances and return the patient to health.

In addition to the differences mentioned above, mixers are more likely than straights to use specially-designed machines in their practice, such mechanical adjustment tools and lasers to more precisely treat problem areas. They typically view their discipline as a type of “complementary and alternative medicine” and see themselves as an established part of the modern health care landscape. Most chiropractors today consider themselves mixers.

Straight chiropractors and mixers also share some key characteristics:

The correction of spinal misalignment is at the heart of their practice.
They value prevention and healthy lifestyle habits.
They strongly prefer natural therapies over drugs and surgery.

It’s important to remember that each chiropractor—whether straight or mixer—will have his or her own unique approach to working with patients based on philosophy, education and experience. If you are looking for a chiropractor for yourself or for your family, it’s a good idea to visit clinics’ websites and to interview a few chiropractors about their approaches to treatment as well as the specific therapies they incorporate into their practices. Choosing a chiropractor is a very personal decision, and doing some research will help you to understand the range of options you have and to learn more about which ones might be right for you and your family.

0 Categories : Articles, Chiropractic

Apr
8

What Can I Do to Make My Chiropractic Treatments Even More Effective?

by Chiropractor

A regular visit to your chiropractor is one of the best things you can do to eliminate chronic back and neck pain and to maintain flexibility and range of motion. Your chiropractor will design a treatment plan specific to your particular needs that will include not only chiropractic adjustments, but also suggestions for appropriate exercises and nutritional changes you can make that will enhance the effectiveness of your treatments. There are a few things that everyone can do to make their chiropractic treatments even more effective.

Be specific about your symptoms – In order for your chiropractor to recommend the most effective therapy or combination of therapies for your particular situation, you need to be as specific as possible about your symptoms. Since chiropractic is a holistic form of healing (meaning that all aspects of a person’s health and lifestyle are taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan), it’s important to mention every symptom you have. This is true even if you feel that some of your symptoms may be unrelated or insignificant. Based on what you tell your chiropractor as well as diagnostic tests performed in the office, he or she will be able to decide which types of treatment may be most appropriate for your condition. Treatment plans may include chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, therapeutic exercise and nutritional changes as well as other types of specialized therapies.

Keep moving – One of the main aims of chiropractic care is to maintain flexibility and range of motion. As the old saying goes, “Use it or lose it.” Chiropractic has been shown to be most effective when combined with regular exercise, and the effects of treatment last longer. Muscle strengthening and stretching exercises will provide the necessary support to the spine that will help to keep it from going out of alignment as easily. By following your chiropractor’s exercise suggestions between adjustments, your function will be restored more quickly, and you will gain confidence in your ability to move in ways that would have been too painful before your chiropractic treatment. With your newly enhanced flexibility, try to get out on a walk, hike or bike ride.

Consider massage – Therapeutic massage is often used in conjunction with chiropractic care. It shares with chiropractic the desire to enhance the circulation of blood and fluids and to restore the free flow of nerve impulses. Massage can break up adhesions in the fascia that keep your muscles from moving properly. Massage can also help to release muscle tension and warm up the areas around a spinal subluxation, making your joints more pliable and easier to adjust. However, keep in mind that not all chiropractors agree about the relative benefits massage before an adjustment. Some chiropractors prefer to get an accurate picture of your normal physiological state prior to performing an adjustment, so be sure to check with your own chiropractor before having a pre-adjustment massage.

Incorporating these suggestions into your regular chiropractic treatment regime can help you to make the most of each adjustment and make a significant impact on your quality of life.

0 Categories : Articles, Chiropractic

Mar
19

What Is Myofascial Tissue?

by Chiropractor

Myofascial tissue is a type of thin, strong, fibrous connective tissue that extends throughout your body to provide support and protection to your muscles and bones. Myofascial tissue fibers are made up of collagen and elastin fibers that are arranged in a web-like structure and that are suspended in a fluid called ground substance. With a tensile strength of more than 2000 pounds, it provides a strong support for the muscles, while at the same time allowing for flexibility. You can think of myofascial tissue as being similar to a mesh bag that contains your groceries. It is pliable, and can expand and contract as the contents of the bag change. It envelops your body like a wet suit, from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.

Dr. Janet Travell first used the term myofascial in the 1940s in reference to problems with musculoskeletal pain and what are called trigger points. Travell is the author of Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, a seminal reference work for practitioners of trigger point therapy. Myofascial release involves the use of a practitioner’s elbows, knuckles or other tools to slowly stretch out the tightened myofascial tissue, thus removing knots and adhesions.

Healthy myofascial tissue is soft and relaxed, however, trauma and inflammation to the tissue can cause it to become tight and more rigid, and knots or adhesions can develop in the tissue that can cause a restriction in motion and lead to the development of “trigger points” that can cause pain anywhere in the body. Chronic neck and back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, difficulty breathing and reduced flexibility may all be due to a problem in the myofascial tissue.

Trauma from whiplash, a fall, the effects of surgery or chronic bad posture are some of the things that can contribute to myofascial pain syndrome. But it’s not just physical stress such as injury and illness that can cause the myofascial tissues to tighten. Emotional stress can have the same effect. This tightening can cause increased pressure on the muscles, nerves and organs that leads to chronic pain.

Many chiropractors are trained in myofascial release therapy, which can relieve pain from many conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, headaches and fibromyalgia. They will stretch and loosen the tightened fascia that are restricting blood flow to the area, which will increase circulation and lymphatic drainage and take the pressure off nerves that have been compressed at trigger points.

0 Categories : Articles, Chiropractic

Feb
19

How Do Chiropractors Know If Your Spine is Out of Alignment?

by Chiropractor

Having a misaligned spine (also called a spinal subluxation) can negatively affect your daily life in a number of ways. It can not only cause pain in the back and neck, but can also cause pain in the rest of the body because of the pressure that the misaligned vertebrae place on nerves in the spinal column. For example, many people suffer from sciatica (a condition in which pain can be felt shooting down the leg as far as the foot) due to a misaligned vertebral disc putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots. A chiropractor can diagnose if your pain is due to your spine being misaligned and can perform a spinal adjustment to restore proper alignment and range of movement, relieving pain.

Spinal subluxations are very common. They occur when one or more of your 24 bony vertebrae (most people actually have 33 vertebrae counting the nine that are fused to form the sacrum and coccyx) are pulled out of alignment with one another. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Among the most frequent contributors to spinal misalignment are an injury, a sudden jar, fall or trauma, bad posture, stress, inactivity, obesity, repetitive motions and lifting something improperly. When your spine becomes misaligned, your range of motion can become more restricted, with or without accompanying pain. Although spinal misalignments can happen quickly (usually in the case of an accident or acute injury), they can also occur over time due to weak postural muscles. This is often the case with those who sit at a desk for hours each day.

A chiropractor may use a variety of different diagnostic techniques to determine if your spine is out of alignment. Most chiropractors can easily spot a subluxation, as body posture reflects any misalignment. For example, when lying down, one leg will appear shorter than the other. When standing up, the body may lean to one side, or the head may tilt to the left or right. Also, one shoulder or hip may appear higher than the other, and the distribution of body weight may favor one foot or the other.

Other things that your chiropractor may do to determine if your spine is out of alignment are to check your range of motion (reduced range of motion usually indicates a misalignment), press along your spine (called palpation) to evaluate joint function, perform strength testing and look for changes in muscle tone. He or she may also order x-rays of the spine to be taken, so as to have a visual confirmation of your spinal subluxation.

Once the misalignment has been pinpointed, your chiropractor will perform a spinal adjustment that will move your vertebrae back into alignment, restoring correct posture and alleviating pain that may have been caused by the misalignment.

0 Categories : Articles, Chiropractic

Jan
18

Why Having Good Posture Matters and What You Can Do About It

by Chiropractor

How many times did we hear from our parents when we were children, “sit up straight”? Our parents were not telling us to do this merely to keep us from looking like a boiled noodle. Good posture is important for a variety of health reasons as well. It helps us to breathe properly, increases concentration, reduces the risk of neck and back pain and increases our sense of well-being.

And yet most people have bad posture. It is not surprising, given how many hours we spend sitting at a desk. Both bad ergonomics and the number of hours spent sitting without getting up and moving around has led to an epidemic of bad posture – and subsequently many cases of back and neck pain.

According to Dr. Roger Sperry, who received a Nobel Prize for brain research, “The more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy is available for thinking, metabolism and healing.” Proper posture opens the airways and expands the rib cage, allowing us to breathe more deeply. Our lung capacity is reduced by as much as 30% when we slouch. A brain receiving its full measure of oxygen is more powerful and has a better ability to concentrate. Your muscles and organs will also benefit from added oxygen, giving you more energy.

Poor posture also makes you tire more easily. Our skeletal system was designed to perform optimally when we are in the correct posture. The spine takes the majority of the weight-bearing stress both when we are moving and sitting. However, bad posture moves the weight to areas of the skeleton that were not designed to take a great amount of force. This makes our muscles, tendons and ligaments work harder to keep us upright and puts excessive stress on less sturdy parts of our bones and joints. Over time, bad posture causes changes to the spine that can become permanent, constricting nerves and blood vessels and leading to chronic pain.

Studies have shown that people experiencing depression felt markedly better when their posture improved, and it also increases self-confidence. A study by researchers at Ohio State University instructed subjects to sit up straight or to slouch. Of those who sat up straight, “Their confident, upright posture gave them more confidence in their own thoughts, whether they were positive or negative,” according to co-author of the study, Richard Perry, a professor of psychology at the university.

If you have proper posture you should be able to draw a straight line down from the earlobe through the shoulder, hip, knee and mid-ankle. Your chin should be parallel with the floor. Most people’s heads jut forward due to crouching over laptops and hand-held devices like mobile phones and tablets. When the head juts only an inch forward from the spine it essentially doubles the amount of head weight the musculoskeletal system must absorb.

To help maintain your posture throughout the day, choose an office chair that is ergonomically designed, with extra support for the lower back. You should also get up and move around regularly throughout the day. Furthermore, it’s important to strengthen your core muscles, which help to promote good posture. Yoga and Pilates are good forms of exercise for overall stretching and strengthening and will enable you to maintain good posture.

0 Categories : Articles, Chiropractic

Feb
15

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

by Chiropractor

Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment option for people with long-term back pain, sciatica, leg pain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, numbness and other conditions that have not responded to initial treatments such as manipulation and physical therapy. All of these conditions may be the result of compressive forces on your vertebrae, which can cause spinal misalignment and compressed discs.

Compressed discs can lead to herniation or bulging of the discs, thus pressure on the nerves. In addition to the pressure and compression, the nerve itself may not be able to receive the nutrients it needs to heal and work properly. Often, surgery is used to decompress the spine, which is invasive, painful, and carries significant risks. Medications to reduce pain are also often used, but they do not treat the source of the pain and only mask it.

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative that offers gentle spinal decompression through the use of specially designed, FDA-approved equipment. Prior to treatment, patients are thoroughly examined both manually and through the use of imaging technology in order to determine which spinal discs are compressed, and if the treatment is suitable and has a high likelihood of success.

Patients are placed on a decompression table in a comfortable posture that depends on which area of the back needs treatment. The treatment applies a specific force to the compressed discs, and a computer alternates the decompression force with relaxation periods. Usually, there is a series of 15 one-minute alternating decompression and relaxation cycles, for an individual treatment time of 30 minutes. This process serves to gently elongate the spine and to create a vacuum that pulls the disc back into its proper location and shape within the vertebrae. Realigning the discs in this manner can reduce pain and promote healing. However, it may take up to 20 treatments for complete relief.

Not everyone is a good candidate for spinal decompression therapy. Research has shown it to be very effective for some patients but not for others, and it is not entirely clear which people it will work best on. Therefore, it is important to work carefully with your chiropractor to be sure you have a good chance of successful treatment. Your chiropractor may precede each treatment with soft tissue muscle work to reduce the body’s natural reflex reaction and prepare the muscles for the traction forces. He or she will also work with other health professionals as needed to determine the precise nature of your back pain and the type of treatments that are most likely to resolve your pain at its source.

1 Categories : Chiropractic

Feb
9

What is Chiropractic Cold Laser Therapy?

by Chiropractor

Cold laser therapy (also called Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) involves the use of light (a specific wavelength and frequency of coherent light, generated from a low-wattage therapeutic laser) to stimulate the body’s cells and cause them to accelerate the healing process. The therapeutic use of lasers (LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is not a new idea; they have been used to stimulate healing since 1967.

The term “cold laser” refers to the specific wavelength of light used, which is usually in the 630 nm to 980 nm ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. This wavelength allows for the least energy to be absorbed by surface tissue (meaning that the patient does not experience any sensation of heat or warming), while allowing the healing properties of the light to facilitate wound and tissue healing. Low-level laser therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and accelerate the body’s own healing mechanisms. When cells are exposed to laser light, cell functions are stimulated, improving immune system function, increasing collagen synthesis and enhancing tissue regeneration.

In chiropractic practice, cold laser therapy has been show to be effective in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis. The use of laser therapy also accelerates the healing of connective tissue disorders such as sprains, strains and tendonitis, and has proven effective in reducing or managing chronic or acute pain in the neck, thoracic regions or lower back. Lasers have also been used to effectively treat muscle injuries or bruises, and neurological injuries such as herniated or ruptured discs. Chiropractors also commonly use laser therapy to increase the patient’s range of motion, and to build or increase the strength of damaged muscle tissue. In many cases the use of cold laser therapy has cut rehabilitation time following an injury in half.

Obvious benefits of cold laser therapy over drugs or surgery are that it is safe, pain- and drug- free, non-invasive, and has no known side effects. The results are quickly perceived by patients, and laser therapy can be used immediately after an injury. Cold laser therapy has also been studied in over 3000 clinical trials, with proven clinical results. If you are interested in finding out whether it could be of benefit to treat your conditions, consult with your chiropractor.

Resources:

0 Categories : Chiropractic

Feb
6

What are Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers?

by Chiropractor

Spinal pelvic stabilizers are specially designed orthotics that help stabilize and balance your feet. They can have a significant effect on your entire body’s performance and efficiency, reduce pain, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

How can something made just for your feet accomplish all this?

Our feet form the foundation of our entire body. They provide support for walking, standing, running, jumping, and reaching. In addition, your feet help protect your bones, spine and tissues from stress while moving around. It seems quite logical that your feet can perform these tasks better when their bones, muscles, and arches are in their proper, stable positions. For example, neck pain could be the result of a spinal misalignment that is caused by an imbalance in your feet. Your body’s joints and muscles work most efficiently when they are in balance, and balanced feet provide the foundational balance needed to support many of our daily activities.

Your feet contain three arches that support the weight of your entire body. If one arch is compromised, the other arches try to compensate. This results in additional stress, leading to pain, discomfort, and further compromise. Another common foot problem is flattening of the arches, which is known as pronation, which leads to rotation of the legs.

Spinal pelvic stabilizers balance the foundation of the pelvis and spine and help address structural problems of the feet. If they are properly fitted they can control pronation and supination. In this way they reduce unnatural stress and abnormal forces, and promote healthy functional and structural relationships between your feet and the rest of your body.

These devices also provide improved shock absorption. This reduces repetitive stress on your muscles and joints, allows better function, and reduces arthritic symptoms as well.

Pelvic stabilizers are a cost effective and long-term intervention for many kinds of foot and posture problems. They are worn inside your shoes, and they guide your feet into a more normal pattern as they are used for moving around.

Your chiropractor will use impression images of your feet to create custom-made flexible spinal pelvic stabilizers for your feet and your feet alone. You may wish to ask your chiropractor about the flexibility of the stabilizers that will be created for you. Some technologies use more rigid materials to force the foot into a supposedly ideal position, while most people prefer some flexibility for comfort, controlled support, and better movement from the feet on up through the body.

0 Categories : Chiropractic

Feb
2

Chiropractic/Manipulation Therapy for Shoulder Pain

by Chiropractor

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that patients present with to both primary care physicians and chiropractic practitioners. There are several underlying conditions that may cause discomfort in this area, many of which may be assisted by chiropractic treatment and manipulation. A proper diagnosis is important in order to determine what kind of treatment is indicated in each case.

Commonly observed causes of shoulder pain include:

Bursitis or tendinitis of the rotator cuff (inflammation of the shoulder joint, also called impingement syndrome, since the inflammation impinges on the ability of the shoulder to move fully)
Frozen shoulder (restriction of joint movement by the shoulder capsule, also known as adhesive capsulitis)
Rotator cuff tear (tearing of the shoulder tendons away from the bone). The rotator cuff refers to the group of four muscles and tendons that are responsible for moving the shoulder joint
Shoulder dislocation and shoulder instability (repeated dislocation, which may follow the initial occurrence as a result of the weakening and tearing of shoulder ligaments)
Synovitis (inflammation of the synovium that protects joint bones from rubbing together)
Calcific tendinitis (calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons)
Referred pain from the neck or elsewhere in the body
Arthritis (wearing away of shoulder cartilage)
Fractures

The precise nature of chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain depends on which of the above diagnoses is made by your practitioner, but will likely include some degree of manipulation to ensure correct spinal alignment (especially in the neck) and improved shoulder mobility and function. Additional measures such as heat and ice packs, stretching and strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, rest and cortisone injections may also be discussed. Furthermore, your chiropractor will want to look at your overall health, diet and lifestyle to see if any improvements can be made to assist with your healing process. Chiropractors are specialist health care professionals who deal with shoulder pain on a daily basis.

Signs that you should your chiropractor about your shoulder include the following:

Pain when carrying objects
Shoulder pain at night and when resting
Being unable to raise your arm
Pain that persists beyond a few days and is unimproved by rest and painkillers
Warmth, redness and/or swelling of the shoulder and/or fever, which may indicate infection
Bruising around the shoulder area

0 Categories : Chiropractic

Jan
17

What is the Activator Technique?

by Chiropractor

Out of all the chiropractic treatments available, the Activator technique is the gentlest. Developed by Arthur Fuhr, the Activator technique offers an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine and/or extremity joints. Instead, chiropractors practicing this method use an activator device, allowing for gentler chiropractic treatment. The Activator is a small, handheld spring-loaded instrument used to deliver a small impulse to the spine. Its aim is to manipulate the vertebrae by applying just enough force, but not so much as to cause injury. The Activator tool is highly effective, since it’s designed to give patients a specific and gentle adjustment, through a series of controlled and fast thrusts, which are actually comfortable for the patient. One reason there is minimal discomfort in this technique is that the manipulations using the tool are administered so quickly, the muscles are less likely to resist the impact. This makes the technique good for children who have difficulty lying still, and for older patients with arthritis or osteoporosis, since little discomfort is actually felt.

The chiropractic patient receiving treatment via the Activator method first undergoes a series of analyses and examinations, in order to detect joint dysfunction, leg length inequality, and to test neurological reflexes. Once the chiropractor understands the patient’s specific needs, they can then begin the process of restoring spinal balance – gently and effectively.

The examination of leg length equality involves the patient lying in a prone position while the chiropractor compares the functional leg lengths. It is not uncommon that one leg is shorter than the other. The chiropractor then conducts a series of muscle tests: the patient moves their arm in to a specific position. This activates the muscles that are attached to a specific vertebra. If there is a change in the leg length, this indicates that the problem lies in the vertebra. In this case, the chiropractor will progressively move along and treat the length of the spine towards the head from the feet.

Using the Activator method is not only beneficial for helping back and neck pain, but also for numerous other problems associated with spinal imbalance and dysfunction. Issues connected to the nervous system, such as nerve-associated pain, can also be aided by the Activator method. If you suffer from neck and back pain, headaches, knee pain, sciatica, or carpal tunnel syndrome, consider chiropractic treatment and ask your chiropractor about the Activator method. It can help not only with physical symptoms, but it can also help to alleviate the anxiety associated with chiropractic treatment.

References:

[1] Fuhr, Arlan W.; J. Michael Menke (February 2005). “Status of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, Theory, and Practice”. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 28 (2): e1–e20.

[2] http://www.activator.com/chiropractic-conditions/activator-explained/ accessed September 2011.

0 Categories : Chiropractic

Jan
16

What is the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)?

by Chiropractor

The Sacro-Occipital Technique (also referred to as SOT) is a commonly used chiropractic technique developed by osteopath and chiropractor Major Bertrand DeJarnette. The name refers to the sacrum or “tail bone” (the last major bone of the spinal column) and the occiput or base of the skull. The technique is based on normalizing the relationship between these two ends of the spinal column. SOT is practiced by an estimated 49% of chiropractors.

The Sacro-Occipital Technique itself is performed by analyzing the condition of the patient’s spine in three positions – vertical, prone (lying face down), and supine (lying face up). The SOT practitioner then analyzes the nerve health and flow of cerebro-spinal fluid from the brain to the spine, and makes adjustments to improve this flow. During this process the practitioner may palpate the skull to make adjustments to the actual cranial bones, while simultaneously massaging or “pumping” various vertebrae to remove blockages that could interfere with cerebro-spinal fluid flow. The SOT practitioner often uses the weight of the patient’s own body to correct abnormalities in the body. For example, treatment may involve placing wedge-shaped foam cushions under certain parts of the body to realign the pelvis as the patient reclines on them.

Like other chiropractic techniques, SOT seeks to correct abnormalities in the spine that produce back, arm, and leg pain, headaches, and dizziness. Patients suffering from migraines, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue and nervous disorders can benefit immediately from Sacro-Occipital manipulation. However the main goal of a chiropractic SOT treatment is not to eliminate or reduce pain, it is to normalize the function of the brain and spinal cord, which constitute the central nervous system. The Sacro-Occipital Technique seeks to improve the overall transmission of nerve impulses from the brain down the spine and to other areas of the body.

Equal emphasis is placed in SOT treatment on the proper positioning of the pelvis. The spine and skull, shoulders and arms are supported above the pelvis, and the legs and feet are supported below. Thus an improperly aligned pelvis can cause postural irregularities, problems with normal functioning of the skull and jaw, and muscular dysfunction. As the name sacro-occipital implies, SOT treatment focuses on both ends of the spine, because they are so interrelated. By correcting imbalances both in the skull and in the pelvis, communication is improved along the entire spinal column.

Resources:

0 Categories : Chiropractic

Jan
8

Understanding Why Over-Prescription of Antibiotics is a Problem

by Chiropractor

When you or someone you love is sick, whether from the flu or bronchitis or any number of illnesses, the most pressing thought is towards recovering as fast and as fully as possible.

In the battle against the bug, antibiotics have often been the sword with which to vanquish the microscopic beasties. Even those people that hold out against using medication and let their own immune systems attempt to triumph often succumb to the perceived “instant cure” that antibiotics seem to offer. What they don’t realize is that many of those who fall sick, take antibiotics, and then promptly recover, would have recovered even had they not taken antibiotics and just waited a few more days. We tend to self-diagnose, often incorrectly, and seek the cure before confirming the cause of the illness. Bronchitis, for example, can be caused by both bacteria and viruses.

Unfortunately, the abuse and misuse of antibiotics, which include over-prescription and failure to complete antibiotic treatment, have led to a rise in superbugs, bacteria that are resistant to all currently available antibiotic treatments. Recently, reports have been issued from European hospitals stating that there has been a frightening rise in superbugs in hospitals, leading to untreatable infections.

The biggest problem with antibiotics has been and still is their over-prescription. They are often prescribed for illnesses that are entirely viral based, such as the flu and colds, making the antibiotics nothing more than placebos against these infections.

Many people don’t understand that antibiotics do not work against viruses. As the name implies, antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses. Like most living things, bacteria also evolve and as antibiotics kill off the susceptible colonies, resistant colonies expand to fill the space left behind. The more antibiotics are used, the faster the spread of more resistant colonies.

But why do doctors, who surely are aware of the consequences of this scenario, over-prescribe antibiotics? Part of the answer lies in the pressure exerted by the patient on the doctor. A physician is often overloaded with sick patients, especially in the winter when infection rates rise significantly. Patients often demand antibiotics, having experienced rapid recovery under bacterial infections and believing the same will occur with the current infection. Doctors will often prescribe what the patients want rather than what they need, in order to placate the patient and not have to spend too much time on each patient.

The speed of bacterial evolution caused by over-prescription of antibiotics is currently outstripping the speed with which new antibiotics are developed, which will lead to a catastrophic epidemic of untreatable superbugs. More sensible prescription and more appropriate use of antibiotics is essential if we are to keep up and stay healthy.

0 Categories : Chiropractic, Food and Nutrition