An adjustment is performed after a thorough exam consisting of orthopedic/neurologic exams and diagnostic tests including x-rays.  The adjustment helps restore joint alignment, mobility, and function of the nervous system.  Our health is directly related to the body's structure, particularly the spine, and its function.  The spine houses the spinal cord and exiting peripheral nerves.  These nerves have specific routes and functions.  If the vertebrae protecting these nerves are compromised (misaligned) it can cause dysfunction of that nerve or nerves.  Your nervous system made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves control everything in the body including: the functions of the vascular, muscular, lypmahtic, and the digestive system.  It is important to have the spine checked if you have any problems with these systems.

Why soft tissue is important?

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 supports chiropractic…..

You can benefit in a number of ways by adding massage therapy to your chiropractic care program.

• Recovery is normally faster and more complete when you address multiple components of your pain.
• Chiropractic treatment often proceeds more easily, with less discomfort, when soft tissue has been relaxed with massage.
• You may be less anxious and more ready to receive chiropractic adjustment after a relaxing massage.
• Adjustments frequently last longer when muscle tension is released that might otherwise pull your joints out of alignment again.

Chiropractic supports massage…..

If you are seeking massage therapy for pain but find your pain persists, recurs or even worsens after your massage, chiropractic care could help in these ways.

• If your pain involves a subluxation, chiropractic adjustment may give immediate relief as your joint is restored to alignment and mobility.
• You may find that surrounding soft tissue heals quickly once it is no longer subjected to the stress of misaligned joints.
• The joint movement in chiropractic adjustments can sometime relax deep layers of soft tissue that can be difficult to reach with massage.
• Your chiropractor can use x-rays and manual diagnostic techniques to evaluate other possible causes for your pain and can make appropriate referrals if necessary.

Should you have chiropractic care during your pregnancy?

Yes. Chiropractic care can help you and your baby achieve a healthier pregnancy and delivery. It is gentle and safe. The health benefits have been demonstrated in clinical studies. Results have shown reduced delivery time by 6 hours in chiropractic patients!

In one of the studies, conducted by Irvin Hendryson, M.D., a member of the American Medical Association board of trustees, it was shown that women who received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester of pregnancy were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort. Also, well-known orthopedist Per Freitag, M.D., conducted a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during the patient’s pregnancy. He found that the need for pain killers during delivery was reduced by half.

When should you be checked for misalignments/subluxations?

The best time to be checked for subluxations is before you would like to become pregnant. This will ensure proper pelvic and spinal alignment. If you are already pregnant, chiropractic adjustments can be given throughout your pregnancy and directly after your labor and delivery. 

What if your baby is in a breech presentation after 32 weeks?

Adjustments have been proven effective in treating breech presentation of the baby.  The adjustment and the Webster Technique have been proven as an effective, non-invasive treatment to help turn the baby naturally.  The treatment helps reduce uterine constraint allowing the baby to turn on it's own.  It is a safe, conservative alternative to external cephalic version.

Below, Heather who delivered twins!

When should your child be checked?  Is it safe?

Newborn infants should be checked within hours after birth. The birth process, even under natural and controlled conditions, is potentially traumatic.

During the pushing stage of labor, the spine, particularly the neck, may be injured as the baby is compressed and pushed down the birth canal. The most frequent subluxation experienced by newborns results from the pulling, twisting, and compression of the infant’s spine during birth.

Although birth subluxations may cause immediate symptoms, such as respiratory depression, there may be far-reaching effects that are manifested for years. The child’s ability to fight against disease, for example, may be lowered. Colds, ear infections, colic, torticollis, allergies and other illnesses may result.

Subluxations may also interfere with internal organ function, resulting in the inability to produce chemicals responsible for raising and lowering body temperature as needed. Research has also indicated that the body’s immune response in the production of anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents to fight infection is greatly compromised due to vertebral subluxations.

Chiropractic is safe and natural.

The chiropractic approach to health care is natural. Our chiropractic doctor's are trained in pediatric care.  Children receive safe adjustments that are different from adult adjustments.  Children's spines are more delicate and are treated as such.  The adjustment does not try to stimulate or inhibit normal body function. Instead, the chiropractor addresses the important relationship between the nervous system and disease. The systemic effect of vertebral subluxations is complex. Many childhood illnesses may be manifested in the pediatric patient due to abnormal body function caused by subluxations. In light of this, your chiropractor may be the best doctor to help your child.

 "How can a chiropractor help me get pregnant?" 

If you and your partner have been told there is nothing wrong with you by fertility doctors, then chiropractic may be the next conservative step.  A chiropractor finds subluxations or misaligments in the spine that could be affecting certain nerves.  In the spine, there are specific levels that can be adjusted to help increase neurological function to the reproductive system for both men and women.  Small studies have showned a high success rate in increasing a couple's chance for pregnancy.  Below, baby K was conceived after 5 weeks of chiropractic care for the parents.  The parents had been trying to conceive for over one year.

Transitions Midwifery Services, LLC

Brandy Brandfass, RN, LM
(843) 824-6823
www.transitionsmidwifery.com

Family First Chiropractic treats victims of auto accidents and is featured in Your Legal Guide, which also offers information on family law and how to find a car accident lawyer.