Chiropractic care is a holistic and natural approach to health and well-being that has been gaining recognition and popularity in recent years. If you’re new to chiropractic or curious about what it entails, you’ve come to the right place. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the fundamental principles, techniques, and benefits of chiropractic care, providing you with a comprehensive overview of this transformative healthcare practice.
What is Chiropractic Care?
At its core, chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialize in manual adjustments and other non-invasive techniques to promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
The Chiropractic Philosophy
Chiropractic care is grounded in several key principles:
- The Body’s Innate Ability to Heal: Chiropractors believe that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when functioning optimally. Chiropractic adjustments aim to remove barriers to this healing process.
- The Central Nervous System’s Role: The central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal cord, plays a crucial role in controlling bodily functions. Chiropractors focus on ensuring the spine, which protects the spinal cord, is properly aligned to support nervous system function.
- The Importance of Structural Balance: Chiropractic care emphasizes the importance of a balanced musculoskeletal system. When the spine is properly aligned, it can positively impact overall health.
Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractors employ a variety of techniques to address musculoskeletal issues. The most common technique is the chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation. Here’s how it works:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments involve the application of controlled force to specific areas of the spine or joints. This manual manipulation aims to correct misalignments, improve mobility, and alleviate pain. Adjustments are precise and tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Additional Techniques
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use other complementary techniques such as:
- Soft Tissue Therapy: This involves manipulating soft tissues, like muscles and tendons, to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
- Stretching and Exercise: Chiropractors often recommend specific stretches and exercises to strengthen muscles and support spinal health.
- Nutritional Guidance: Some chiropractors provide dietary recommendations to enhance overall wellness.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a wide range of benefits, making it a valuable healthcare option for individuals of all ages. Some of the key advantages include:
Pain Relief
Chiropractic care is known for its effectiveness in reducing pain, particularly in the back, neck, and joints. It’s a non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical approach to pain management.
Improved Mobility
Chiropractic adjustments can enhance joint mobility and range of motion, allowing individuals to move more freely and comfortably.
Enhanced Nervous System Function
By aligning the spine, chiropractic care supports optimal nervous system function, which can positively impact various bodily functions.
Preventive Care
Chiropractic care is not only about addressing existing issues but also preventing future problems. Regular chiropractic visits can help maintain spinal health and prevent musculoskeletal issues from developing.
Holistic Approach
Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. It considers how lifestyle, nutrition, and physical health all contribute to overall well-being.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
Chiropractic care can benefit individuals with a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain and even general wellness. However, it’s important to consider your specific health goals and consult with a chiropractor to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Wellness
Chiropractic care, as practiced by Dr. Mark Chiungos at A Chiropractic Wellness Place in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, offers a natural and holistic approach to health and well-being. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or proactive wellness, chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to your healthcare journey.
Take the first step toward a healthier, more vibrant life by exploring the benefits of chiropractic care. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Chiungos to discuss your unique needs and embark on a journey to wellness.
FAQ
Chiropractic
Most insurance policies offer some chiropractic coverage. Dr. Chiungos works with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Tufts Health Plan, Unicare/GIC, and Medicare. See the No Surprises Act for more information.
Absolutely. Chiropractic as a profession is more than 100 years old. We follow industry guidelines during our new patient induction process to minimize risk and maximize benefit. Chiropractic malpractice insurance is considered by many to be the least costly professional insurance in the healthcare industry because chiropractic is generally considered a safe, manual therapy.
It depends on your mechanism of injury and your current state of health. You might start feeling better as soon as your adjustment is finished. You might need to go home and ice (Dr. Chiungos will advise you). If your injury is serious, it may take several visits. But your healing has begun from the first adjustment. Your personal care plan is designed to take you from where you are today to your best possible outcome. Dr. Chiungos will keep you updated on your progress at each visit.
SpineMED®
Decompression treatment is not currently covered by health insurance. If Dr. Chiungos believes this is an integral part of your treatment plan, he will discuss all costs and potential discounts before the start of care. You will receive informed consent.
Spinal Disc Decompression with the SpineMED® Table has shown to be safe and generally without major side effects or complications once abnormal conditions have been ruled out. The process is so safe and comfortable, it’s not uncommon for patients to fall asleep!
Specific situations that are not suited for decompression therapy include:
- Patients under 12 years old
- If you had spinal surgery that involved clips, mesh or fusion
- If you have fractures, tumors or infections
- If you have osteoporosis or spondylolisthesis where there’s been a fracture or non-union defect in the spine, where that segment that we want to traction is unstable
Damaged intervertebral discs seldom heal as the discs are constantly under pressure from muscular spasm—during normal activities, and even while sleeping! SpineMED is designed to reduce the pressure in the discs, promoting the influx of vital fluids, nutrients and oxygen back into the discs to assist the body’s natural rebuilding process. This process may speed up the natural repair and could eventually heal damaged spinal discs.
Sessions are typically 30 minutes long. It could take 15 to 25 sessions or more to see some relief from your discomfort. That’s variable based on your status and the condition we’re treating. Ideally, the sessions are performed daily with rest on the weekend.
Aspen Laser
Laser treatment, as used in chiropractic offices, is not currently covered by health insurance. If Dr. Chiungos believes this is an integral part of your treatment plan, he will discuss all costs and potential discounts before the start of care.
Laser therapy has been in use for over thirty years with almost no side effects reported. Aspen Laser is FDA-registered and passes all safety compliance requirements. The treatments are not painful; in fact, laser is warm and comfortable to your skin. Dr. Chiungos will check in with you regularly to make sure the temperature feels right, and you can always speak up if it starts to feel too warm. The main safety concern is for the eyes, which is why Dr. Chiungos will provide protective glasses for both patient and doctor at each session.
Laser is effective on most parts of the body; however, there are times when laser is not appropriate:
- during pregnancy
- within twelve months of cancer treatments
- during the use of photo-sensitizing medications
- over recent steroid injections (seven days)
- over growth plates or reproductive glands
- over tattoos or skin infections
Laser therapy promotes energy production supporting cellular repair, increased blood flow, increased red blood cell oxygen-carrying capacity, and decrease of inflammation. When used in conjunction with traditional chiropractic, laser can reduce pain and healing time, and promote a deeper, more complete healing to the area of concern.
Sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. They generally start longer and reduce in length as you heal. Most acute conditions require only 10 – 12 treatment sessions. If you have a chronic condition, you may need 12 – 20 treatments and one or two follow-up sessions every month. The amount and frequency of treatments are determined through assessment of your condition combined with Dr. Chiungos’s experience treating patients with laser. You will likely start to feel better after your first 5 sessions.
