Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Corrective Chiropractic vs Relief Care Chiropractic in Naples, FL


Many patients that have come into our office often ask about other chiropractors that they were solicited by at local grocery stores, gyms and other social events of how they are “different” or that they perform “corrective chiropractic care”.   Well the truth is, all chiropractors strive to correct the under lying problem that is causing the patient’s ailment.  Though each provider may have a different approach or method of delivering their treatment the end goal is always the same….CORRECTION!!  The whole phrase of “corrective chiropractic care” is more of a marketing/solicitation ploy to gain the attention of future patients or even drive existing patients out of the care of their current provider by using these subordination tactics.  As a clinician that is trained in structural rehabilitation of the spine through Chiropractic Biophysics, one may consider this technique to be of a corrective protocol as it tends to focus on structural integrity of the spine rather than just the resolution of symptoms.  On the other hand, if the goals of the patient are to just eliminate their symptoms then correction could be considered the time of pain relief.  Therefore how the term correction is used by providers is very subjective and can be misleading for an individual not familiar with the practice of chiropractic.  I encourage people to be aware of chiropractors trying to sell the concept of corrective chiropractic care to entice patients into treatment and long term care plans that usually aren’t any more effective than just resolving the mechanism causing their symptoms.  It is important to understand that following through with your chiropractors recommendations are key with any level of spinal correction and relief of pain, but also realize that you need to be released from care when you have reached an optimal level of medical improvement.

Total Health of Naples is the premier chiropractic and functional rehab center in Naples, FL. Whether your goal is to restore spinal structure or alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc, Dr. Paralovos makes every effort possible to exceed the patient’s expectations.  Call 239.260.1426 or go to www.totalhealthnaples.com to schedule your appointment to see what type of care is best for you!!

Friday, April 18, 2014

What's a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc...?

There are many different terms used to describe spinal disc pathology and associated pain, such as "herniated disc," "pinched nerve," and "bulging disc," and all are used differently by doctors.
Unfortunately, healthcare professionals do not agree on a precise definition of any of these terms, and patients may be frustrated when they hear their diagnosis referred to in different terms. A variety of interchangeable terms (ruptured disc, torn disc, slipped disc, collapsed disc, disc protrusion, disc disease, black disc) can add to the confusion.
Rather than caring about which term is used, it is more useful for patients to gain a clear understanding of the precise medical diagnosis.
    The medical diagnosis identifies the actual cause of the patient’s back pain, leg pain and other symptoms.
The medical professional determines the cause of the patient’s pain through a combination of a review of the patient’s medical history through a combination of:
  • Review of the patient's medical history
  • A complete physical exam
  • One or more diagnostic tests (if needed)

    Two Causes of Pain: Pinched Nerve vs. Disc Pain

    In identifying the cause of the patient’s pain, there are two general types of spinal disc problems used by physicians:
      Pinched nerve
      When a patient has a symptomatic herniated disc, the disc itself is not painful, but rather the leaking disc is pinching a nerve. This produces pain called radicular pain (e.g., nerve root pain) leading to pain that may be referred to other parts of the body, such as from the low back down the leg or from the neck down the arm. Leg pain from a pinched nerve is usually described as sciatica.
      • On Spine-health.com, this nerve root pain is called a herniated disc. (Other common causes of a pinched nerve may include spinal stenosis and bone spurs from spinal arthritis.
      Disc pain
      When a patient has a symptomatic degenerated disc (one that causes low back pain and/or leg pain), it is the disc space itself that is painful and the source of pain. This type of pain is typically called axial pain.
    In This Article:
    Either of the above two conditions can occur in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. They tend to be most common in the lower back because the lower back bears the most torque and force on a day to day basis.
    It should be kept in mind that all the terms – herniated disc, pinched nerve, bulging disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc, etc. – refer to radiographic findings seen on a CT scan or MRI scan. While these test results are important, they are not as meaningful in determining the cause of the pain as the patient's specific symptoms and the doctor's physical exam results.
Total Health of Naples offers state of the art non-surgical spinal decompression to help correct and alleviate the pain and suffering associated with disc pathology.  Our chiropractor has advanced training in the diagnosis and management for these conditions.  Call 239-260-1426 to schedule a free consultation, MRI review or second opinion if you have any of the above conditions.  You can also visit us at www.totalhealthnaples.com to learn more about the leader in spinal decompression in Naples, FL.

Article courtesy of spine-health.com

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Naples Fl Chiropractor - Understanding Spinal Manipulation

There are well over 100 types of adjustment techniques used by chiropractors throughout the world. Typically, chiropractors will focus on and utilize 8 to 10 different approaches in their practice.
The common goal of most chiropractic techniques is to restore or to enhance joint function, with the general goals of resolving joint inflammation and reducing pain. Some approaches use some force (spinal manipulation), while others are more gentle (spinal mobilization).
The original chiropractic adjustment approach is generally referred to as spinal manipulation, and may also be called the diversified technique or the high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. New chiropractic adjustment approaches typically evolve as a variation from an existing technique and are often named after the chiropractor who developed it.
This article reviews a number of the most commonly used spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization techniques currently used by chiropractors.


Understanding Spinal Manipulation

There are well over 100 types of adjustment techniques used by chiropractors throughout the world. Typically, chiropractors will focus on and utilize 8 to 10 different approaches in their practice.
The common goal of most chiropractic techniques is to restore or to enhance joint function, with the general goals of resolving joint inflammation and reducing pain. Some approaches use some force (spinal manipulation), while others are more gentle (spinal mobilization).
The original chiropractic adjustment approach is generally referred to as spinal manipulation, and may also be called the diversified technique or the high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. New chiropractic adjustment approaches typically evolve as a variation from an existing technique and are often named after the chiropractor who developed it.

Chiropractic Manipulation Techniques

Chiropractors adapt treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient. Typically, chiropractic treatment plans involve some forceful and less forceful spinal adjustment techniques during the same visit or over the course of treatment (6 to 10 visits for a typical patient).
    Spinal Manipulation (High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Thrust)
    The most frequently used chiropractic technique, spinal manipulation, is the traditional high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. The manipulation often results in an audible "pop," as chiropractors use their hands to apply a controlled sudden force to a joint while the body is positioned in a specific way.
    Spinal Mobilization (Low-Force or Gentle Chiropractic Techniques)
    Some conditions (such as osteoporosis), pathology, the patient's size, patient comfort, or patient preference, may require a gentler approach generally referred to as spinal mobilization. In addition, some patients and/or clinicians prefer mild spinal mobilization techniques that do not involve twisting of the body or a forceful thrust.
In addition to manipulation, many chiropractors will employ adjunctive therapy, such as ice or heat or physical therapy modalities (such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, etc.), as part of an overall treatment plan. Patients should discuss their symptoms and preferences with their chiropractor, whose role it is to perform a thorough examination to determine the best course of treatment.

 
Chiropractic Videos
 
 
Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, DC and Total Health of Naples are the leaders in correcting neck pain with spinal manipulation in Naples, FL.  Don't suffer anymore call 239-260-1426 or go to www.totalhealthnaples.com to schedule your appointment.
 
Article written by: Steven G. Yeomans, DC and published by spine-health.com