According to the World Health Organization, Chiropractic is defined as, “A healthcare profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health.” The primary form of chiropractic treatment is the high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) manual adjustment of spinal and peripheral joints, a therapeutic procedure that has been performed for thousands of years. Today, chiropractic is one of the fastest growing healthcare disciplines. In addition to high patient satisfaction and global utilization within the clinical setting, spinal and peripheral joint adjustments enhance the performance and augment the rehabilitation of collegiate, professional and Olympic athletes.
The central focus of chiropractic treatment is to reduce joint motion restrictions within the spine, pelvis and limbs, thereby restoring a normal range of motion (ROM) and correct alignment. It is theorized within the scientific literature that the HVLA adjustment induces a physiological response within central and peripheral nervous system pathways which decreases the muscular tension of the affected joint region. The resulting improvement in the patient’s structural and biomechanical integrity decreases inflammation and pain. Effective chiropractic care also requires consideration of several other influences on health and injury response. These influences are internal (such as biochemical/nutritional factors and mental state) and external (including culture, work environment, climate and other aspects).
Acute and chronic pain are treated and managed with specific protocols within our office. Acute (sudden, intense) pain most commonly arises from macrotrauma, which is a high impact force such as from falling. Chronic (ongoing, lower intensity) pain is generally attributed to microtrauma, which is cumulative damage due to muscular imbalances, faulty movement patterns and lifestyle habits such as poor posture. Long-term microtrauma can also lead to acute pain, depending on which region of the body is affected and numerous aspects of pain processing within the central nervous system.
Conditions frequently treated in our office:
· Low back pain
· Disc herniations
· Sciatica
· Neck Pain
· Headaches
· TMJ (jaw) Pain
· Sports Injuries
Treatment Techniques
Diversified - the most widely utilized chiropractic technique for manually adjusting spinal, pelvic and peripheral joints.
Flexion-Distraction - a gentle, non-surgical method of decreasing vertebral joint pressure, primarily in the treatment of disc bulges and herniations in the neck and lower back. Our office features the Cox 8 Table, which is the newest model of the most widely researched flexion-distraction equipment and technique. https://www.coxtechnic.com/doctors/how-it-helps
Thompson Technique - A component of the treatment table with a weighing mechanism which adds tension to hold the patient in a slightly lifted position before an impulse from the clinician’s hands is delivered in a specific direction to correct a spinal or pelvic joint misalignment.
Activator Method - a gentle, specific impulse is delivered by a hand-held mechanism to the fixated spinal vertebra or joint with the goal of restoring normal movement and function.
ArthroStim - An instrument that delivers a low force, yet rapid motion through a cushioned end piece to increase joint range of motion. The improved mobility is accomplished by the rhythmic impulses inducing a relaxation response within the surrounding musculature.
Adjunct Therapies
· Cold laser/Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
· Therapeutic electrical stimulation/Interferential Current (IFC)
· Heat and cold packs
· Myofascial trigger point release
· Foam rolling
· Stretching - various forms, such as passive (relaxed), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and stability ball incorporation
Home Care Recommendations
· Heat/ice application
· Stretches
· Corrective exercises
· Ergonomic Advice
· Corrective foot orthotics
· Foam rolling
· Dietary modifications
New Patients
At your first visit, you will be asked to fill out several forms regarding your condition, contact information and health insurance coverage. Dr. Sanders will then take a thorough history, followed by a physical exam and treatment. At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Sanders will set your treatment schedule, with the frequency of visits depending on your condition.
References
1. WHO guidelines on basic training and safety in chiropractic. http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/Chiro-Guidelines.pdf World Health Organization. 2005.
2. Peterson, D. and Bergmann, T. Chiropractic technique: principles and procedures. 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2002. Chapter 5. The spine: Anatomy, biomechanics, assessment and adjustive techniques.
3. Redwood, D. and Cleveland III, C. Fundamentals of Chiropractic. Mosby. ISBN: 0-323-01812-2. 2003. Chapter 7. Vertebral Subluxation.
4. Haldeman, S., Editor. Principles and Practice of Chiropractic. 3rd edition. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 2005. Chapter 37. Evolution and basic principles of the chiropractic adjustment and manipulation.
5. Facts about chiropractic. http://www.chiropractic.org/faq-chiro International Chiropractors Association. 2016.
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26. Haldeman, S., Editor. Principles and practice of chiropractic. 3rd edition. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 2005. Chapter 19. Interaction of spinal biomechanics and physiology.
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