3 Medical Practices That Support Spinal Health

The spine is one of the most vital components of the human body and plays a key role in supporting the body weight and protecting the key components of the nervous system. Due to its key functionality, the spine also undergoes tremendous stress throughout the day, and over a period of years, this may lead to a number of spinal health conditions.

Various types of injuries or accidents are also one of the key reasons for spinal conditions. Spinal health disorders can have a debilitating effect on our well-being by drastically limiting our mobility and our ability to carry out various routine tasks. A number of medical practices specialize in the treatment of spinal health conditions with each having its own unique benefits and applications.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a medical practice that is concerned with the diagnosis as well as treatment of various mechanical disorders of the human body's musculoskeletal system. Spinal adjustment or "spinal manipulation" is one of the key areas of focus of chiropractic medicine as the nervous system is considered a vital component in chiropractic medicine and the spine is one of the key components of the human nervous system.

Chiropractic spinal adjustment offers effective treatment for a wide range of spinal system disorders with the effects of such treatment ranging from temporary pain relief to long-term wellness benefits as well as preventive care.

Chiropractic treatment of spinal conditions involves spinal adjustment through the application of pressure by hand on the patient's back/spine by a trained chiropractor. This minimizes the risk of side-effects and complications usually associated with complex surgical procedures and makes chiropractic care a good choice for various types of mild spinal health conditions. Some of the spinal health conditions for which chiropractic care is uniquely suitable include mild scoliosis, lower back pain, neck pain etc.

Orthopedics & Spine Surgery 

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis as well as treatment of health conditions involving the bones and joints. Treatment of a wide range of spinal conditions is also one of the key components of the training of orthopedic spine surgeons and many orthopedic surgeons also specifically specialize in the treatment of spinal disorders.

Though, many of the spinal conditions treated by orthopedic spinal surgery overlap with those treated by neurosurgery, orthopedic surgeons are uniquely suited for treatment of spinal health conditions that involve specialized knowledge of spinal bones and joints. Some of such conditions include the treatment of severe spinal deformities (such as kyphosis and scoliosis) and treatment of spinal bone tumors.

Neurosurgery 

Neurosurgery involves diagnosis and treatment of various disorders of the nervous system, which consists of the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves. When it comes to treatment of spinal health conditions, neurosurgeons generally specialize in the performing procedures inside the lining of the spinal canal or the dura (intradural procedures).

Many of the common spinal disorders such as disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, disc degeneration, spinal stenosis are nowadays being treated by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. However, neurosurgeons are more uniquely suited for treatment of certain spinal conditions that involve the spinal cord (intradural conditions). Some of such conditions include spinal cord tumors, syringomyelia, Chiari malformation, spina bifida, tethered spinal cord etc.

Chiropractic Evolved: A Comprehensive Approach to Postural Correction

Today, there are more and more chiropractic offices employing the use of new postural correction techniques. Disc decompression therapies, physical therapy, laser treatment for tissue regeneration, deep tissue massage, and other modalities are being employed in a more comprehensive approach to chiropractic care.

With this said, (like chiropractors) no two individuals are the same. Treatment of postural abnormalities will vary depending on the patient and the chiropractor providing the care. These are a few more advanced options when it comes to postural correction. Working with the right chiropractor can help you in regaining mobility and eliminating pain through some, if not all, of these approaches.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapies are used to treat lower back and neck pain, it is also a method used to treat bulging discs in the back. The non-surgical therapy technique cycles distraction and compression to the areas where pain is present, allowing chiropractors to focus on a particular disc. The "vacuum" effect this method employs within each disc stimulates growth of blood supply around the disc, and helps in the healing process.

Physical Therapies

Physical therapy is a common method used for pain management and to help regain mobility today as well. Many chiropractors employ this method when patients come in after suffering from an accident.

A car accident, a sports related injury, or other types of accidents, allow chiropractors to target a specific area. During therapy, they focus on rebuilding muscle, tissue, and helping the patient regain mobility over time. Depending on the injury, the exercises and types of therapies done will vary for each patient.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is used to help stimulate living tissues, in an effort to help patients regain mobility in areas where the tissues aren't properly being used. Pain reduction via nerve regeneration is one benefit of this treatment option. Muscle soreness can be decreased with targeted laser sessions, edema reduction is also a benefit of using this technology in treating certain patients.

For bulging discs, lower back pain, neck pain, or other injuries, laser treatment is a newer technology which more chiropractic offices are employing into the arsenal of treatment methods for patients today. A good example is in the health-progressive Bay Area of California where Dr. Mik Hamilton of Hamilton Chiropractic is one of the first chiropractors to adopt the laser therapy for his patients. He has not only seen significant results from the laser, but has earned the interest of many people seeking this therapy specifically to help them health and recovery from injuries.

Deep Tissue Massage & ART

Soft tissue massage is a way to help increase blood flow, help increase mobility, and to help in pain treatment and management for many patients. The Graston Technique is a method used by many chiropractors. It is a manual therapy, using an instrument assisted mobilization device, defined to target and detect areas of limited mobility.

Similar to deep tissues massage is Active Release Technique, or ART. This is specialized form of massage, or myofascial release, combined with targeted movement to encourage the release to tight muscles. Some chiropractors in turn use massage techniques and ART, such as BlyChiropractic.com, to help target areas of limited mobility, help relieve tension, and help patients regain mobility and eliminate pain.

Regardless of which chiropractor or chiropractic office you visit, in order to ensure the best postural correction and eliminate pain, patients should visit offices which employ a series of different treatment techniques. There is no single method which will work for every individual patient.

For this reason, chiropractic offices should employ a variety of treatment methods and specialties. Doing so not only allows chiropractic professionals to target specific areas of pain, but also help improve mobility, and help patients get back on their feet in less time following an injury or accident they were involved in.

For more information on postural correction, visit:

Hamilton Chiropractic
1313 Gilman St, Ste B
Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: (510) 526-3362
ChiroMik.com

Advanced Chiropractic Care: More Than Just Spinal Manipulation

When it comes to chiropractic care, spinal manipulation is just the beginning. Not only can you receive spinal manipulation and back adjustments, you can also explore even more treatments from advanced chiropractors. By expanding the scope of treatment, they can help you better maintain the wellness of your body.

Don’t limit yourself. Advanced chiropractors can show you a variety of exercise programs and treatments that can be done in your home or in their office. They help get to the underlying cause of pain.

 By exploring all of the treatment options that your chiropractor has available, you could find a treatment program that works better than you could imagine. Learn more below and explore a few chiropractic treatments that you may want to consider.

Disc Decompression

Disc decompression is a treatment that can help with relieving pain from degenerative disc diseases and other issues like sciatica, and spinal stenosis. It is a non-surgical procedure and offered by many advanced chiropractors. Pain relief is important for reviving normal exercise and work routines.

Using a traction table the spine is gently stretched releasing pressure on spinal discs. When pressure compresses the discs in the spine, irritation and inflammation can occur, causing pain. All of these factors contribute to issues that cause lower back pain. Accompanied by active and passive treatment options, disc decompression can completely remove pain and return you back to your normal life.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a chiropractic treatment where lasers are used to stimulate body tissue. This stimulation reduces pain by enhancing the body’s natural healing process. Lasers emit light to different areas of the body, allowing tissue to regenerate and heal the area. It also reduces inflammation with can also cause pain.

Low-level laser therapy is the use of red and near infrared monochromatic light. It is a short term treatment used to treat conditions such as, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other causes of acute pain. Cold laser therapy is another name for low-level laser therapy. Doctors use small hand held lasers so treatment is fast and you can be back to your normal routine quickly. Take a look at this real world example of how a Berkeley chiropractor use laser therapy to treat his patients.

Exercises to Balance the Muscular System

Combined with chiropractic care, exercise is important to help manage pain. Different exercises are taught by the chiropractor but can be done in your home. By strengthening muscles and conditioning the heart, digestion and blood circulation is increased enhancing the body’s healing ability.

With a well-balanced muscular system, the chances of acquiring a debilitating injury are reduced. Different stretch and strength movements aid in the support of back bones and nerves. Exercise helps to improve muscle and bone function and that is important for the control and prevention of muscular and neurological disease.

Advanced chiropractors can demonstrate proper exercise techniques to prevent injury while exercising and doing everyday things. Safety is important and the tips they provide can lead to an improved and long lasting function of the back.

Remember to keep an open mind when visiting the chiropractor. An advanced chiropractor can do much more than just back adjustments and spinal manipulation. They can provide other treatments such as laser therapy and disc decompression. They can also show exercises that can improve, enhance, and preserve the function of the muscles and nerves.

For more information on advanced chiropractic care, visit:

Hamilton Chiropractic
1313 Gilman St, Ste B
Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: (510) 526-3362
ChiroMik.com

What Makes Great Chiropractors? 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Chiropractor

If you are new to chiropractic, then it could be somewhat problematic for you to find the right chiropractor that will meet all your needs, while knowing that you are getting the best care possible.

There are a lot of great resources that will help you obtain valuable information in order to assist you in your search for the best chiropractor. Here are some tips to help you make an educated and well thought choice regarding your personal health care professional.

1. Chiropractic Techniques

There are a number of different methods and techniques of treatment in chiropractic, and no two are exactly the same. Some technique will work great with a specific patient, but at the same time it will be pretty useless for someone else. With this in mind, make sure that you avoid any chiropractors that claim their technique is superior and more successful to others.

2. Confidence And Honesty

One of the most important tings to look for in a good chiropractic doctor is definitively honesty. You should always look for a doctor that has both confidence and trust in all of his patients, as this means that his treatments provide quick and great results. Average and bad chiropractors will try to make you sign up for a long-term treatment before actually seeing how to properly respond to your treatment.

3. Appropriate Diagnosis And Treatment

This part is very important to finding the best chiropractor. Chiropractors have been through extensive education and training in order to become health care providers, and this training consisted out of proper examination, diagnosis and treatment methods.

If you find your Bloomington IL chiropractic office lacking in any of these fields, than he shouldn't be treating you. More advanced and qualified chiropractors will also use X-rays in order to make precise and well calculated diagnosis which will ultimately lead to more efficient treatments and more sustainable outcomes. Using X-rays can often provide critical information that can direct various treatment protocols or referral options for the patient.

4. Word Of Mouth

Positive word of mouth is always a good sign, no matter the profession. If you are trying to find a great chiropractor, then you should listen to what others in your community have to say about them. Actually, you should trust them a lot more than the ads on TV or Facebook. Creating a good advertisement is quite easy, but generating many positive opinions based on experience gained from actually being treated by that chiropractor is something that can't be faked.

5. Willingness To Refer

Unfortunately, some chiropractors try to treat conditions that are well out of the realm of chiropractic. Having a chiropractic treatment while suffering from a certain disease is a good thing, but chiropractors should never be directly treating you for that disease. A fine chiropractor in Berkeley, California will always refer you to a specialist if the situation requires it.

Choose a Great Chiropractor

With these characteristics mentioned above, you now have the right criteria to evaluate all potential chiropractors. Begin by making an appointment with three chiropractic clinics that have a good reputation, and after meeting with the chiropractors make sure to ask them a lot of questions about the way they are treating their patients.

Always make sure that you remember the importance of a good examination, diagnosis and treatment process, as it will help you a great deal in finding the best chiropractor to successfully solve your problems.

Chiropractic Techniques to Release Spinal Tension & Alleviate Back Pain

Spinal tension and back pain can cause a lot of pain and frustration if self-care fails to offer relief. This can make prompt medical attention a necessity.

If you suffer from low back pain and spinal tension, it may be in your best interest to consult with qualified chiropractor for treatment. Chiropractors rely on a variety of treatments to deal with these conditions. Here is a list of the most common chiropractic techniques used to alleviate these debilitating issues.

Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to treat lower back pain that does not resolve with simple self-care. This chiropractic technique can also help to enhance physical function. It has been know to offer mild or moderate relief almost immediately.

Research evidence reveals that spinal manipulation is just as effective as other traditional forms of treatment for this condition such as taking pain medication, sleeping on a firm mattress, and applying heat on the affected part. It's considered a safe alternative to standard treatment options but it has to be carried out by a qualified practitioner.

A professional chiropractor also needs to be licensed to perform spinal manipulation. You may experience some minor side effects after the procedure including discomfort, which usually goes away after a few days. However, this discomfort is completely normal.

Your chiropractor can perform spinal manipulation by hand or specialized device designed to apply pressure on the spine joints. The pressure that is applied on the spine has to be controlled to prevent damage. The amount of pressure used will depend on the kind of manipulation the chiropractor is using. The main objective of spinal manipulation is to relieve the back pain and allow you to walk and move with ease.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

This chiropractic technique involves using a motorized device referred to as the spinal decompressor to stretch the spine. Spinal decompression therapy is specially used to relieve back pain. It is a non-surgical alternative to surgical spinal decompression. This is an ideal option if your back pain is caused by a herniated, bulging, or degenerating disc.

Spinal decompression therapy works by producing negative intradiscal pressure. This pressure helps the bulging or herniated disc to get back to its normal position. Lower pressure is also created through this technique to make it easy for nourishing nutrients to find their way into the disc, promoting healing.

It is important to note that this therapy should only be offered by a qualified individual. The spine is one of the most sensitive parts of the body and adequate care is required to make sure that no further damage is caused during treatment.

Torque Release Technique

This is one of the most advanced chiropractic techniques. The torque release technique is gentle and this ensures there are no cracked bones after the procedure. It is also comfortable because patients are not required to be in a bent position during the torque release process. The technique offers relief for back pain. It targets your nervous system, enhancing your well-being.

Torque release technique is recommended for diagnosing and identifying spine subluxation. It is also an effective solution for those who suffer from spinal tension. The technique releases the tension throughout your nervous system allowing your body to function properly.

Adjustment is carried out using a special tool called an integrator. This tool directs impulses into your spine. The integrator makes quick adjustments compared to using the hand to manipulate the spine. It is also more accurate and consistent, making the adjustment powerful.

The Graston Technique

This is a manual form of therapy chiropractors use to treat back pain. The Graston technique manipulates the soft tissue using some special instruments. A unique form of massage is used to touch the skin gently. This technique makes it easy for a practitioner to determine if there are any restrictions in the soft tissue. Injuries that affect your soft tissues can cause pain. The manipulation can help to break up any scar tissue that may be causing the back pain.

Only select chiropractors offer the Graston technique. One of the most renown is Dr. Timothy Bly of Bly-Hillman Chiropractic in Bloomington, Illinois. Dr. Bly has a reputation the leading chiropractor Bloomington, IL has to offer, as he offers over 30 years of experience and the most cutting edge techniques in chiropractic.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Chiropractors also use laser therapy to treat back pain. Low-level laser therapy is used because it enhances the body’s natural healing process. Red and near-infrared monochromatic light is used to penetrate your skin.

A light source is put on the skin to enhance circulation and restore cell function. It is recommended for back pain but it has to be performed by a qualified chiropractor to determine the precise location, cause, severity, and frequency of your pain.

With these chiropractic techniques (especially when used in conjunction) your chiropractor can help you overcome your low back pain. Look around and ask prospective chiropractors in your area if they provide some of these specialized treatments, and if they're able to put together unique programs given your circumstance.