Chiropractic Works

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Chiropractic works! So why are there people who still don’t go to a chiropractor for care? There are plenty of misconceptions about chiropractic that keep people from getting the conservative, effective treatment they need. Let’s clear up a few things right now!

Are chiropractors “real” doctors? Chiropractic education is very similar to medical and dental education that demands three to four years of undergraduate studies and an additional four years of post-graduate education. Chiropractic coursework includes anatomy, physiology, orthopedics, neurology, x-ray, nutrition, and philosophy. In the sector of x-ray study, chiropractors , as a matter of fact, have quite a few more hours of education than medical doctors. Chiropractic studies in x-ray consist of x-ray safety, techniques, factors, positioning, and interpretation. In addition, chiropractors have more hours of study in nutrition than students in medical school receive. Chiropractors are sanctioned in all fifty states as doctors.

Is chiropractic safe? Chiropractic adjustments are considered to be one of the safest therapies for the neck and back. It is not only safe for adults, but for children and even infants. Spinal manipulation is encouraged by most medical doctors prior to a patient being recommended to undergo surgery. It is a natural, drug-free alternative to strong drugs like steroids and painkillers.

Does chiropractic hurt? Most patients feel immediate pain relief after an adjustment and increasingly more relaxing and comfortable over time. Adults and children, alike, often look forward to their chiropractic treatments.

Hope that this clears up a few misconceptions. If you are suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, foot pain, or headaches and migraines, you don’t need to suffer any longer. Chiropractic works. Call your chiropractor today!

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Along with spinal conditions, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Poor mechanics of the knee, as well as reduced foot mechanics due to foot pain often create painful knee conditions. Additional causes normally include overuse of the knee joint, inflammation as the result of arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: The most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain is insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the related stress on the soft tissues of the knee. The patella or knee-cap is the most common area affected because frequently the patella does not move sufficiently on the femur during bending of the knee producing undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This distinct condition is normally called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem generally starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Imbalances in the muscles associated with knee movement frequently start from lower back dysfunction, particularly in the sacroiliac joint. Imbalances in muscle groups that connect to the knee can also lead to pain and dysfunction. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stretched and tight.   Faulty foot mechanics that create gait deviations such as pronation, are an additional cause of mechanical knee pain.

The associated pain from overuse is most frequently experienced during activity, in particular stair climbing, running, jumping, and after rising after prolonged sitting. A number of women appear to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, but such problems are frequently related to wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to aid with the alignment of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your chiropractor, are highly experienced in providing the proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during activities that involve running and jumping, such as football, basketball, and skiing. Sprains happen when tissue is torn by virtue of the knee being pulled or bent beyond the facility of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Strains to muscles that give motion to the knee can take place when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can vary from a mild injury that requires little treatment to a extreme injury necessitating surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” – the menisci – between the tibia and the femur that facilitate frictionless mobility and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and commonly need surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause serious pain and swelling and necessitate urgent examination and care. Almost always an experienced chiropractor, such as your chiropractor, can manage these problems, but there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is very important to stabilize the injured joint right away and to ice the injured area, if possible, until the injury can be evaluated.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be fixed at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will eventually erode. As a result the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can eventuate. This painful condition, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely beneficial in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can often aid themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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