Welcome to Chiropractic

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous systems consist of your brain, spinal cord, and millions of nerves. While your brain is protected by the skull, your spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This can result in nervous system dysfunction and ultimately, ill health.

An Accomplished Professional

Todays Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated. After completing the same undergraduate study that other doctors get, chiropractic doctors receive still another four years of postgraduate college education. Before practicing, they pass a rigorous National Board Examination and meet stringent liscensing requirements. To keep up with the latest research, doctors attend seminars, scientific symposia, and read professional journals.

A Closer Look

After taking a complete case history to review important aspects of your health, a thorough examination will be conducted.

You'll be asked to turn and bend, your posture will be checked, your reflexes and muscle strength will be tested, and other orthopedic and neurological tests may be performed. These tests are designed to show any areas of your spine that may be causing problems.

Diagnostic Imaging

Based on your examination findings, X-rays or other types of diagnostic imaging may be necessary. Any x-rays needed will be taken on site however for more advanced studies you will be referred to a radiology clinic.

These images can help reveal pathologies, document the history of your spinal health and guide your doctor in creating a care program based on your unique spinal condition. Today's high-tech equipment and ultra-sensitive films help minimize your exposure.

A Teamwork Approach

When you consult this office you are entering into a unique partnership. Your current health is the result of your habits, your thoughts our actions, and all the circumstances of your life. Little can be done about the past but we’re here to help you with the future.

Can Chiropractic Help

If areas of abnormal spinal function are identified, your doctor will recommend a chiropractic care program, including spinal adjustments. Your plan of care is based upon your age, condition, lifestyle, and unique spinal problem(s).

Specific Adjustments

The primary course of care will be specific chiropractic adjustments. This will help return individual spinal bones to their proper motion and position. There are hundreds of ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore better position and motion to "stuck" or fixated spinal joints. This may require a quick thrust, or in other instances a slow, constant pressure. Sometimes, only one area of the spine is adjusted, and other times the entire spine will receive attention.

Some doctors use only their hands, while others will use special tables or instruments. Sometimes, the patient's own body weight is used. Every doctor has a preference based on training, clinical experience, and the particular spinal problem of the patient. Some adjusting approaches can result in a faint "popping" sound. This sound is created by the shifting of gas and fluid in the joint. The presence or "loudness" of this sound has little meaning and varies with each patient.

Other Procedures

Your doctor may recommend additional procedures or suggest other ways to help reduce inflammation, provide relief, or enhance the healing process. These may include ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, ice, heat, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation, nutritional advice, exercises, or other procedures.

Chiropractic Care Is Safe

Chiropractic adjustments are safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers, and back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. When compared with traditional approaches, chiropractic care is remarkably safe. In fact, millions of chiropractic adjustments are safely delivered to satisfied patients every day.

How Long Will It Take

Chiropractic results may vary. Some patients enjoy immediate results. Others find that their recovery takes several months or longer. Children often respond quickly, while adults with long-standing spinal problems heal more slowly. The healing process takes time.

There are three stages of chiropractic care. Periodic progressive examinations help determine the course of your care. Once you understand true health, you may want some type of ongoing chiropractic care. Like brushing your teeth, eating wholesome foods, and other healthy habits, regular chiropractic checkups make sense. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic is always up to you.

Initial Intensive Care

This is usually where most patients begin their chiropractic care. Visits can be frequent, depending on the severity of your condition. The primary focus is to reduce or eliminate your most obvious symptoms.

Corrective Care

When your ache or pain diminishes, the objective is to stabilize spinal function and promote a more complete healing. Muscles and soft tissues of the spine are strengthened during this stage of care, helping to avoid a relapse.

Wellness or Elective Care

With the maximum restoration of spinal function, many patients enjoy regular chiropractic checkups. This type of preventative or wellness care can save time and money by keeping minor problems from becoming more serious.

Massage

A licensed massage therapist is available on-site by appointment.

Orthopedic & Nutritional Supplies

A selection of orthopedic supplies are available at both locations including Medi-Flow Cervical Water Pillows, Lumbar braces and cushions, and various orthopedic braces.

A wide selection of quality nutritional products is available at the Buellton clinic only. Please call the office for specific information or products.