It’s What We Do!
You choose to see a chiropractor to get adjusted. At Balanced Chiropractic, we want you to get great results and satisfaction from your care. Both Dr. Johnstone and Dr. Wilson use primarily hands on methods of adjusting. Along with professional drop tables and a few other tools, you can be assured of getting thorough and accurate treatments for your spine as well as extremities.
A Little Background
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as chiropractic manipulation, manual manipulation, or spinal manipulation, is the primary chiropractic treatment method for back pain.
Spinal manipulation restores the normal function and coordinated movement of joints, reduces inflammation, and improves nerve function. It has been a trusted form of treatment since the ancient Greek Hippocrates documented manipulative techniques in his writings back in 1500 B.C.
Today, spinal manipulation is used to treat back and neck pain, headaches and most any other joint problems from shoulder injuries or wrist pain to knee pain and ankle injuries.
Interestingly, modern chiropractic was initially established as a corrective means to conditions relating to nerve function, organ function and even immune function. Although not recognized by the medical institution, chiropractic is regularly applied to such conditions as allergies, immune support, menstrual cramps and balance problems, just to name a few.
How Does Spinal Manipulation Work?
There are well over 100 types of adjustment techniques used by chiropractors throughout the world. Some practitioners may use hands on techniques to physically release a dysfunctional joint alteration, while other techniques may utilize instrument devices. Regardless of how they are performed, these techniques are intended to restore or enhance joint function with the objectives of improving nerve signaling, reducing pain and resolving joint inflammation.
When vertebrae couples become fixated or shift from their normal symmetry of movement, there is an overall systemic response from the muscular system to the central nervous system. Without proper alignment and flow, our nerves, our immune system, and our minds cannot function at their highest peak.
Overall, spinal adjustments and manipulations are an excellent way to keep the body functioning at its highest level without any discomfort. When the body is adequately aligned, it becomes able to respond and perform as it was built to do.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex
When a vertebra becomes misaligned or moves out of its normal position, this is referred to in the chiropractic profession as a subluxation, or more precisely, the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). VSC can be caused by a wide range of issues ranging from a minor slip or bump to a car accident or any sudden trauma. When a vertebra is subluxated, it interferes with nerve function, blood vessels and other surrounding structures.
The subluxation interrupts the natural nerve pathways that carry messages to and from the brain. In addition, as time goes by and the subluxation remains untreated, the spine and surrounding features such as discs can begin to degenerate.
This degeneration becomes more difficult to reverse as time goes by and the surrounding muscles, nerves and bones begin to adjust to the new shape. Because the body is a remarkable machine, it will start to accommodate these changes by compensating in other areas. The longer the subluxation is untreated, the longer it will take for treatment to return the vertebrae to its normal function.
Chiropractors are experts in the manipulation of soft and hard tissue. Small, quick movements to the spine can reposition the vertebrae and restore its natural function and coordination with adjacent tissues and nerves. Through treatment, a vertebral subluxation can be corrected back to healthy functionality.