Chiropractic is a drug-free, hands-on assessment, diagnosis and correction of conditions largely pertaining to the spine and extremity joints. Chiropractic care can be used by itself, or along with physical therapy, massage therapy, or strength training programs. The focus of a chiropractic adjustment are areas within the spine where the vertebral joints have lost mobility – previously referred to as “subluxations”.
The spine contains the spinal cord (a direct connection to your brain) from which nerves arise and pass between the vertebrae (individual bones of the spine). These nerves have direct communication with the muscles and organs of the body. Proper mobility within the spine is key to assure optimal function of the muscles that attach to the spine and the health of the nerves that pass through the spine. The spinal nerves also give function to the organs and proper mobility within the spine also assists to attain ideal body function. The joints of the arms and legs can also be addressed with chiropractic adjustments and help speed the recovery of injuries. This loss of mobility can impact the nerves and contribute to the following disorders that could be eased with chiropractic care:
- Headache
- Neck pain (whiplash and “text” neck)
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Pain in the extremity joints (arms, legs, hands, and feet)
- Pregnancy induced pain
- Pain from overuse injuries (carpel tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, rotator cuff pain, etc)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Vertigo (dizziness)
- Occasional constipation
But WHY is chiropractic so different at Denver Pain and Performance Solutions?
Dr. Welch has been practicing for years to assess when the spine has too much, or too little, mobility as well as when the muscles connecting to the spine may need attention. She uses Diversified adjustments (the “cracking” sound kind) to create the best spinal motion attainable when it is necessary. This adjustment is for a “hardware” problem; for a spine that just won’t move.
What if the spine won’t move because it is protecting you from something that hurts?
That’s where Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex ® (P-DTR) comes in. P-DTR is used to assess the “software”- the signals our brain is getting from the nerves in our body. If those signals are wrong our brain changes movement patterns and even flexibility to protect us. Addressing software problems with P-DTR can allow adjustments to be more comfortable, longer lasting, or not even needed at all. Adjustments are always gentle and specific to each patient’s needs. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Welch will explain the techniques to be used and the frequency of care after a thorough examination. If you’re still wondering if chiropractic is right for you please feel free to email us any chiropractic questions you may have. We look forward to helping you achieve better health at Denver Pain & Performance Solutions!