Although chiropractic care is most frequently associated w/
its success with low-back pain, studies have found it to be
effective for a variety of conditions, such as headaches,
neck and shoulder pain and carpul tunnel syndrome. A recent
study showed its benefits with various types of degenerative
arthritis.
Many patients will also tell you that by getting their back
adjusted it also helps with other conditions like heart burn,
asthma and IBS. This makes sense when you consider that the
nerves, which connect your body’s organs, pass through
the spine.
Does
acupuncture hurt?
No, acupuncture does not hurt. Some people are nervous prior
to their first acupuncture visit due to the use of needles.
Contrary to popular perception, you may occasionally feel a
tiny prick as the needle goes in, but it is very mild and disappears
almost instantly. By the second or third visit most people enjoy
“getting pinned” and may even take a nap during
treatment.
What kind of education
and training do chiropractors have?
Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular
diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic
is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training
in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology,
biochemistry, histology, clinical and radiological diagnosis);
specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical
studies, practice diagnosis and application); and extensive
clinical training.
What
can I expect on my first visit?
The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the
health complaints with which you are chiefly concerned. The
DC will also ask about family history, dietary habits, other
care you may have had, your job, and other questions designed
to help determine the nature of your illness and the best
way to go about treating the problem.
The physical examination will be performed in accordance with
your DC’s clinical judgment, which may include x-rays,
laboratory analysis, and other diagnostic procedures. In addition,
a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed
to detect any structural abnormalities which may be effecting
or causing your condition. All of these elements are important
components to your total health profile and vital to the doctor
of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.
Once I go to a chiropractor,
do I have to keep going back?
At Advanced Chiropractic and Acupuncture we approach every problem
with a reasonable and logical treatment plan. Every treatment
plan is case specific for the individual chief complaint. Some
patients report feeling much better with maintenance or wellness
care and we are here to support that approach as well.
Dr.
Steven S. Menard, DC, FIAMA
201 W. Broadway, Ste, 3E
Columbia, MO 65203
Practice phone: 573.443.3400
Practice Fax: 573.443.3402
E-mail: ACA3400@aol.com
