A popular response to neck pain is taking drugs to cover up the problem (aspirin, analgesics, pain pills) or treating its symptoms (muscle relaxers, massage, hot packs). But neck pain isn’t caused by a lack of aspirin or drugs! The chiropractic approach to neck pain is to locate its underlying cause. This begins with a complete case history and thorough examination. Special attention is given to the structure and function of the spine, and its affect on the nervous system.

Is the proper spinal curve present? Are the nerve openings between each pair of spinal bones free and clear? Is the head balanced? Are the shoulders level? These and other considerations are used to create a plan of specific chiropractic adjustments to help improve the motion and position of spinal vertebrae.

With improved structure and function, neck pain often diminishes or totally disappears-without addictive drugs or harmful side effects!

A continuing schedule of regular chiropractic checkups can help detect, correct, and maintain optimum spinal and nervous system function. Find out how chiropractic care, combined with proper diet, exercise, and other aspects of good health and personal hygiene can enhance your well-being and help you enjoy life to the fullest. Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for a care program designed for your age, condition, and lifestyle.

· REFERENCES ·

Breig, A., et al., Effect of Mechanical Stresses on the Spinal Cord in Cervical Spondylosis, Neurosurgery, 25:45-56, 1966.

Harrison, D., D.C., Spinal Biomechanics: A Chiropractic Perspective, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic, 1992.

Kirk, R., D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Valvo, N., D.C., States’ Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991.

Maynard, J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing Company, 1991.

McAlpine, J., D.C., A Discussion of the Dentate Ligament Nerve Traction Mechanism, International Review of Chiropractic, October-December 1980.

Schafer, R., D.C., Faye, L., D.C., Motion Palpation and Chiropractic, 2nd edition, Motion Palpation Institute, 1990.

Strauss, J., D.C., Chiropractic Philosophy, 3rd edition, Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education, 1994.

© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.

…often more effective than surgery. Many of the pain-sensing nerves of the spine are in the facet joints, the two interlocking “fingers” at the back of each spinal bone. The normally smooth surfaces on which these joints glide, can become rough, irritated, and inflamed.

Surgical treatment often involves removing these facet joints, exposing the spinal cord!

Another cause of lower back pain can be a bulging disc putting pressure on the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root. The result is often numbness, tingling, or pain down the leg. Cutting away the bulging disc tissue, can permanently alter its ability to separate and cushion the adjacent bones. This rarely addresses the underlying structural cause(s) of the problem.

The chiropractic approach is to help restore a more normal motion and position of affected spinal bones by specific chiropractic adjustments. The simplicity and success of this approach has been documented in numerous research projects and has helped many patients avoid risky surgery.

Improper sitting or lifting, overexertion, trauma, or inherited spinal abnormalities can be the cause. Low back pain results in millions of dollars of lost work, and untold suffering every day.

Find out if yours is a chiropractic case and enjoy the positive results that millions of patients have discovered.

Get started today!

· REFERENCES ·

Buerger, A., Ph.D., Greenman, R., D.O., Validation of Spinal Manipulation, Charles C. Thomas Company, 1985.

Cox, J., D.C., Low Back Pain, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment, 4th edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1990.

Faye, L., D.C., Good Bye Back Pain, Tale Weaver Publishing, 1990.

Low Back Pain; The $50 Billion Problem, Conference sponsored by the Institute for Low Back Care, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 30, 1982.

Kirkaldy-Willis, W., M.D., Managing Low Back Pain, 3rd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1993.

Manga, P., Ph.D., Angus, D., M.A., Papadopoulos, C., M.H.A., Swan, W., The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low Back Pain, (funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health) p. 104, August, 1993.

Markey, P., D.C., Managing Disorders of the Lumbar Spine, 2nd edition, 1986.

Rothman, M.D., Simone, M.D., The Spine, 3rd edition, W.B. Saunders, 1992.

Stork, M.D., Bradley, M.D., Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 2nd edition, Mosby Yearbook, 1992.

White, A. A., M.D. and Panjabi, M. M., Ph.D., Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine, 2nd edition, J. B. Lippincott, 1990.

© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.

…proper function. When joint function is impaired, there is reduced range of motion, inflammation, calcium buildup, and scar tissue.

This can be caused from repetitive motions, improper sitting, overexertion, slips, falls, accidents, and other causes. Awareness of these types of problems has become more common with terms like “tennis elbow”, “runner’s knee”, “frozen shoulder”, and “carpal tunnel syndrome.”

The traditional treatment of these problems involves splinting the joint to reduce movement, pain medications, muscle relaxers, steroid injections, and even surgery!

What else can be done?

Today, a more common sense approach is being taken. Joint mobilization, like chiropractic care for the spine, is being used in the care of elbows, wrists, and other joints of the body. Helping to restore normal range of motion to joints that have become “locked up”, “jammed”, or injured, seems to improve blood circulation, reduce scar tissue, and speed the healing process.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic is uniquely trained to detect and help restore proper joint function of the spine and the extremities. Find out if you can be helped, by arranging for a consultation and thorough examination today!

· REFERENCES ·

Hoppenfeld, S., M.D., Orthopedic Neurology, J.B. Lippincott Company, 1977.

Cailliet, Rene, M.D., Knee Pain and Disability, Pain Series, F.A. Davis, 1983.

Bonebrake, A., D.C., Fernandez, J., D.C., A Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Results of a Follow-up Study, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 16:125-139, 1993.

Guch, R., The Chiropractic Theories: A Synopsis of the Research, 2nd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1986.

Cyraix, J., M.D., Orthopedic Medicine, Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Lesions, Baillere Tindell, Vol. 1, 1984

Kellett, J., Acute Soft Tissue Injuries: A Review of the Literature, Science in Sports and Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine, Vol. 18, No. 5 pp. 489-500, 1986.

Kessler, R., Hertling, D., Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders, Harper and Row, 1983.

Schafer, D.C., Faye, D.C., Motion Palpation and Chiropractic Technique, 2nd edition, Motion Palpation Institute, 1990.

Schafer, R.C., Chiropractic Management of Sports and Recreational Injuries, 2nd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1986.

Meal, G.M., Scott, R.A., Analysis of Joint Grade by Simultaneous Recording of Sound and Tension, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 9:189, 1986.

© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.

Instead, chiropractic doctors find the underlying cause(s) of your ache or pain, and help correct it.

Judging your health by how you feel can be dangerous! The first symptom of high blood pressure is often a deadly stroke. The first symptom of heart disease could be a fatal heart attack! Because your body is so adaptive, by the time many symptoms warn you of a problem, it can be well advanced.

Would you rather be healthy or just feel good?

You can be healthy and still not feel well. Vomiting after eating improperly prepared food is a healthy response. Taking a drug to prevent your body from expelling the toxic food could be deadly! Fevers, diarrhea, and other symptoms are natural ways your body responds to infection and disease.

Proper function, controlled by your nervous system, is the key to health. Fortunately, the proper function of your nervous system is the primary interest of your chiropractic doctor.

When spinal functions improve, your symptoms usually improve too.

· REFERENCES ·

Barge, F.H., D.C., Tortipelvis, The Slipped Disc Syndrome; It’s Cause and Correction, 4th edition, Bawden Brothers Printing, Inc. 1986.

Collins, D., M.D., Dynamic Differential Diagnosis The Lippincott Company, 1981.

Govan, A. Callander, R., MacFarland, P., Pathology Illustrated, 2nd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1986.

Marmot, M., Elliott, P., Coronary Heart Disease Epidemiology, 3rd edition, Oxford Medical Publications, 1992.

Maynard, J., D.C., Healing Hands, 4th edition, Jonorm Publishing Company, 1991.

Mendelsohn, R., M.D., How to Raise a Healthy Child, Contemporary Books, 1984.
© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.

Test 6

Have the adult or child being tested wear hard soled shoes and lie face down on a bed with their feet over the edge. Their legs should be kept together with their arms resting at each side.

During the test, the head must be facing straight down. This may be uncomfortable, but should be maintained for the duration of the test.

Grasp both of the feet and apply equal pressure between the heel and the arch with your thumbs. Check to see if one leg appears shorter.

Test 7

With the adult or child in the position as described in Test 6, test further by bending the legs up at the knees and compare again.

A contracted or short leg in either position is a common reaction to many types of spinal problems.

Test 2

A low shoulder is a common postural deviation that may be an indication of a spinal malfunction with possible nervous system involvement.

Test 3

A common indicator of spinal stress is a head that is leaning too far forward. This puts wear and tear on the spine, leading to degenerative changes.

Test 4

Frequently, uneven shoe wear indicates some type of spinal imbalance. Examine a pair of shoes for unusual signs of wear.

Test 5

Often unequal pant leg length or an uneven skirt hemline can indicate a low hip or some other spinal problem.

Headaches, back pain, numbness, tingling, and other health problems can often be traced to the spine.Many things can cause the moving bones of the spine to lose their normal motion or position. This can irritate or choke the sensitive nerves that branch off the spinal cord to service the organs and tissues of your body. Many spinal problems can cause postural changes. Take a few moments to check a loved one. If you discover problems, encourage them to seek a professional chiropractic examination.

Do you know someone who should investigate Chiropractic?

Try these simple tests. If you detect a possible problem, schedule a Chiropractic examination. Spinal problems rarely get better on their own, and often get worse with time.

Test 1

Have adults or children being tested stand on a hard, flat surface. Have them close their eyes and “march in place” 2 or 3 steps and then stop.With their eyes still closed, have them nod their head 2 or 3 times, as if they were looking at the floor and then the ceiling, stopping where they feel comfortable.

With their eyes still closed, examine their posture. From the front, all 9 test points should line up. If they are not in alignment, schedule a chiropractic examination today.

Still with their eyes closed, test their posture from the side. There are 4 points that should line up. Again, if these points are not in alignment, seek a thorough chiropractic examination.

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 system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and millions of nerves. Your brain is protected by the skull, and your spinal cord 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.

The chiropractic approach to better health is to detect, reduce, and help prevent nervous system disfunction.

Here is what will happen when you visit your chiropractor for the first time.

A thorough examination.
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 if any areas of your spine are causing problems.

Photo.
Diagnostic Imaging.
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.

Photo.
A teamwork approach.
Your health today is the result of your habits, your thoughts, your actions and all the circumstances of your life. Little can be done about the past, but we’re here to help with your future.

Learn as much as you can about the nature of true health and follow your doctors recommendations.

©© 1999 Back Talk Systems, Inc.
Photo.