Current Treatment For Scoliosis:

Scoliosis happens when your spine develops a sideways curve, resulting in a feeling of stiffness or pain. Despite the widespread nature of the condition and thorough research, its real cause remains unknown. However, it is determined to be far more common in women than in men and usually begins during childhood. To help prevent the progression of scoliosis, early detection is crucial. This problem cannot be adjusted by correcting your posture, unlike other spinal problems.

Typical treatment options for scoliosis involve the following:

*Bracing: A patient suffering from 30-degrees or less of curvature is required to wear a rigid brace. It helps to place pressure against the spine for more stability. However, this treatment option is quite inconvenient for the patient as it has to be worn up to 24 hours a day and is very uncomfortable.

*Surgery: For scoliosis, it is specifically referred to as Spinal Fusion Surgery wherein a spinal cord monitor is used to avoid paralysis. It is performed with an incision and reduction of the curve or insertion of metal rods on each side of the spine. Since this procedure is expensive and dangerous, doctors recommend surgery only as a last resort for treating scoliosis.

Using A Chiropractic Approach:

Chiropractic care is now recognized as a valid solution to scoliosis. Since chiropractors follow a standard procedure of initial examination and assessment of a patient’s health history, most patients with scoliosis undergo the Adam’s Forward Bending Test to see if chiropractic care can be applied. On top of that, there are a variety of range of motion tests to see if you should be referred to a specialist.

Chiropractic Treatment Options:

Chiropractic treatment for scoliosis utilizes a variety of treatment methods including spinal manipulation, shoe lifts, electric stimulation, and isotonic or active exercise methods. The idea behind employing chiropractic for scoliosis treatment is to arrive at a combination treatment that is both manipulative and rehabilitative.

Chiropractic Care vs. Spinal Surgery:

Chiropractic care is gaining popularity as a treatment for patients with scoliosis since it has been proven to be just as effective, if not more, than the existing treatment options. Chiropractic  not only treats any existing problems but also prevents further progression of the curves that are causing the problem. Of all patients who’ve undergone chiropractic care for scoliosis, about 70 percent have shown significant improvement in terms of the size of the curves. This is important since any relief from scoliosis means that a patient won’t have to undergo surgery, take medication, and suffer from the effects of scoliosis.

Due to the significant numbers of patients suffering from scoliosis  who have found relief through chiropractic care, health experts and doctors have recommended chiropractic as one of the first approaches to be used for this particular condition. Results of using chiropractic treatment range from improved stability, reduced size of curves, and even total correction.

Follow-up Treatments:

After your chiropractic treatment for scoliosis, you need to regularly visit your doctor for continued observance of any progression in your condition. If you are really dedicated to eliminating your problem of scoliosis and leading a healthier life, then it is important to seek the guidance of a skilled chiropractor to monitor the development.

On top of your chiropractic treatment, they might suggest additional physical therapy to enhance any treatment you are currently undergoing from your chiropractor. The purpose of these suggestions  is to increase muscle strength and improve mobility.

In times of global financial crisis, medical costs are escalating along with other costs for necessity. However, you cannot neglect your health needs and you deserve to get the best form of medical and health treatments for any condition you are suffering from. In terms of economics, conditions such as back pain, neck pain, spinal problems, and the like affect an individual’s productivity at work. Therefore, it produces a domino effect in the legal, economic, and health care industry.

Research is currently ongoing to examine possible areas where medical cost savings can be produced without sacrificing the quality of medical and health care that an individual receives.

Chiropractic vs. Traditional Clinical Care:

This is where chiropractic care comes in and is one of the reasons why it has gained so much attention over the years. Health experts have examined a given demographic of individuals who opted for chiropractic care against those who had traditional medical care. The difference between both methods lies in three different factors: surgical rates, diagnostic imaging, and level of patient satisfaction.

Indeed, costs are considerably lower for individuals who opted for chiropractic care due to the absence of any medical equipment or prescription drugs in the equation. Therefore, this is where the savings come in for chiropractic treatments. The surgical rates (or doctor’s fee) and patient’s satisfaction might be identical in both treatment options, but the lack of any additional fees or medical equipment  to use spells the difference.

To top it off, both patients from the traditional medical group and those who had chiropractic treatments had exceptional results from their procedures. Therefore, the costs savings really does create a barrier between the two.

Coverage of Chiropractic Costs:

Like any other medical treatments, chiropractic care does have its own costs to cover. An average session for chiropractic treatment usually involves manipulation of the vertebrae, as well as the arms and hands. In severe cases, the length and frequency of the chiropractic sessions are extended.

According to research and survey by Chiropractic Economics magazine, an average chiropractic session would cost around $65. However, since length and frequency for each session varies, so does the cost of it. Hence, it can be as low as $34 to as high as $65, depending also on what procedures are done.

If you are going to have your first ever chiropractic session, then expect to pay higher than that. This is because your chiropractic doctor would often conduct an overall health consultation first before proceeding onto the session. This is essential for the chiropractor to evaluate the safest approach to use without endangering your body or creating serious risks. For your follow-up visits, you can generally expect the rate to go down.

In cases that require any additional procedures or equipment to be used, a chiropractic doctor often charges the patient for that: such as x-ray, massage sessions, or acupuncture. The charges vary for each additional service.

Savings Options:

Now that research studies have revealed that chiropractic care is indeed more cost-effective than traditional medical treatment, there are more ways for you to increase your savings:

• If you are covered by a health insurance plan, they often include chiropractic care in their coverage.

• Chiropractic treatment is usually considered tax-deductible.

• There are certain chiropractors who perform cash-only treatments and they often charge less than others. Each session could be priced  as low as $57, therefore you should consider them if you can find one.

• If your chiropractor practices individually instead of being associated with other medical groups, you can also get savings from the lesser charges they may ask of their patients.

Onе оf thе mаnу rеаѕоns for the соntіnuеd growth of Chiropractic Cаre аmоng thе mеdiсаl fіeld іѕ duе tо thе many bеnefіts that can be rеcеived from it. In аdditіon mаny reсommеnd аnd ѕuggeѕt Chiropractic mеthоdѕ duе tо thе nоn-invaѕіvе аnd nоn-harmful аpрrоaсh, аs Chiropractic іnѕіѕtѕ uрon аwakening the bodу’ѕ own nаturаl аbility to heal. It іѕ stаtеd that thе Pоwer thаt creatеd thе body, heals thе bоdу!

Sоme Cоmmоn Bеnеfitѕ оf bеginnіng Cаrе аt а Chiropractic Office:

Chаngeѕ or dуsfunсtiоn in the nеrvouѕ оr musculоskеlеtal ѕyѕtem dоes nоt еxсludе аnуоnе. It іѕ fоr thіѕ reasоn thаt anуone wіth a nervоuѕ ѕyѕtеm cаn bеnefіt frоm Chiropractic (уeѕ thiѕ іs еvеryоnе!) The body hаѕ a nаturаl аbіlіty to hеal аnd a Chіrоprасtor сan рrоvіdе reliеf tо manу fоrmѕ оf diѕсomfоrt, pаіn, оr dуsfunсtіon, whеn the bоdy hаѕ undergоne a chаnge tо the ѕpіne, bасk, nеck, or nеrvous ѕуѕtеm. If аn іndivіdual іѕ rеquіrеd to stаy aсtivе, thе prеѕеncе оf theѕe tyрeѕ of dуѕfunctіons саn dіѕаble you from рerforming wеll and limіt уоur mоtor сaрасity. Thіs іs bесauѕe оf the fасt that аny fоrm оf movеmеnt to thе damаgеd аrеa оf thе bodу, оr сhаngе іn thе nervе systеm, саn result іn раin and dіѕcomfort.

Rеgardleѕѕ of what haѕ cauѕed уour іnіtial disсоmfоrt, some оf thе hіghlіghtеd bеnеfіtѕ оf bеgіnnіng cаrе аt а Chiropractic Clіnіс are aѕ followѕ:

• Imрrоved сirсulаtiоn (bеttеr blоod flow)

• Rеductiоn or еlіmіnatiоn оf lactіс асіd (lеsѕ раіn follоwіng exеrcіѕe)

• Smoothеr trаvеl оf оxygen and nutrіеnts іn the bodу (bettеr hеаling caрасіty)

• Mоrе flexibіlіtу (bettеr реrformаnсе)

• Elіmіnatіon оf аnу paіn оr sorеnеѕѕ (сan get bасk tо actіvitіеѕ fastеr)

• Fаstеr rесоverу tіmе (quісker return)

• Rеduсеd musсlе ѕpаsm (lеsѕ раіn)

• Prеventіon оf futurе inјury (enѕured futurе реrfоrmаnсе)

• More rеlаxed fеeling

Combіnаtion of Chiropractic and Cоmmоn Sеnѕe:

Tо recеіvе the moѕt bеnefitѕ оf ѕееіng а Caре Chiroрrаctоr іt іѕ beѕt tо соmbіne their еffortѕ with nаtural tесhnіquеѕ. Mоѕt Chirорrаctоrs wіll rеcоmmend thiѕ tо help уоur bodу reѕpоnd tо thеіr cаre aѕ bеѕt аs роѕsіblе. Thіѕ wіll allоw уоur body to аttain mаximum mobіlіty, рerfоrmаnce, аnd hеаlіng сарасіtу!

To enhanсe yоur reѕults frоm уоur Chіroрraсtor, уоu muѕt trу tо develop a rоutіne that іncorроrateѕ the fоllоwіng phуѕісаl асtіvіtіeѕ:

• Kеер уour bоdу prоperlу hуdratеd.

• Fоllоw a hеalthу nutritiоnal рlаn.

• Do ѕоme ѕtrеtсhіng exеrcisеs оr dеvelоp a healthy exerсіѕe routіnе.

Addіtіonаl Bеnefіts оf Chiropractic Cаre:

Peорle all knоw that Chiropractic mау bе ablе to hеlр thеm with back раіn, nеck раіn, аnd heаdaсhеs. Hоwеvеr, therе iѕ ѕo muсh mоrе thаt a Chiropractic Clinіс can dо for thеm. Thе bеnеfіts for рeoрle wіth dуѕfunctіon in thе nervоus sуstеm go wеll bеуоnd thе musculоѕkelеtal syѕtеm аnd mаnу реоplе rесеivе thеse tуpеs оf аddіtіоnal hіghlіghts aѕ wеll:

• If а womаn iѕ рrеgnant, theу аre аblе to dеlіver much eaѕіеr when thеу have balanсе tо thеir bоdу.

• For bаbіeѕ аnd сhіldrеn, іmрrovеd dеvеlоpmental аbіlіties аnd рrеvent thе роѕѕіbіlіtу оf aсquirіng ѕсоliоѕіѕ.

• Fоr kіds, іt helps prevеnt aѕthmа, ear infесtіоn, bеdwetting, among other things.

• For аdultѕ, thеу аrе ablе tо gеnerаtе mоrе enеrgy and іncreаѕе productivity.

• For ѕenіоr іndіviduals, thеу аttаin better balаnсe аnd prevent іnјurу cаusеd bу fаllіng down.

Mеаnwhіle, оvеrаll rеѕults аnd bеnеfіtѕ rерortеd frоm раtіеntѕ whо’ve undergоnе chiropractic cаre іncludе thе follоwіng:

• Boоѕt in thе funсtiоnѕ оf the іmmunе аnd nеrvоuѕ sуѕtеm.

• Patіents attаіn іmprоved vіtаlіty.

• Breаthing bеcоmеѕ eаsіеr.

• Better dіgеѕtіvе funсtіоn.

• Shаrреr viѕіon.

• Imprоvеd оverаll hеаlth.

When Do Rеѕultѕ Becomе Evident?

Thiѕ іѕ diffеrеnt for everуоnе. Whеn уou rеceіvе yоur fіrst correсtion you havе bеgun yоur pаth tоwаrds new аnd іmprovеd heаlth. Your bodу wіll ѕtart tо rеalіgn аnd уоu mаy fееl rеlіeved рreѕѕure аnd раin іn yоur јоіnts аnd bodу. In раtientѕ wіth mіld рrоblems, theу oftеn immеdіаtеlу еxperіеnce sоmе relief аnd ѕeе ѕomе of thеsе benеfіtѕ. Thіѕ іs оne of the best аdvаntаgеs ovеr surgісal or mediсal prосеdurеs! Nо long rесovеry perіоd bеfore ѕtartіng to fееl bettеr!

Some саѕеs do take lоnger tо see chаnges. Oftеn tіmes thеsе pаtіеntѕ havе more сhrоnіс iѕѕuеѕ. In thеѕе сasеs thе раtіеnt mау fеel а ѕlіght sоrеnеsѕ оr achіng as thе body starts to reаdјuѕt аnd rеbаlаncе tо itѕ nоrmal рoѕitiоn. Thiѕ agаin іѕ рart оf the hеаlіng рrосesѕ and іѕ tо be еxреctеd wіth mоre ѕerіоus caѕеѕ. Even if thіѕ is уоu, іt ѕhouldn’t tаke lоng befоrе уоu cаn start tо ѕее yоur bоdу rеgаin іtѕ heаlіng сaрасіty аnd ѕtаrt tо return to nоrmal funсtiоning аnd mоbіlity!

Whenever you hear about alternative medicine, the most common of all questions raised typically deals with safety. More specifically when dealing with chiropractic the question often raised is whether or not spinal manipulation is safe? Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug free, noninvasive neuromuscular treatments available. Although Chiropractic is generally safe, no medical treatment is free from potential adverse effects. The risks or side effects however for chiropractic are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic therapy. Although there can be some discomfort or soreness following an adjustment, these side effects generally fade within twenty four to forty eight hours. It is always important to seek an experienced practitioner in the field to minimize or avoid unwanted side effects or accidents. This is particularly true with any type of neck procedure or adjustment. A good Baltimore chiropractor will generally request an x-ray prior to starting the treatment. A series of follow up x-rays will then be taken to determine the next steps to be taken.

It is important for patients to understand the risks of some of the common prescription and over the counter pain relievers as treatments for musculoskeletal pain. This kind of treatment may carry risks significantly greater than those of musculoskeletal manipulation. According to studies, approximately one-third of all hospitalization and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be associated with the use of these pain killers. The only danger there is in chiropractic is whether or not the practitioner is competent enough to perform the proper procedures. It is important to choose your chiropractor in Baltimore very carefully. A good way to start your search is by recommendations from friends, family members or even medical doctors. Choose a chiropractor who has plenty of experience in the field as it can be a very dangerous situation in the wrong hands. Schools of chiropractic are currently increasing in number, and training more and more qualified practitioners every day. This field of alternative medicine has obviously become a highly accepted profession now a days, which only means more training, more experience, more proficiency and more competency. However, to ensure safety it is always advisable to seek your physician’s approval before undergoing any alternative medical procedures. You can always make the final decision but it is never a bad idea to get the opinion of a trusted physician.

Unfortunately there are a lot of negative impressions about the practice of chiropractic. However, the practice of chiropractic has a strong scientific basis, and numerous people who have undergone therapy can testify to the great benefits that they have experienced. This type of treatment would not have grown to the heights it is currently at without having helped so many people. Find a great chiropractor Baltimore has to offer and talk to them about any questions or concerns you may have and your neck and back will likely thank you later.

There’s the saying, “nothing ever stays the same.” This includes the way today’s Baltimore chiropractor looks at the future and how the face of chiropractic care continues to evolve. For decades, students followed one set of directions for becoming chiropractors. They basically all followed the path from undergraduate school majoring in pre-med, then years at an accredited school before setting up practice and treating all comers.

More recently, however, there has been a noticeable trend toward specialization, just as in the world of allopathic medicine where you have everything from allergists to vascular surgeons. More and more frequently you hear of a Baltimore chiropractor who specializes in some distinct field of chiropractic.

Ten Areas of Concentration

The American Chiropractic Association recognizes ten distinct diplomate programs for doctors who wish to specialize. They are…

• Chiropractic Pediatrics
• Chiropractic Physiological Therapeutics and Rehabilitation
• Chiropractic Acupuncture
• Diagnosis and Internal Disorders
• Diagnostic Imaging (Radiology)
• Neurology
• Nutrition
• Occupational Health
• Sports Physician
• Orthopedics

While each of the ten disciplines tends to focus on certain types of patients, most do cross over patient lines as needed. For instance, a Baltimore chiropractor who decides to become a sports physician might primarily treat young adults who are involved in college sports. However, with so many sports programs for younger people, he might also treat a middle school student on the baseball team. Or even a Mom who has been practicing skateboarding with her son.

Who Specialists Treat, and How

Chiropractic medicine is considered a CAM. This acronym stands for Companion and Alternative Medicine.  In fact, chiropractic is the number one CAM used in the United States. But there are other forms of treatment that are CAM’s, as well. Interestingly enough, you may well find a Baltimore chiropractor incorporating some of them into her practice.

• Acupuncture is a CAM, in and of itself. However, there is a chiropractic specialty known as chiropractic acupuncture. This is a good example of how modern doctors are combining disciplines to create new specialties.
• At the other end of the spectrum, some states now allow chiropractors to prescribe drugs. Traditionalists do not embrace pharmaceutical treatment but more contemporary doctors see it as a necessary adjunct to their chiropractic treatment.
• Massage therapy is quite common in the offices of chiropractors these days. Many a Baltimore chiropractor finds that massage is not only a nice companion to alignment and manipulation but is also a stress reducer for many patients.
• A chiropractor who specializes in diagnosis and internal disorders is pretty much on the same wavelength as a primary care physician. A good definition comes from the ACA: “A lot of people look at it in terms of being the first doctor someone comes to. We look at it from the perspective that we want to handle everything: work up the problem, diagnose you, and treat you. Instead of referring you to the ‘proper person,’ we want to be that person.”
• To some people, chiropractic is orthopedics. However, you can find a Baltimore chiropractor who has chosen to pursue a graduate level designation in orthopedics. Just a few years ago, such a designation didn’t even exist.

Trends Driven by Outside Changes

As you might expect, chiropractors who chose to specialize in one area of treatment are often driven by their innate desire to know more and do more within their chosen specialty. Others, however, are influenced by changes in the general population and in the patients who come to them.

The aging population is one influence we simply cannot change. A Baltimore chiropractor today is far more likely to treat a patient over the age of 70 than just a few years ago. Understanding the aging process, working well with the elderly, and having the desire to serve a rapidly growing population all contribute to a chiropractor’s success with older patients. Certainly, in some areas of the country, focusing on retirees is almost a necessity due to the large populations of older folks.

• Another motivator to specialize is the pandemic of obesity. As we continue to spend more and more time sitting in a desk chair, on a couch, or in front of the television, chiropractors see more and more of us whose spines just can’t take any more. A chiropractor who sees a lot of obese patients may also incorporate nutrition counseling into her practice.
• While there is not a ground swell of parents taking their children to chiropractors, the area of chiropractic pediatrics is growing. A Baltimore chiropractor who wants to expand his practice to include children is probably looking at two benefits. On one hand, the entire family may become his patients. On the other, a child who grows up understanding and appreciating chiropractic is likely to remain a patient long into adulthood and potentially become an excellent source of referrals.

Chiropractors today come in all shapes and sizes. What they all have in common is the desire to apply their skills to making patients healthy, happy, and pain free. What they sometimes don’t have in common is where they focus their attention, but we must remember this can be a positive when it comes to having the specialized knowledge necessary to treat your particular problem.

It’s a constant source of amazement of many a Baltimore chiropractor why most parents will do almost anything to protect their children. At the slightest sign of a fever, off they go to the pediatrician.  Little Johnny falls and cuts his knee and there they go to the emergency room to see if stitches will be necessary. One plaintive cry of “My tummy hurts” and out come the ginger ale and videos.

But what about the kid’s spine?

It’s phenomenal how many parents never think to have their child’s spine checked. Ask any Baltimore chiropractor and you’ll probably get the same answer “No, not many children on my patient list.”

From Birth Onward

Subluxations occur when spinal bones are not aligned and interfere with the nerve energy from our brains. In adults we usually think of thinks like automobile accidents or lifting heavy objects as the source of subluxations. But they can and often do occur in children as well. Starting at birth.

Can you imagine an event any more traumatic than a tiny baby traveling through the birth canal? All that twisting and turning, being grabbed by forceps, and then turned upside down by the ankles. If there ever is a likely cause of subluxation, it’s birth. Yet how many newborns can a Baltimore chiropractor expect to see in a year? Very few, if any.

Kidhood: A Major Cause of Subluxations

While still in babyhood, children get themselves into all sorts of weird positions. How many times have you seen a child scrunched down in a stroller, head lolled to one side, body twisted around a bottle, a teddy bear, and Mom’s sweater? It’s enough to make you wonder how the child ever learns to walk.

As kids move into becoming toddlers and preschoolers, the possibility to spinal misalignment lays in wait at every turn. Running, jumping, falling, and tumbling are all necessary to a child’s physical and mental development but they are dangerous to his spine. Sure, you might only see a slight bruise or a minor scrape but any Baltimore chiropractor can tell that there’s more going on inside than outside.

Nature is a wonderful thing and many misalignments will correct themselves, but not all. They may cause problems now or they may lead to even greater problems as the child ages.

It’s Not All in the Spine, or the Mind

It’s pretty common for parents to think that if the child has some issue with the spine and its alignment, then there would be back or neck pain. Not so.

Subluxations can cause symptoms that are seemingly unrelated to the spine. Because the nerve flow is interrupted, the body gets the wrong message from the brain. Everything starts to malfunction. Earaches, especially in very small children, are a common result of misalignment. So are fevers, stomachaches, sore throats, and flu-like symptoms.

Many parents eventually see a Baltimore chiropractor about their child’s overall health and are surprised to find that spinal misalignment can also contribute to other symptoms. Bedwetting, over activity, and inattention are often relieved once the child has his spine adjusted.

However, there are some children that are slow to show any signs of difficulties. In those cases, unless a regular chiropractic check up is part of the child’s health care routine, no one may know about the problem until it is well advanced. In that case, a Baltimore chiropractor may have to work with the child for an extended period of time to realign the spine and get everything working properly again.

Doctor, Dentist, Chiropractor

The best way to handle your child’s overall health is to include a visit to a Baltimore chiropractor at least annually. As with the pediatrician and the dentist, the chiropractor can detect existing problems and help prevent future ones.

One way to look at chiropractic health is that it’s never too late to start visiting a chiropractor. But it’s never too early either.

Actually, with chiropractic becoming nearly a mainstream medical discipline these days, maybe you did know these interesting facts about the country’s most popular CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine).

Q: Isn’t chiropractic just for lower back pain?

A: No. Doctors of Chiropractic are well know for treating all sorts of back and neck pain. A little less well known is their expertise in treating headaches. As most any Baltimore Chiropractor will tell you, patients are often surprised to find that chiropractic treatment is used for treatment of the entire musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, ligaments). Since the system impacts virtually every part of our body, chiropractic treatment can’t help but address general health issues as well as specific problems.

Q: Isn’t a chiropractor sort of an MD wannabe?

A: If they had wanted to be a medical physician, any Baltimore Chiropractor certainly could have been. While doctors of chiropractic share a primary focus on the health of their patients, they and medical doctors see different approaches to health.

Physicians embrace the concepts of drug and surgical procedures as ways to cure or alleviate illness. Chiropractors do not perform surgeries and only some use drug therapy in conjunction with manipulation and adjustment.

Chiropractors are primary health care providers. They graduate from a four-year university program in pre-med prior to four or even five years of professional study. Generally speaking, these doctors have extensive training in orthopedics, neurology, anatomy, physiology, and diagnosis. In the area of diagnosis they are trained in techniques and procedures using diagnostic imaging tools as well as exercise and nutrition. A major area of focus is on developing clinical techniques in manipulating and adjusting the spine.

All in all, a Baltimore Chiropractor has probably spent over 4,200 hours training in the classroom, labs and clinics. Colleges and universities offering chiropractic education are accredited and the course of study is recognized by the US Department of Education.

Q: Isn’t chiropractic just for older people?

A: Quite the contrary, the earlier you develop a relationship with a Baltimore Chiropractor the better. Infants, babies and children are very active little creatures. They are also tiny and their bodies are not yet fully finished. Their constant running, jumping, and general energetic play are an open invitation for injury. Correcting maladjustments is essential for children to grow, as they should.

Many people do not realize that chiropractic can help infants and small children who are victims of frequent earaches. Because they are so tiny, it’s very easy for a baby’s ears to become blocked and for pressure to build. A very gentle adjustment by a Baltimore Chiropractor is often all that is needed to unblock the tubes in the ear and release the pressure.

Q: Isn’t it dangerous to have someone twist your neck and back the way chiropractors do?

A: First of all, unless they are a trained chiropractor, it would be impossible for someone to “twist your neck and back the way chiropractors do.” It takes years of training for a doctor to learn the fine arts of manipulating and adjusting the human body.

Secondly, chiropractic is recognized world wide as one of the safest non-invasive and drug-free treatments for neuromuscular problems.

Third, while no medical procedure is 100% safe for 100% of patients, risks from chiropractic treatment is almost unheard of. Of all complaints about treatment by a Baltimore Chiropractor, the mild soreness associated with spinal adjustment are by far the most common. Interestingly, these aches are usually very short lived and are gone within a day.

Fourth, there are far greater risks in treating musculoskeletal with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories than with chiropractic. The American Journal of Gastroenterology has reported that about 33% of hospital stays and deaths that are connected to gastrointestinal bleeding are attributable to the use of aspirin and painkillers like ibuprofen.

And finally, some patients worry about the effects of cervical manipulation. (Cervical manipulations is often referred to as neck adjustment or “cracking the neck.”) There have been questions about whether this treatment can contribute to certain kinds of strokes. But, as a Baltimore Chiropractor can attest, these same strokes often occur spontaneously. History shows that injures to the arteries de to cervical manipulation occur in about one case out of every 5.85 million adjustments.

Q: With all the interest in affordable health care, how do insurance companies view chiropractic medicine?

A: Whether you use a Baltimore Chiropractor or one in a completely different state, the only thing that determines how your insurance company addresses chiropractic treatment is your insurance company. Most companies accept chiropractic as a valid medical treatment. However, to determine whether your plan will pay for treatment, you must read your policy. This is also true when it comes to referrals. In many cases, no referral to a Baltimore Chiropractor is necessary; in other cases it is. Some policies limit the number of treatments you can have in any given year; others don’t.  Some companies treat chiropractic as a specialty and require a higher co-payment from the patient; others don’t.

Q:  What is that awful popping sound you hear when you have your spine adjusted? It’s scary.

A: The best way to think of that sound is to think of your body as one giant knuckle. Just as you can “pop” or “crack” your knuckles, so can you crack other parts of your body. In all cases, the sound is made when the gas bubble that hides between your joints is suddenly set free. It stands to reason that an adjustment can set a lot of gas bubbles free.

Despite the fact that it is the fastest growing segment of health care providers, many people are still essentially in the dark about chiropractic medicine. The lack of understanding of what chiropractic is, how it works, and when it should be used is complicated by significant changes within the discipline itself. When choosing a Baltimore chiropractor it is essential you understand at least the difference between the two basic kinds of chiropractic treatment so you can choose the one that is appropriate for you.

Musculoskeletal Chiropractors and Symptom Relief

Often called “symptom relief” chiropractors, those who are dedicated to this approach to chiropractic health focus on just that, the relief of classic chiropractic symptoms. Although the symptoms vary widely from back pain to headaches to overall achiness, all treatment is based on the theory of manipulation.

A Baltimore chiropractor who practices symptom relief relies on manipulating the spine to reduce pain. By decompressing the joints and freeing fixations, the musculoskeletal elements of the body align themselves properly thus thwarting the pain caused by misalignment.

This chiropractor also employs electro therapies like electro stimulation, laser acupuncture, and tens units. (A tens unit is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device that stimulates the nerves. It is painless.) There are even some areas of the country where chiropractors prescribe drugs for pain relief. Others work with MDs to allow their patients the relief drugs can bring.

One issue many patients foresee with the symptom relief approach is the length of time and frequency of treatment. Some skeptics point to prolonged periods of treatment as an indicator the chiropractic approach to pain relief is not effective. Actually, how often you are treated and for how long depend on two key factors: the nature of your chiropractic issues and your insurance. While a Baltimore chiropractor will always be concerned about your health first, the duration of treatments is sometimes dictated by insurance coverage. Many chiropractors use a “step down” schedule (3 – 2 – 1 times a week) in order to continue treatment.

The plus side of symptom relief chiropractic is relief from pain. The down side is while the pain eases, the cause of the pain often does not. Once treatment is stopped, the pain is likely to return.

Traditional Chiropractic and Subluxation

A Baltimore chiropractor who practices in the traditional manner is one who treats subluxation, the misaligned vertebrae. Subluxation causes problems because it interferes with nerve impulses from the brain. To relieve the condition, the traditional chiropractor uses a combination of adjustments and spinal exercises to remove the subluxation.

Just as with symptom relief chiropractic, the frequency of treatment and its duration is controlled by the patient’s recovery and insurance regulations. However, in traditional chiropractic, the symptoms (pain) that sent the patient to the doctor to begin with may be long gone before the spine is correctly aligned and is likely to remain that way. Without pain as an indicator, the chiropractor employs tools such as x-rays, computerized tests, and observed posture fluctuations to determine when the spine is aligned properly.

Other than the pain they cause, subluxations offer no other symptoms. Research shows they may even begin at birth and remain unobserved for some time. Traditional chiropractors often recommend both adults and children be examined even if there is no pain.

Before you determine which Baltimore chiropractor to see, spend some time getting to know what each has to offer and what approach they use. Ask for a telephone discussion or an in-person visit. To help you get started, take a look at our recommended chiropractor.

If you are having any kind of neck or back pain, it’s time to find a great Baltimore Chiropractor. Some of the most common ailments for which people seek out a chiropractor include general back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, whiplash, ruptured disks, sciatica, pulled muscles, and more. However, if you’ve never been to a chiropractor, knowing what to look for in one may be a bit daunting. Here’s how to find a good chiropractor in Baltimore that will help you heal the right way.

1.  First, when you need to find the right Baltimore chiropractor, you should first check out the energy, or “feel” of his or her office. The place where the doctor does business has to resonate correctly with you. What may be good energy for someone, may be negative energy for someone else. You definitely need to feel comfortable in the place where you’ll be going for treatment.

2.  You need to feel at ease with the office staff as well as the doctor. They all must be friendly, warm and welcoming, and more than willing to patiently answer your questions. Their personalities should resonate with yours, so there are no clashes. You should also get the feeling of emotional support from the doctor and their personnel that is needed to accomplish your healing. If you don’t feel these things with the first chiropractor’s office you visit, find another one. Sometimes, you can even tell if the office staff or doctor is a good fit for you simply by talking to them on the phone.

3.  The office staff and the doctor MUST respect you. This is one of the most important things to consider when you set out to find the right Baltimore chiropractor for you. If anyone in the office, the doctor included, treats you as if you are bothering them by being there or is annoyed by your presence, run as fast as you can to another office. This is not the office for you! Do not put up with any professionals who treat you in a condescending manner. You’re there to heal, not to be treated like a second-class citizen.

4.  Your time should also be clearly respected by the office staff and the doctor. We all know that delays in being seen are sometimes inevitable in doctors’ offices. This is because it’s impossible for a doctor to determine exactly how long any particular patient is going to need once he or she is in the examining room. Some patients need more attention than others. However, you should always be kept informed if any significant delays to your appointment time are going to occur, or if the doctor gets very behind schedule. You should also be given a friendly option of re-scheduling if a delay occurs. Better yet, find a chiropractor with an office staff that minimizes delays with skillful scheduling.

5.  It almost goes without saying, but you definitely want to find a chiropractor who has genuine concern for your well-being and wants you to heal as quickly as possible (without rushing the natural healing process, of course). You’ll be able to tell this right away when you first talk to a chiropractor in person or on the phone. Never go with one you don’t feel has your best interests at the forefront of his or her concerns.

There are also some things you should avoid in a chiropractor. If you want to find a chiropractor, and find one who exhibits any of the following traits, avoid that doctor like the plague and go to a different one. There are usually several in any given community, so you should have your pick of doctors and have no trouble finding one that is right for you.

Avoid chiropractors who:

*Pressure you to sign up for a long-term treatment plan. It may not be what you need, and even if it is, if a doctor is putting the hard sales tactics on you to sign up for this, it’s a sure sign he or she is more concerned about money than about you.

*Ask you to avoid using other alternative health modalities while you’re undergoing treatment at his or her office. This may be a sign they don’t want you spending all of your money elsewhere, so you may end up with not enough money to see them. A good chiropractor will have your healing in mind and will want you to use whatever means you can find to get that healing, be it with his or her office alone or with a combination of alternative and conventional therapies.

If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to locate a good chiropractor easily. There are plenty of excellent doctors out there who really do want to help you get better. When you find a chiropractor who fits the bill for you, stick with him or her for as long as you need treatment, because you’ve found someone who truly has what it takes to help you heal the way you need to heal.

The treatment of sports injuries by chiropractic is a rapidly growing trend. As children as young as two join their older brothers and sisters on the playing field, injuries are not only more frequent but can be more severe.

In addition to younger players, the emergence of female athletes has also driven chiropractic sports medicine to a higher level of demand. Ever since Title IX was passed in 1972, there was been a boom in girls playing sports. As any Baltimore chiropractor can probably tell you, while the number of boys treated for sports-related injuries is higher than the number of girls treated, the girls are rapidly catching up. As they begin to participate in both individual and team sports, their injuries are mounting.

Finally, college and professional athletes as well as coaches have steadily increased their reliance on chiropractic treatment since 1976 when the first chiropractor was part of the Aruba Olympic team staff. Today virtually all professional and college teams either have a chiropractor on staff or on an as-needed basis.

How Players Get Injured

Regardless of the level of play, sports participants are almost guaranteed to get hurt at some point in their careers. Logically, the longer a person plays, the more likely he or she will need a Baltimore chiropractor to tend to an injury. And the rougher the sport, the more likely the injury will be more severe.

According to a Baltimore chiropractor a common source of injuries is the failure to warm up prior to a game. While coaches stress the need for warm ups, many players give them short shrift. In the belief that playing the game itself is a good enough warm up, players are apt to skip important exercises that stretch the muscles and help them loosen up. When the player is bumped or tackled or pushed, the muscle that hasn’t had a chance to loosen up will most assuredly suffer.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking so called sports injuries only happen on the field of play. As many a Baltimore chiropractor can attest, the term is actually used to describe a wide variety of afflictions that may be caused by something as innocuous as opening the dishwasher or reaching for something on a high shelf. And few, if any of us, think to warm up before dong a household chore.

Chiropractic Treatment

Conventional medicine usually recommends icing and resting the injured area. And both of those are good, as far as they go. However, a Baltimore chiropractor will help the injury heal sooner through physiotherapy (for soft tissue injuries) and chiropractic adjustment (spine realignment). Returning the vertebrae to their normal position helps increase the range of motion and alleviates pain.

Many chiropractors also offer massage as part of injury therapy. Massage not only relaxes the muscles but also relaxes the brain. By reducing stress and fear, the massage urges the body to heal faster. Treating a sports injury through chiropractic also means the patient is not exposed to painkillers that can harm the liver and kidneys and can prove addictive.

Another part of chiropractic treatment is educating the patient in how to prevent injuries from happening in the future. A Baltimore chiropractor can teach proper, safe warm up exercises so athletes lower their risk of further injuries. Practicing these exercises with the doctor will ensure you are performing them correctly.

Choosing the Best Chiropractor for the Athlete

Many professional athletes tout the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment when they are injured. From bicycle racers to football players to swimmers, professional athletic teams quite often have a sports-focused chiropractor on the staff. The same is true for college teams.

Chiropractic treatment of sports injuries has become such a high demand you may find a Baltimore chiropractor who specializes in sports injuries. (It’s one of the fastest growing areas of chiropractic medicine.) Many of these doctors belong to the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council (ACASC).

To be officially designated as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) or a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DABCSP), the doctor must have completed a three-year postdoctoral program in the field. Given these credentials, you may want to move these doctors to the top of your list if you are interested in finding a sports-focused chiropractor.

However, don’t rule out a Baltimore chiropractor who is a general practitioner since many of them are well experienced in treating athletes, especially young adults and children. Your best bet is to get to know a qualified chiropractor before an injury happens.

The science of chiropractic medicine is based on the premise that, in order for your whole body to be healthy, your spine must be healthy. Given so many sports injuries involve the head, neck, torso and spine; you can see why athletes of all ages and levels turn to chiropractic treatment when they are injured.