Article Of The Month
Spinal manipulation is performed by chiropractors. Although there has long been controversy between the traditional medical environment and chiropractors regaining the benefits of spinal manipulations, this has changed substantially in recent years. This approach gained the endorsement of an expert panel which evaluated back pain treatments for the Agency for Health Policy Research two years ago. The panel concluded that these types of manipulations are not only effective in reducing pain but may speed recovery within the first month of back pain symptoms as well.
It has been shown that Chiropractic is the best choice for low back pain, according to the Rand Corporation and the latest U.S. military studies currently being done. The British Journal of Medicine also has indicated efficacy of Chiropractic. Chiropractors cite Splendori Study in Italy 1978, the T.W. Mrad, FRCP British Study 1990, The Rand Study 1991, The Workers Compensation Records, State of Utah 1986, The Hendryson Report, The Military Orthopedic Ward Study, The Silverman A V Med HMO Study 1982, State of Oregon Worker's Compensation Study 1971, State of California Industrial Back Injury Study 1972, "In Hospital" Clinical Evaluation of Two Competing Hospitals, Dr. Per Freitag, the Kirkaldy-Wills, M.D., David Cassidy, D.C. Clinical Study published in the medical journal Canadian Family Physician 1985, the New Zealand Commission of Inquiry Into Chiropractic, 1979, The Manga Report to Ontario Ministry of Health 1993.
Many of the problems seen in adults can start as early as the birthing process. By the time some adults consult a Doctor of Chiropractic, years of spinal damage has occured. This makes it difficult to get the instant results most patients want. Because of philosophical differences, misunderstandings and economic competition, countless myths have circulated about chiropractic. Just like other types of doctors, chiropractors must meet very strict licensing requirements, follow a code of ethics, and must pass 'board exams', which are administered by the state government. Chiropractic is scientific and as diagnostic equipment becomes more sophisticated researchers are able to prove what chiropractors have long known, CHIROPRACTIC WORKS!
The truth is that chiropractic is safe. Safer than surgery, prescription pain medication or relaxants, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Even newborns can receive chiropractic adjustments. Many newborns whose parent is a chiropractor receive their first adjustment before the pediatrician does the first examination.
Increasing nervous system function by restoring normal motion or position to spinal bones is one of your chiropractor's major goals. Children usually respond quickly; long-standing spinal problems in adults can be more difficult to correct, and may require longer term chiropractic care. Muscle and soft tissue damage may require continues care after the symptoms disappear to fully repair the injury. Missing your regularly scheduled appointments or discontinuing chiropractic care because you "feel better", quickly invites relapse. But, how long you benefit from chiropractic care is ALWAYS up to you!
A chiropractic 'adjustment' is the use of a specific force that is applied to a joint or spinal bone that is misaligned or not moving properly. Adjustments help to move the joints and spinal bones back into the correct position. There are 24 vertebrae in your back, when these vertebrae are misaligned they put pressure on the nerves that branch off of your spinal cord, causing pain and malfunction
There are many different ways to adjust the spine and you may have experienced some of these. Dr. Kellerman uses a 'hands on' approach, meaning he uses his fingers to palpate or feel the vertebrae and he uses his hands to move them back into place. After years of training Dr. Kellerman has become very skilled at his adjusting technique. Regardless of the technique used, each adjustment is specialized for the patient depending on the patient's age, size and unique spinal problems.
Each day millions of patients choose chiropractic care over the use of medication or surgery and are very happy with their decision