Chiropractic Care
Although mentions of chiropractic manipulations can be traced back over 3,000 years in ancient Chinese writings, the modern resurgence of the discipline occurred in the late 19th century. Chiropractic care is the most widely used alternative medical practice in the United States, with an estimated 6-12% of our population seeking regular treatment.
A healthy nervous system - the spine in particular - is essential to a healthy body. The spine carries information throughout the body and is responsible for all bodily functions, including those that are voluntary (e.g., walking) and involuntary (e.g., breathing). One of the main causes of pain and disease is the misalignment of the vertebrae in the spinal column, called "chiropractic subluxation." Vertebrae may also suffer stress from injury (from work and auto accidents to improperly lifting heavy objects) or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting or standing with poor posture for an extended period of time.
Translated from Greek, "chiropractic" means "hands concerned with action." As hands-on healers, chiropractors are medical professionals trained to perform what are known as "spinal manipulations" or "chiropractic adjustments." These manipulations improve vertebral and joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement as a result of tissue injury. Adjustments may result in significant increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability, reduced muscle tension and improved function.
Adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12-48 hours. The number and frequency of chiropractic treatments recommended varies significantly according to a patient's condition and overall health.
Chiropractic care is successfully used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Scoliosis and other spine abnormalities
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Sciatica and leg pain
- Whiplash
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel and repetitive stress syndromes
- Pain experienced during pregnancy
- Headaches, sinus problems and allergies
- Stress and anxiety
Some chronic pain sufferers who have not been responsive to other conventional treatments may be candidates for an alternative to surgery that has proven to have tremendous health benefits. The procedure is called Manipulation under Anesthesia (MUA) and has been used since the 1930s by orthopedic surgeons as a proven form of treatment. The Pain and Wellness Center is the first facility in Massachusetts to offer this procedure under the direction of our staff chiropractor, Dr.Mark Friedman, who completed extensive training in order to be licensed to perform this treatment.
During MUA procedures, patients are placed under "twilight sedation" to achieve total relaxation of bones and muscles so that they may be adjusted without the usual resistance. Adjustments and stretching movements, which would be painful while conscious, are performed painlessly and quickly. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes, and recovery time is 15-20 minutes. Patients usually experience an immediate increase in their range of motion, along with some muscle soreness. Generally, three to four session treatments are necessary to achieve the desired results.
The proposed effects of Manipulation under Anesthesia are:
- Breaking up of scar tissue in and around spinal joints
- Decreasing chronic muscle spasm
- Stretching persistent shortened muscles, ligaments and tendons
- Relieving pain and radiating symptoms from damaged intervertebral discs
