What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a discipline that goes beyond merely treating symptoms. With a focus on the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders.

Keep reading to understand the basics of chiropractic care, its versatility in treating different conditions, and to get an insider's view.

The Master Control Center

At the heart of chiropractic philosophy lies the understanding that the nervous system plays a key role in maintaining overall health. The nervous system controls the function of every cell in the human body, making it a master control center. When there is a subluxation in the spine, a misalignment of vertebrae causing nerve interference, the body loses its ability to adapt to the demands placed on it.

The Effects of Subluxation

Subluxations can exert pressure on nerves, disrupting their function and leading to various health issues. The effects are widespread, ranging from localized pain to systemic problems. 

For instance, if the nerve pressure is in the lower back, it can manifest as lower back pain or radiate into the leg, causing sciatica. If it affects the nerves controlling the hand, one might experience numbness or tingling. The impact extends to various areas, including the respiratory system (asthma), reproductive system (infertility), and even brain function.

Conditions Treated by Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors employ a range of techniques to address a diverse set of conditions. Here's a comprehensive look at each condition and how chiropractic care can effectively treat them:

• Lower Back Pain: Chiropractors use manual adjustments, such as the Diversified technique, to realign the spine, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle tension associated with low back pain.
• Neck Pain: Through adjustments and soft tissue techniques, chiropractors can relieve tension, improve range of motion, and promote healing in the neck area.
• Headaches/Migraines: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate tension in the spine and neck, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
• Sciatica: By addressing subluxations in the lumbar spine, chiropractors can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving mobility.
• Pregnancy-Related Discomfort: Chiropractic care can help balance the pelvis and reduce tension in the surrounding ligaments, relieving pregnancy-related discomfort.
• Sports Injuries/Athletic Performance: Chiropractors use a combination of adjustments and soft tissue techniques to address sports injuries, enhance flexibility, and improve overall athletic performance.
• Bed Wetting: Pediatric adjustments focus on correcting spinal misalignments that may contribute to bedwetting issues in children.
• Shoulder Pain: Chiropractic care aims to correct joint misalignments and improve the function of surrounding muscles to alleviate shoulder pain.
• Ankle Issues: Through extremity adjustments, chiropractors can address misalignments in the ankle joint, reducing pain and improving stability.
• Knee Pain: Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue techniques can help alleviate knee pain by addressing underlying issues in the musculoskeletal system.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Chiropractic care focuses on relieving pressure on the median nerve through adjustments, stretching, and strengthening exercises.
• Ear Infections: Chiropractic adjustments may promote drainage in the ear, helping to alleviate ear infections, especially in pediatric cases.
• Colic: Pediatric adjustments and gentle techniques can address imbalances in the spine and nervous system, relieving colic symptoms.
• Sinus Pressure: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve sinus drainage and reduce pressure in the sinus cavities.
• Numbness/Tingling: By addressing nerve impingements through adjustments, chiropractors can alleviate numbness and tingling sensations.
• Nerve Pain: Chiropractic care focuses on releasing pressure on nerves through manual adjustments, promoting pain relief and improved nerve function.
• Disc Issues: Techniques such as spinal decompression and adjustments aim to alleviate pressure on spinal discs, promoting healing and reducing pain.
• Asthma/ Allergies: Chiropractors may focus on improving spinal and nervous system function to positively impact respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.
• Brain Balance: Chiropractic care aims to enhance neurological function through adjustments, potentially alleviating symptoms associated with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Techniques in Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to correct subluxations and restore optimal nervous system function. Each technique is tailored to address specific conditions and patient needs. 

While others exist, here are some of the more prominent chiropractic techniques:

Diversified

A widely used manual adjustment technique that involves high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to correct subluxations.

Webster Technique (Pregnancy)

Specifically designed for pregnant women, this technique focuses on balancing the pelvis and reducing tension in the surrounding ligaments.

Pediatric/Newborn Adjustments

Gentle adjustments are tailored for infants and children to address potential musculoskeletal issues.

Thompson

Utilizes a specialized drop table to facilitate adjustments and enhance the precision of spinal corrections.

Extremity Technique

Targets joints outside the spine, addressing issues in the extremities such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.

Activator

Involves using a handheld instrument to deliver a controlled, low-force impulse to specific points on the body.

Graston

A soft tissue technique that employs specially designed instruments to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions.

Active Release Technique (ART)

Focuses on treating soft tissue injuries by combining movement and direct pressure.

Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)

A holistic approach that considers the entire body, emphasizing the relationship between the sacrum and the occiput.

An Inside Look at Chiropractic Care

When it comes to chiropractic care, Dr. Luke Howell stands out as a dedicated practitioner with a passion for helping others. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Howell completed his undergraduate coursework at the University of Kentucky before pursuing his Doctorate in Chiropractic at Life University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Howell is committed to staying abreast of the latest developments in chiropractic care. He regularly attends continuing education classes, ensuring that his patients receive the best possible care. Dr. Howell's enthusiasm for the gift of chiropractic care is evident in his gentle and caring approach, which always prioritizes the individual needs of his patients.

At Sycamore Chiropractic & Nutrition, Dr. Howell and Dr. Boynton can help you get the chiropractic care you need. Contact us and get the relief you need today!