Frequently Asked Questions in Allen TX

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that cares for a patient's neuromusculoskeletal system, the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A chiropractor uses spinal adjustments to restore motion in joints that have been fixed or stuck in a certain position. When we injure our spine, or have curvature changes our vertebra must compensate causing restriction in our joints. When a joint is restricted, proper motion of the vertebra starts to go through degenerative changes in as early as two weeks. When vertebrae lack motion, the joint will inflame and over time cause bone growth to splint the restricted joint causing a narrowing where the nerve comes out to innervate its designed area. If a nerve has pressure on it, the nerve cannot perform at the highest level it was designed to function. At Global Chiropractic we do a full exam of the spine even if the patient does not have symptoms in that area, symptoms can take years to develop meanwhile the spine can already be going through severe degenerative changes. X-rays of the spine will show stress on the restricted vertebra even if symptoms are not present at that time. After the X-rays are analyzed by Dr. Wojnicki a treatment plan will be given for the best results of each individual patient. Specific chiropractic adjustments will be given to the restricted vertebra restoring the proper motion of the joint, causing the nerve to function at its highest level.

"Chiropractic as a profession began in 1895 when its founder, Daniel David Palmer, "adjusted" the spine of a deaf janitor and claimed to restore his hearing. Spinal manipulation was not an unknown treatment in 1895, and Palmer never claimed to be the first to use manipulation for the cure of disease. He did claim, however, to be the first to use specific contacts as short-leverage points for making more specific spinal "adjustments"."

Low back pain, neck pain, and headache are the most common problems for which people seek chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic care is a useful pain management resource. Chiropractors ensure the muscles surrounding the joints are working properly. Chiropractors can also treat arthritic joint functioning. Depending on the type of arthritis, the chiropractor may provide gentle manipulation to increase range of motion and reduce muscle spasms. Most adults who do not want to use medication see a chiropractor to manage or eliminate pain in the low back, neck, and head. But there are other reasons patients seek chiropractic care. They include: Preventing disease, increasing energy, strengthening immunity, and fostering overall well-being. Chiropractic essentially treats all symptoms and conditions that stem from pressure on a spinal nerve.

A correctly aligned spine has been shown to improve overall bodily function, allowing joints, vertebrae, muscles, and organs to function as they should. Spinal alignment is achieved through manual manipulation, wherein the chiropractor will gently stretch, thrust, and apply pressure as they see fit until the body is properly aligned. When a vertebra is restricted in motion the stress will cause inflammation and pressure on the nerve causing symptoms. When a joint is restored to its proper motion the nerve can travel through the foramen allowing it to function without problems. This same treatment is used throughout the entire spine. The dysfunction of the low back can also be caused by the alignment of the pelvis and sacrum. It is important to take X-rays to properly analyze the entire structure to restore the body to its proper balance.

A neck adjustment (also known as cervical manipulation) is a precise procedure applied to the joints of the neck, usually by hand. A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion; it can also increase movement of the adjoining muscles. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and tilt the head, and a reduction of pain, soreness, and stiffness. Of course, Dr. Wojnicki will develop a program of care that may combine more than one type of treatment, depending on your personal needs. In addition to manipulation, the treatment plan may include mobilization, massage or rehabilitative exercises, or something else.

Chiropractic is a natural method of healthcare that treats the causes of physical problems rather than just the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise: with a normally functioning spine and nerves and a healthy lifestyle, your child's body is better able to heal itself. That's because the spinal cord, which is protected by the spine, is the main pathway of the nervous system. The nervous system controls movement, feeling, and function throughout your child's body. Your chiropractor has at least six years of professional training in the sciences and healthcare, leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. He or she works to maintain or restore your child's health and guides you in a personalized approach to your child's overall wellness -through spinal care, exercise, and good nutrition.

Although chiropractors are often seen as a musculoskeletal specialty, they also receive a broad medical education that qualifies them to deliver primary care for chronic pain and a variety of other conditions.

A chiropractor's education begins in undergraduate university. Chiropractors must complete at least 90-semester units of college education before applying to chiropractic school. An increasing number of schools also require a bachelor's degree to begin the application process

Most applicants to chiropractic school have already completed four years of university science education. However, their training is just beginning.

Training In Chiropractic School

Although getting into chiropractic school is difficult, the education required for a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree is even more challenging. Students in chiropractic school learn a variety of relevant subjects, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Human Biology
• Neuroanatomy, the study of the nervous system and its interactions with the rest of the body
• Root causes of musculoskeletal pain and other complaints
• Assessment of the spine
• Nutrition and other healthy lifestyle practices
• Chiropractic adjustment techniques and other musculoskeletal treatments
• Diagnosis and testing of musculoskeletal disorders
• Radiology, including reading x-rays and CT scans
• Direct patient care