Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Each patient is examined to determine if a misalignment, or subluxation, is present in the top two bones of the neck (upper cervical spine). If this condition is present, it can result in the interference of nerve transmission between the brain and the rest of the body. Since the brain and body talk to each other via the nervous system, essentially this means that the brain and body do not communicate at 100%. Alterations in blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid flow, and oxygen supply to the brain are also commonly related to an upper cervical subluxation.
In order to determine the exact position of the top two bones in the neck, very precise x-rays of the head-neck junction must be taken. We utilize a state of the art DR (Digital Radiography) X-ray system to give us a three dimensional view of the upper cervical spine. Computerized analysis software then allows us to correctly measure the position of these bones, in relation to the head and lower neck.
To correct misalignments of the bones in the upper neck, a low-force and highly specific correction is made, using either a hand held instrument or a table mounted instrument. The correction itself is very gentle, as it requires no twisting, bending, or popping of the neck. The result is proper alignment of the head, neck and spine, which restores normal body balance and nervous system function.
Our office follows the Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology procedures. For more information please visit:
The GAPS Nutritional Protocol
The GAPS Diet was first described in 2004 in Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride's book Gut And Psychology Syndrome. Since then, it has become known all over the world, helping children and adults to recover from very serious health problems. During those years the diet has been evolving to suite more and more complex patients, and the full spectrum of the GAPS Diet has emerged. Some people do well with following the Full GAPS Diet, which is the easiest to implement and is very suitable for following as a permanent lifestyle. Many people have to go through the GAPS Introduction Diet, which is more difficult to follow, but it achieves deeper healing of the gut and the rest of the body. People with severe digestive problems, severe mental illness, and physical conditions found great help following the No-Plant GAPS Diet for a while. At the most severe end, patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease and other very serious health problems found GAPS Ketogenic Diet to be the most appropriate approach. Then there are people who need to eat more plant matter to feel well; these people enjoy the More-Plant GAPS Diet.
The full spectrum of the GAPS Diet:
- GAPS Introduction Diet
- The Full GAPS Diet
- The No-Plant GAPS Diet
- GAPS Ketogenic Diet
- More-Plant GAPS Diet
Additional information on the GAPS Diet can be found at www.gaps.me
Thompson Drop Technique
In addition to Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic, our office utilizes the segmental 'drop' table. This is another low-force method of treatment that is highly effective. The 'drop' table consists of several padded sections that support each area of your spine until a directed force in applied by the doctor. Once this occurs, the section gently gives way, allowing the misaligned spinal segment to return to its proper position. Although each section only 'drops' a fraction of an inch, it does so very quickly, which reduces the amount of force needed to make a spinal adjustment.
Flexion-Distraction
Flexion-Distraction is another treatment option which compliments our office's Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique. It is a safe and effective non-force method of treating low back pain, lumbar (low back) herniated disc, sciatica, stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and lumbar facet syndrome without drugs or surgery.
The specialized chiropractic table allows the doctor to stabilize the spinal segment above the affected area, while gently flexing the lower part of the table. This controlled motion opens up the space between the spinal segments, while causing a 'suctioning' effect in the targeted vertebral disc. The 'suctioning' effect allows part of the vertebral disc to move back into its normal, centrally located position, thus eliminating the cause of the pain and discomfort. Not only does this motion benefit the position of the disc, but it also influences the range of motion of the targeted spinal joints. Restricted spinal joint motion is another source of pain and discomfort that can be treated with utilization of this technique.
A) Relief Care
For most patients, relief care is often the initial stage of care. This is because many patients are suffering from pain and discomfort when the decision is made to come in for treatment. Therefore, our main goal during this stage of care is to provide the individual with relief from their symptoms. We utilize treatments that quickly and effectively reduce pain and discomfort so individuals can get back to their daily activities as soon as possible. During this early stage of care, we also make recommendations on the "do's and don'ts" of physical activity, ice/heat, rest, therapies, etc. This aids in the process of getting patients back to their normal routine. It is important that we not only provide symptomatic relief , but also uncover the actual cause of the patient's health problems. Once the underlying cause is determined, we can begin the corrective care stage of treatment.
B) Corrective Care/Decision Time
Corrective care is generally the second stage of care in our office. It involves correcting the issue(s) that have caused and contributed to the overall health problem, while also rehabilitating and treating any injured tissue. Since pain and discomfort have generally subsided by this point, it is tempting to think that everything is back to normal and further care is unnecessary. However, under most circumstances, the body is still recovering and beginning to stabilize, so additional treatments are needed to aid in this process. If a patient decides to terminate care at this point and the corrective phase does not take place, stabilization and healing will not occur and the problem will likely return. For this reason, it is very important that the patient follow the instructions and recommendations given by the doctor, as well as comply with any scheduled appointments.
C) Wellness Care
Once the spine has stabilized and healing is complete, the patient will be recommended to schedule occasional spinal checkups. Chiropractic spinal checkups are beneficial to your spine just as timely oil changes are beneficial to your car's engine and routine dental checkups are beneficial to your teeth. The ultimate goal is to correct minor problems before they have the chance to turn into major problems. Once pain and other symptoms arise, the problem has usually progressed passed the initial stage and already caused damage to the body. Taking charge of your spinal health and wellness through regular spinal checkups is the optimal way to stay ahead of problems and allow your body to function at the highest level possible. We encourage you to get well, then stay well!
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