How can chiropractic help my asthma?
Spinal misalignments cause many health problems because vertebrae pinch important nerves and restrict their effectiveness. Clinical trials were conducted involving 420 patients with an average age of 46, in an effort to find out what effects spinal manipulation has on symptoms such as depression and anxiety, general health status, and the levels of immunity. Tests were administered to measure the concentrations of both an immunoglobulin (IgA) and an immunosuppressant (cortisol) to gauge results. In an effort to prove or disprove that different forms of manual therapy (including massage) improve symptoms and lower cortisol levels in asthma patients.
It was reported that only the patient group that underwent spinal manipulation displayed significant improvement in asthma symptoms. Conducting only interviews at the treatment centers or being monitored at home did not yield these improvements. In addition, patients actually undergoing spinal manipulation displayed dramatic increases of IgA and decreases of cortisol even after asthma treatment had ceased, suggesting that the treatments affected the patients’ health long term. These patients were expected to ward off subsequent asthmatic attacks.
These changes not only suggest that the effects of spinal manipulation are more far-reaching than commonly believed, but that they may be more long-term as well. The gain in health achieved after spinal manipulations were performed is expected to reduce the incidence and severity of pathogenic invasion of the airways. There would be less of a risk under these circumstances of experiencing the symptoms of asthma.
What is Chiropractic?
The word ‘Chiropractic’ comes from the Greek words cheir (meaning ‘hand’) and praktos
(meaning ‘done’), i.e. Done by Hand. The name was chosen by the developer of chiropractic,
Daniel David Palmer.
A prolific reader of all things scientific, DD Palmer realized that although various forms of
manipulation had been used for hundreds if not thousands of years, no one had developed a
philosophical or scientific rationale to explain their effects. Palmer’s major contribution to the
health field was therefore the codification of the philosophy, art and science of chiropractic,
which was based on his extensive study of anatomy and physiology.
Palmer performed the initial chiropractic adjustment in September 1895. Palmer examined a
janitor who had become deaf 17 years prior after he felt something “give” in his back. Palmer
examined the area and gave a crude “adjustment” to what was felt to be a misplaced vertebra in
the upper back. The janitor then observed that his hearing improved.
From that first adjustment, DD Palmer continued to develop chiropractic and in 1897 established
the Palmer School of Cure, now known as the Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport,
Iowa, where it remains today. Following the first adjustment, many people became interested in
Palmer’s new science and healing art. Among his early students were Palmer’s son, Bartlett
Joshua (BJ), as well as members of the older healing arts of medicine and osteopathy.
The first state law licensing chiropractors was passed in 1913, and by 1931, 39 states had given
chiropractors legal recognition. Today, there are more than 60,000 active chiropractic licenses in the United States.
What is Subluxation?
In a perfect spine, the vertebrae plus the sacrum and coccyx bone normally stack on top of one another in a centered alignment. Experiences of all kinds (including car accidents) impose forces of movement that often move one or more vertebrae away from this ideal, centered alignment. This misalignment of one vertebrae in relation to the next is called a subluxation. A subluxation can cause pain, because when the bones move they press on nerves that exit out holes provided by the interface between two adjacent vertebrae.
So, a subluxation is the condition of adjacent spinal bones being out of alignment with respect to one another. Because nerves exit the spaces created between two adjacent vertebrae, a subluxation may cause a pinched nerve, and pain.
Chiropractic adjustments can help correct the alignment of the spine and in turn relieve pressure which causes back and neck pain.
Why is Massage Therapy important?
Joint subluxations are almost always accompanied by tension or injury in your soft tissue: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (connective tissue that permeates muscles and forms protective sheets throughout your body).
Soft tissue pain can actually spread because it causes protective muscle tightening in surrounding areas. Over time, tight, inflamed muscles and fascia (together called myofascia) suffer poor circulation and can develop glue-like myofascial adhesions which prevent muscles from lengthening completely. Painful trigger points can also develop, often referring pain or tingling to other areas in the body. In extreme cases, tight muscles can compress nerves just as painfully as a subluxation.
Addressing soft tissue problems is an important complement to chiropractic care. This is because muscles move joints, while ligaments and fascia support them. If a subluxation is adjusted without addressing related soft tissue problems, you may still experience pain. In addition, your tight muscles and shortened fascia can pull your joint out of alignment again.
Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to address soft tissue problems. Gentle kneading and stretching lengthens contracted muscles and fascia. Techniques such as sustained pressure, ice massage and stretching can release trigger points. Painful sprains and strains, as well as myofascial adhesions, can be addressed directly with massage techniques that improve circulation and stimulate healthy separation and realignment of injured fibers. In general, massage increases circulation. This reduces painful swelling and inflammation, and promotes healing by removing waste products and bringing nutrients to your tissues. Like a sponge absorbing water, both fascia and muscles begin to soften and lengthen.
Dr. Bronson is a Phoenix Chiropractors that can provide a plan for you and explain in more detail how massage therapy can help your body’s natural healing process.
Can Chiropractic Help Reduce My Allergies?
By releasing stress on the nervous system, chiropractic permits the immune system to function more effectively. The most common immune disorder is the allergic reaction which occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens -dust, pollen, milk, pet dander, etc. - and produces too many neutralizing chemicals called histamines to counteract it.
Chiropractors correct a basic cause of body malfunction to improve the function of your immune system. Please note that the chiropractic approach is to remove vertebral subluxations, a common spinal distortion that puts stress on your nervous system. Freed of nervous system stress, your body will work more effectively to neutralize the allergy-causing chemicals in your environment. Healthy bodies are capable of neutralizing these toxic substances and a body which has malfunctioning defense mechanisms cannot. The emphasis on allergies must be on building a healthy body, not on trying to eliminate all the allergens.
Dr. Richard Bronson, of Bronson Chiropractic, is a Chiropractor located in Phx AZ, has 28 years experience helping clients with a wide range of health issues, including car accidents and auto accidents, workmans comp, as well as back and neck issues.
Why is Exercise Important?
Overall and when combined with chiropractic care, exercise helps promote proper digestion, keeps the muscles in proper tone and promotes better circulation. Walking briskly around the block at least once or twice is a convenient and popular activity. Also, many forms of work and/or household tasks can function as an exercise program. The important point is to exercise and have fun!
Cardiovascular and strength exercises combined with chiropractic care are important in the management of low back pain. Check with your family doctor or with Dr. Richard Bronson of Bronson Chiropractic to make sure you are physically fit enough for cardiovascular exercise.
Fortunately for us, our Arizona weather is spectacular most of the year and we have some of the most beautiful scenic hiking trails in the world. If you are looking for a fun opportunity to get some exercise and hike on some of Arizona’s beautiful hiking trails with an experienced and hilarious trail guide, take a look at www.arizonacustomhikes.com.
What are Custom Foot Orthotics?
Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion (over pronation). This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs and sometimes affects the knees, hips or back. Small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences in the rest of you bodies overall health. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes.
An 'orthotic' is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many 'biomechanical' (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function. In turn this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body.
In addition, orthotics give a more even weight distribution, taking pressure of sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions etc) and they provide some shock absorption.
At Bronson Chiropractic in Phx, AZ, we specialize in custom foot orthotics and believe that they are invaluable in restoring natural alignment in foot function as well as leg, hip and back alignment. Bronson Chiropractic is a Phoenix Arizona Chiropractic clinic.
What is the Sciatic Nerve?
The sciatic nerve arises from the spine in the lower 3 lumbar vertebrae and is the longest and largest nerve in the body. As it passes through the upper gluteal region, it is frequently as thick as your thumb. When it becomes inflamed it creates a condition which we call sciatica. Not all leg pain is sciatica, but virtually all sciatica involves leg pain. Usually felt in the back of the thigh, calf, ankle and top or bottom of the foot, sciatica often causes sensations of burning, cramping, tingling, numbness and depending on the level of acuteness, degrees of pain ranging from an aching nuisance to throbbing to extreme and overt pain. In severe cases, absent or diminished reflexes and wasting or atrophy of muscles can occur.
Causes of sciatica are varied. It can result from a sudden trauma, a strenuous attempt to lift, or pushing or pulling pushing something, a sudden rotational motion, or even the jolt of a violent sneeze or cough. Most times, however, sciatica is the result of cumulative or repetitive small traumas. Sciatica may appear suddenly or gradually and may first be noticed while walking or slouching in a chair. It is often the result of some trauma that occurred months or even years before.
Sciatica is ultimately about inflammation of the nerve. It may possibly resolve itself with rest, ice and care not to cause further irritation. However, if the original cause is not identified and corrected, further episodes are likely to occur.
It is best with these conditions to get some professional advice as early attention can often mean much earlier resolution. At Bronson Chiropractic Clinic we have been treating low back problems and sciatica for decades. Call our friendly staff and make an appointment today!
Can Chiropractic improve Posture?
Causes of sciatica are varied. It can result from a sudden trauma, a strenuous attempt to lift, or pushing or pulling pushing something, a sudden rotational motion, or even the jolt of a violent sneeze or cough. Most times, however, sciatica is the result of cumulative or repetitive small traumas. Sciatica may appear suddenly or gradually and may first be noticed while walking or slouching in a chair. It is often the result of some trauma that occurred months or even years before.
At Bronson Chiropractic it is our goal to correct posture and improve overall health. We use multiple strategies to improve posture, including chiropractic, custom orthotics, decompression traction, and gentle chiropractic.
Is chiropractic safe for Pregnant women?
Chiropractors have special techniques for adjusting pregnant women. Because of their inability to take medication for pain, the natural approach of chiropractic is the logical choice for a pregnant woman. Obstetricians are more frequently referring pregnant women to chiropractors due to the effectiveness of spinal adjustments for pain relief when the weight of a baby begins to affect posture. It has also been shown that Women under chiropractic care may have a significantly faster delivery than those who are not.
The above headline comes from a September 8, 2009 research update release from the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health. The author of the release Matthew McCoy D.C., is an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences at Life University, a public health specialist, health researcher and editor of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health.
The release notes that on September 4, 2009, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) issued a report on the H1N1 virus known as the swine flu. The CDC report showed that there had been 36 deaths in children under 18 associated with the swine flu. The CDC report noted that a higher than usual amount of these deaths (67%) involved children with serious "high-risk medical conditions". Normally the average death toll in children from the yearly flu shows that only 35% to 55% had previous serious medical conditions. This suggests that children not suffering from serious medical conditions are less likely to die from H1N1 than from previous years flu outbreaks.
Additionally, the CDC report noted that most of the previously seriously ill children, (92%), who succumb to the flu were suffering from "neurodevelopmental conditions". Because of the nervous system involvement reported by the CDC, Dr. McCoy noted, "The number of children with neurological, neurodevelopmental and pulmonary disorders who ended up with complications from the H1N1 flu and who ultimately died from these complications point to the need to make sure that children with such disorders, and in fact all children, have as little interference to their nervous systems as possible". Dr. McCoy added "It (CDC report) also shows that the majority of children who ended up with complications from H1N1 infection were not normal, healthy children. So, if you have normal, healthy children - rather than panic from these media reports its better to consider the things you can do to make sure that your childs immune system remains functioning at its best."
The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health notes that in addition to a healthy diet, exercise and proper sleep, one crucial way to make sure a childs immune system is functioning at its best is to make sure their nervous system is free from interference. The Journal release also noted that the nervous system has a direct effect on the immune system and the spine houses and protects the spinal cord and nerves, a vital portion of the nerve system. They therefore state that it is important to have childrens spines checked for any interference to the nervous system.
Dr. Christopher Kent, chiropractic researcher and President of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation, advised, "Nerve interference can result from spinal misalignments or abnormal motion in the spine called vertebral subluxations and because the nervous system affects immune function it is important to reduce or correct any vertebral subluxations if found." Dr. Kent added, "The lesson in all of this is to go back to the basics. The best defense against viral and bacterial diseases, in addition to the recommendations for hand washing and covering your mouth, is a highly functioning immune system. Chiropractic should be part of an effective flu prevention strategy."
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that occurs when breathing stops in repeated episodes during sleep. Apnea means lack of breathing. Structural obstructions in the nose or throat, such as enlarged tonsils or excess throat tissue, can block a person’s airway. During sleep, the airway muscles relax and the airway closes or is blocked. There are several chiropractic treatments that may help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Studies indicate that people with neck trauma, obesity, and neck kyphosis have an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Neck kyphosis simply means an excess curvature of the neck in the flexed position. Obesity appears to contribute to kyphosis.
Talk to Dr. Bronson if your doctor has diagnosed you with sleep apnea. There may be several types of chiropractic treatments that can help relieve your symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments, massage, exercise, or a combination of treatments may help. Your chiropractor will use his or her hands or special tools to provide gentle joint mobilization and adjustments. This may help improve the function of the chest muscles and increase blood flow. Your chiropractor can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises for your neck.
Chiropractic helps those who suffer from fibromyalgia in order to keep the spine and muscles from losing too much movement. Because fibromyalgia causes the muscles to tighten up and lose some of their natural flexibilty,resulting in a loss of movement in the spine. This loss of movement in a neurological reflex that causes the muscles in the spine to further tighten. This cycle will continue and over a period of it time will lead to increased pain, increased muscle tightness, loss of movement, and difficulty sleeping .
The only option is to continually adjust the spine and keep it moving. It is not uncommon for those with fibromyalgia to be adjusted four or more times per month to keep everything loosed and relaxed. The biggest concern in treating people with fibromyalgia is that their muscles have a diminished healing ability. For this reason, chiropractic adjustments are usually modified slightly. This helps to decrease the stress on all of the small supporting muscles of the spine, which can be easily injured. It is important when seeking chiropractic care, to make sure that the doctor is familiar with the muscular changes that occur with fibromyalgia so that they can adjust their treatment accordingly.
Chiropractic care is most often thought of as something individuals seek when they are suffering from back pain. But it can also help with a variety of other problems, such as Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction or TMJ.
TMJ occurs when the disc becomes displaced or when the surrounding muscles and tendons become inflamed. The results are pain and tenderness around the joint directly in front of your ear. The opening and closing of the mouth will become difficult or painful and a popping or grinding sound occurs when an individual opens or closes their mouth. People with TMJ can also have earaches, headaches, dizziness, and muffled hearing.
Chiropractic treatment is very effective for patients with TMJ. Before treatment a Chiropractor will perform a full spinal analysis focusing on the upper neck and evaluating the jaw joint. Treatment plans will include chiropractic adjustments of the upper neck and/or jaw area. Depending on severity, patients may see immediate relief or will need a series of adjustments over time to see relief. Usually, the longer one waits to see a chiropractor for treatment, the longer the recovery time.
If you are suffering from TMJ call Bronson Chiropractic in Phoenix AZ today!
The main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, include pain and tingling sensation in the fingers, wrists, and hands. Patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome also experience numbness in the fingers and finger tips.
CTS is caused pinched nerves caused by repetitive actions of the wrist, fingers, and arms. CTS results in swelling around the tendons in the carpal tunnel region which is responsible for the pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the fingers, wrists, and arms.
Carpal tunnel chiropractic treatment involves maneuvering and manipulating the wrists, arms, elbows and upper region of the spinal cord to release the nerve impingement.
Chiropractic treatment in patients suffering from CTS helps restore full range of motion in the arms, improved finger sensation, nerve sensation, and provides relief from pain, numbness, and tingling sensation after repeated sessions ranging for about six months.
In most cases, heel and arch pain are caused by overpronation of the foot and foot subluxations. Overpronation is a rolling in of the foot. This overpronation of the foot eventually leads to an inflammation of the fascia, muscles, and ligaments on the bottom of the foot and is diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. If the patient continues to exercise, the inflammation worsens and will lead to calcaneal bursitis.
Calcaneal bursitis usually is extremely painful getting out of bed in the morning. Many patients report they can barely walk for the first 30 minutes every morning. As the day progresses, the pain diminishes. This is due to the changes in the bursa sac. It becomes engorged with fluid while the patient is sleeping, then this enlarged sac is very painful to put pressure on upon rising. As the body is in a weight-bearing position during the day, the fluid is pushed out of the sac only to return again when the body is at rest in the evening. Eliminating the running or aerobic activity may lead to a reduced pain level, but in most cases, the injury will reoccur if the biomechanical problem of overpronation is not corrected.
Prolonged inflammation of the plantar fasciitis will lead to a calcaneal traction spur. This type of spur is best seen on a lateral foot radiograph. I usually place the plantar surface of the right and left foot together and take one bilateral radiograph.
Treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs should start with conservative treatment before requiring radical treatment. Fortunately, in most cases, conservative treatment will resolve the problem. Treatment in our clinic starts with chiropractic treatment to correct foot, ankle, knee, and pelvic subluxations. The talus is the keystone of the foot and is frequently subluxated. A custom foot orthotic is then made for the patient in our office to correct their foot overpronation. We also recommend that our patients have a series of deep tissue massages to reduce the plantar muscle spasm and assist in breaking up any adhesions. Ultrasound and electrical therapy are also prescribed.
At Bronson Chiropractic, this treatment program has been shown to be tremendously effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Very rarely do patients require cortisone injections or surgical procedures for their heel and arch pain.
Chiropractors do not need to give drugs or medicine to restore health. They know that nature provides each person with a built-in doctor that can prescribe the exact hormones, enzymes and antibiotics that your body needs.
Today’s pain killers are designed to mask the symptoms of pain which can inhibit your body from working to deal with the problem. Chiropractic works in conjunction with the body to correct the cause of the pain, not the symptom.
Chiropractic techniques help to better the blood circulation system to reduce swelling, soft tissue injuries and other disorders of the body. Increased blood circulation also reduces the blood pressure by bringing down the rate of heart beat. Better circulation means removal of toxic wastes from the body by the blood, as well as increase supply of oxygen rich blood throughout the body.
To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates must complete comprehensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the DC to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider.
YES. The non-surgical, drug-free approach to health care makes chiropractic among the safest of all health care practices. Chiropractic takes nothing out of the body and puts nothing. Chiropractors enjoy one of the lowest malpractice rates of all health care professionals. Phoenix Chiropractic, Bronson chiropractic can help reduce your pain today!
How long does it take to start feeling results?
The number of visits you make to your chiropractor depends on the nature of your condition and your personal goals. Many people use chiropractic as part of a preventive health care routine, scheduling chiropractic appointments on a regular basis to keep their bodies functioning at their best. Others seek care and treatment for specific conditions with the primary goal of treatment being pain relief. It is important for you to discuss your objectives with your chiropractor in order to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Keep in mind, healing rates vary from person to person. Children tend to respond more quickly to treatment, whereas adults and seniors may respond more slowly. A good rule of thumb is that the longer the spine has not been working properly, the more extensive the care plan may be to achieve desired results.
Are chiropractors allowed to practice in hospitals or use medical outpatient facilities?
Chiropractors are being recognized to admit and treat patients in hospitals and to use outpatient clinical facilities (such as labs, x-rays, etc.) for their non-hospitalized patients. Hospital privileges were first granted in 1983.
Will “Cracking” Bones Cause Arthritis?
No. Chiropractors are well trained to properly and safely treat joints. Chiropractic adjustments can actually reduce pain caused by arthritis.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of those disorders on the nervous system and general health. It is a natural, drug-free, non-surgical approach to health care. The profession's central interest has always been the relationship between impaired mechanics of the spinal vertebrae and the nervous system.
What are the main objectives of the Chiropractic treatment?
The main objectives are to relieve pain, restore function, strengthen immune system, and bring about the balance, harmony, and integrate function of the organs with each other, rendering a whole, healthy person enable them to live a higher quality life.
What are the main objectives of the Chiropractic treatment?
Eight out of ten Americans will experience back pain at some point in their life. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school and even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider.
Chiropractors are regulated primary health care professionals, and they are one of the classes of health care professionals that are able to use the title Doctor, with its accompanying rights and obligations.
Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions disorders of the spine, joints, muscle and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referring pain in your arms and legs, etc.
Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, who find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available.
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care: Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.
Are there many athletes who use chiropractic?
Yes. Many amateur and professional athletes use chiropractic treatment as part of their overall health care, fitness and maintenance program. Chiropractic is often used to improve muscle and joint conditioning, which has a direct effect on an athletic performance. Treatment works to improve biomechanical function and enhance overall conditioning, important in situations where there is continuous repetitive movement. Chiropractic care also help athletes fine-tune their muscles and joints for high level performance, and may reduce long term wear and tear. Finally, treatment can be used to prevent, and sometime shorten, the healing time of injuries.
Athletes most often select treatment to improve their performance, where as the average consumer will select chiropractic care to help manage aches and pains. In some cases treatment will be similar, but in all cases a treatment plan will be developed according to the goals and condition of each patient. In the case of professional and elite athletes, chiropractors often work in conjunction with other health care professionals, including medical doctors and/or sports medicine doctors, massage therapists and physiotherapists.
Do I have a slipped disk?
No, it is not possible for discs to slip. The disc is a pad-like tissue located between two vertebrae which acts as shock absorber for the spine. The center of the disc is made of a fluid, soft, 'jelly-like' substance. When discs become damaged, tears can occur through which the soft center can leak out and push on the nerves. This is known as a ruptured or herniated disc and is extremely painful.
While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc-related health problems. In fact chiropractic adjustments are safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, and even aspirin !
Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can possibly be avoided in the first place.
Do I have a pinched nerve?
Many patients consult a chiropractic doctor because they think they have a pinched nerve. Because of the way our spines are designed, abnormal spinal function can be caused from physical trauma, emotional tension, and toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
While commonly associated with the spine, pinched nerve (compressive lesion), are actually very rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on nerve tissue resulting in numbness, burning or a "pins and needles" sensation.
More frequently, nerves get irritated (facilitative lesion). This is caused when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped, or stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal joints.
Do Chiropractors prescribe drugs?
Chiropractors do not include medication in their treatment program. Chiropractors base their care on the principal that that the body has a built-in capacity to restore health. In some cases the use of medication can interfere with the body's healing mechanisms, produce side effects, create a dependence and lead to drug-caused disease or complications. Many times pain medications can mask or cover up pain or symptoms of a problem making it difficult to discover the actual cause of the problem.
Should I adjust myself?
Absolutely not. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is definitely not for amateur chiropractors!
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