Chiropractic involves minor movements or adjustments of vertebrae in the spine. These adjustments occur when chiropractors use their hands or an instrument to apply pressure to move vertebrae back into place. The movement is quick and is often without discomfort, although it may produce a sound like cracking knuckles.
The sound you may hear during an adjustment is called joint cavitation and it is simply the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint. The lubricant, called synovial fluid, found in every joint contains dissolved gases. During an adjustment, the joints are slightly separated to move into proper position. This separation releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and the gases create a “pop” similar to opening champagne. Not all patients “pop” and not all adjusting techniques produce the sound.
The sound you may hear during an adjustment is called joint cavitation and it is simply the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint. The lubricant, called synovial fluid, found in every joint contains dissolved gases. During an adjustment, the joints are slightly separated to move into proper position. This separation releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and the gases create a “pop” similar to opening champagne. Not all patients “pop” and not all adjusting techniques produce the sound.
Spinal X-rays are often taken to give the Doctor of Chiropractic a look at the bones of your entire spine and surrounding skeletal structure. From the X-ray, the doctor can identify your current spine angles, any potential issues, and whether additional information is needed, such as an MRI.
Neuromuscular Re-education is body movement prescribed to correct impairment, improve musculoskeletal function, or maintain a state of well-being. It may vary from activities restricted to specific muscles or parts of the body to more general and vigorous activities that can return a convalescing patient to peak physical condition.
Custom orthotics help resolve issues related to walking and alignment, such as knee, foot, and lower back pain. Orthotics can help realign the bones within your foot and ankle and distribute your weight properly, taking pressure off the neck, back, shoulders, hips, feet, and toes (especially those with bunions). Orthotics may be worn on a daily basis for most activities and typically lasts over a year.
Interferential Electro-Therapy is an excellent method of helping the body deal with spasms, sprains, and other issues related to soft tissues by simulating the body’s natural healing method to produce pain-killing endorphins. This therapy involves the application of medium electrical frequencies that easily travels far and deep through the tissue with little discomfort to the patient.
Because Electrical Muscle Stimulation relaxes muscles and allows them to return to their normal state quickly, short therapy sessions are excellent for facilitating healing from acute and chronic pain. This is accomplished by sending a very small electrical current into the affected soft tissue injury or muscle spasm to stimulate muscle motor nerve strands and cause muscle contractions. Contraction and relaxation of muscles can increase local blood circulation, reduce muscle swelling/tenderness, increase range of motion, prevent atrophy, and release muscle spasms.
Spinal Decompression Therapy is non-surgical, non-chiropractic therapy to relieve nerve compression often associated with low-back pain and sciatica. By slowly lengthening and gently decompressing the targeted area of the spine using a computerized decompression table, a small vacuum between the vertebrae is created which pulls the disc back into shape.