Monday - Jan 5, 2009 |
Acupuncture FAQ
Chiropractic is an effective form of care helping your nervous system work the way it should. It's a scientific fact that your brain, spinal cord control every aspect of your body. Millions of instructions travel from these higher centers down through the delicate nerves that innervate every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm everything is functioning properly. Obstruct these vital networks between your brain and your body, and ill health can result. Chiropractic is a multifaceted approach that assists the body in attaining wellness when ill or injured. It works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your brain and nervous system. Improper spinal motion can choke or irritate this nervous system as it relays information to every organ and tissue in your body. Chiropractors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). Health is often returned after correcting these spinal or structural concerns. Other facets of care commensurate with attaining wellness include proper nutrition, corrective posture, stretching and exercise. There are three fundamental causes of the VSC, the first of which involves something physical such as a slip or fall, car accidents, repetitive or overuse movements and improper lifting. Emotions such as stress or anger may also contribute to subluxations. The third cause of VSC involves chemical imbalances from poor diet, air pollution, medication/drugs or alcohol. Spasms, limited motion or pain, whether pinpoint or radiating, may be an indicator of a subluxations, or you may not feel anything at all. Many people have VSC and do not even know it. Just as you may consult your dentist when a toothache becomes apparent, the damage from the decay has already been done. Some wait for obvious symptoms to appear before consulting a Doctor of Chiropractic, while others maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid these problems from occurring. A thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have. An adjustment, or manipulation, is the carefully directed and controlled pressure that helps to better restore position and motion to a "stuck" or fixated spinal joint. This gentle procedure is over 4000 years old. Some methods use just the hands while others may use specialized instruments or tables. This may be augmented by other treatments such as specialized massage, the use of physical therapy modalities, and/or exercise rehabilitative programs. The literature is abundant on the efficacy and safety of this treatment for a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, demonstrating that there is often recovery in a shorter period of time and at a lesser cost than traditional care! A New Zealand study finds that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough examination can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare these statistics to over-the- counter pain relievers; Adjustments are 100 times safer. In fact, millions of chiropractic adjustments are safely delivered each day. Likewise, there has been several favorable media reports regarding the profession from the print media to television spots on 20/20, Today, Good Morning America, Seinfeld, Friends, The Simpsons, and commercials by Volvo, Honda and TORO. This exposure has heightened the awareness of the profession in a positive way. What's That Sound During My Adjustment? Joints are enclosed capsules lubricated by fluids and gas. When these fluids shift during an adjustment the gas may create a sound not unlike a suction cup or "popping". The sound is interesting but definitely not a guide to the quality of the treatment. No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that is not an adjustment. Worse, damage may occur by mobilizing joints and weakening muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even a chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care. How Many Adjustments Do I Need? The number of visits required by each individual is unique. Each patient's care is custom-tailored for their age, condition and health goals. Patients usually experience relief within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment. As their spine becomes more stable, these treatments decrease. In long-standing or chronic cases, healing can take anywhere from two months to two years. Many factors can affect the healing process. Every patient responds differently. Some detect changes in a few short days or weeks. Some people wait too long for obvious symptoms to appear before consulting a Doctor of Chiropractic, while others maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid the chance of these problems occurring, i.e. flossing your teeth. These patients show up for their appointments feeling great but their visits help support the final stages of healing and detect and resolve new problems before they happen. Poor diet, exercise, sleep or stress are also factors to consider. Typically, your doctor will recommend a two week trial basis of care. After you get the relief you want, you may choose to continue. The cycle of care is completed with an emphasis on wellness and will include consultations regarding proper nutrition and posture, regular exercise, and stress management with a positive life attitude. Many patients sense enough progress to carry out their doctors recommendations. After that point, how long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic care is up to you. Can Chiropractic Even Help Me? Improved nerve communications between your brain and your body can help everyone. So, if you have subluxations, you could likely benefit from chiropractic care. But this is a decision that should be made by your chiropractic physician. There are other factors to consider before committing to any one specific form of care. Nonetheless, if for some reason chiropractic adjustments cannot help, then the doctor will refer you to someone who will. Your health is the primary concern.We treat all kinds of people, including the very young and very old, those injured on the job, in am accident or at play. Structural changes which take place in the spine, muscles, ligaments and joints during pregnancy can lead to pain and discomfort. Gentle adjusting techniques adapted to the size, weight, age and trimester of pregnancy can improve the comfort and function of the mother and make delivery easier for her and the baby. Most insurance companies now cover your chiropractic care. While it is convenient when they pay the bill, don't allow them to gain control of your health. Find out how chiropractic can be affordable for just about anyone. Your health is too valuable a possession and affects everything you do. If you do not have coverage when you consult your Doctor of Chiropractic, he or she will go over all payment options available to you. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile, disposable needles into select acupoints that regulate and harmonize the functioning of the internal organs. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, you may feel a sense of tingling, a feelingof heaviness or numbness in the area. Most people find treatments to be very relaxing and many even fall asleep during treatment. Treatments are usually 1 - 1 1/2 hours. How many treatments will I need? The number of treatments will be determined during the initial consultation. Does Health Insurance cover Acupuncture? You should review your health policy to determine if you wil be reimbursed for your acupuncture treatments. You may want to contact your insurance provider to encourage them to provide reimbursement for acupuncture. Acupuncture is covered under Worker's Compensation.Are there any precautions to be observed? On the day of an acupuncture treatment, do not come on an empty stomach or eat an unusually large meal just before or after treatment. Do not over exercise or consume alcoholic beverages 6 hours before or after treatment. |
Advanced Relief Chiropractic & Acupuncture - 405 W Oak Street - Denton, TX 76201 |
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